As our kids begin learning more about growth within themselves, they begin to understand more about what they can and cannot control. Share and discuss the following excerpt with your teenagers. This passage comes from a book entitled The Portable Pep Talk by Alexander Lockhart.
You cannot control the length of your life, but you can control its width and depth.
You cannot control the contour of your countenance, but you can control its expression.
You cannot control the other person's opportunities, but you can grasp your own.
You cannot control the weather, but you can control the moral atmosphere which surrounds you.
You cannot control the distance that your head shall be above ground, but you can control the height of the contents of your mind.
You cannot control the other persons faults, but you can see to it that you yourself do not develop or harbor provoking propensities.
Why worry about things you cannot control? Get busy controlling the things that depend on YOU.