This past Monday was the birthday of Theodor Geisel, who most of us know more affectionately as Dr. Seuss. Like many of my peers, I grew up listening to my mom and dad read the Dr. Seuss books. At graduation, I received a copy of “Oh The Places You’ll Go”, and found the rhymes within could teach a girl a lot about living and prospering in today’s world. My kids love Dr. Seuss as well. My oldest had memorized “The Zax” at age 2, and would amaze family and friends into thinking she could read by flipping through the pages and reciting the story from memory. When she is a famous actress receiving her first award, I fully expect her to thank Dr. Seuss for getting her started in theatre, as she also swings her arms around, changes her voice, and screws her face up into the perfect representation of those two stubborn Zax.

 

You can teach a kid a lot with the help of Dr. Seuss and his whimsical and silly creations. Horton the elephant is a great example of compassion and accepting diversity, after all, “a person’s a person, no matter how small”. The Lorax has an environmental aspect, of course, but I think it also teaches us the importance of self-responsibility…”Unless someone like YOU cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

As adults, I think a lot of us start to think we know the lessons we learned listening to these fun stories. We don’t need a refresher course on compassion, or trying new things, or being true to ourselves. But I’d argue that there are some lessons we could brush up on, and some references in those rhymes we might not have caught onto as children. I consider myself blessed that I have three young ones at home. They keep me hopping, that’s for sure, but sometimes I get a peek back into that magical time we call childhood, and I get a chance to revisit some of those childhood treasures.

So in honor of Dr. Seuss, I’d like to remind you of one quote that I think we can all hold onto for inspiration, whether we’re going after a new job, starting a new business, or embarking on a personal journey. “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so…get on your way!” I’m Claire, the Afena blog mom. Thanks for reading.