Boston, MA
United States
I recently spent time with my ex's niece a couple weeks ago. It was her 10th birthday. We hung out for the day talking about school and philosophies of life and we eventually made our way to Claire's to pick out a gift. I encouraged her to follow her dreams as a fashion designer as we commented on the latest trends. Friends would ask why I make the effort to spend time with her considering me and my ex's history, but I tell them, "wouldn't you have wanted someone to take your dreams seriously when you were ten? to have someone believe in you?" I would hate for her talents to go to waste if no one else had been telling her that her dreams are possible. We need to stop telling children that "you can't do that" or that their dreams are "out of reach".
To encourage others to do good even if nothing is returned in doing so. People need to understand that it's OK to be happy, and to not be afraid of helping others reach success. In doing so you will be rewarded in one way or another.