Hey guys! It’s Dad.
We’ve just started a brand new school year with countless opportunities ahead of each of us. I thought that this would be a perfect time to share a bit of insight that will help keep your academic and social journeys full of smiles.
I heard this idea on a podcast the other night. It came from a guy named John Joseph. You remember John, that Ironman, vegan, punk-rock singer with tons of tattoos? He said “Be the Bee, not the Fly.”
At first, I had absolutely no idea what he meant. It didn’t get it at all. But when he explained it, it really sunk in.
Let’s talk about bees for a second, OK? Typically the first thing we think about is that bees can sting us, Right? But that’s only if they need to protect themselves. Bees are actually beautiful and amazing little creatures. They’re attracted to flowers and fruits and nuts, and all types of natural beauty. Bees work hard collecting pollen, then they take that pollen and sprinkle it all over the world, helping trees, bushes, and flowers of all kinds to grow and thrive! Did you know that bees pollinate blueberries, apples, melons, almonds and tons of other foods too? They’re responsible for the continued growth of the flowers that make our gardens and homes look and smell beautiful…and for the flowers that will make your girlfriends smile and blush too. Without bees…our world would be a dark and dreary place.
Flies, on the other hand, are disgusting, disease-ridden creatures that tear down whatever they touch. They’re attracted to garbage, decaying animals, and poop; yes…poop! What’s more disgusting than that? They swarm around all this waste looking for their next meal. Then, before they eat that foul pile of trash and poop…they puke on it! Yep, and then they slurp it right back up. That is not my favorite collection of table manners. Yes, of course, flies play an important roll in the circle of life, it’s just not a roll that I want to be a part of.
So what do bees and flies have to do with life, or kids in school or just growing up?
Everything!
I want you guys to Be the Bees wherever you go. At school and with your friends, be beautiful. Spread smiles and kindness and compliments and sympathy wherever you go. I want you to ask questions of your friends, like, “How was summer?” and “How’s school going for you so far?” Then I want you to wait. Pause and listen to what they share. And listen to them with the soul intention being to understand what they’re sharing. Don’t spend your attention on what you want to share with them as soon as they stop talking. It’s not about “hearing” what they say, but truly listening. Give complements for the sake of making someone smile, not because you want a complement in return. Give your energy to consciously and purposefully help others grow into beautiful young people just like you are. Then…they’ll become bees too!
Imagine that. A school full of bees, making everything around them look, smell, and feel beautiful. How beautiful would that bee? 😉
Be the Bees, boys. Not the flies.
Be the Bees.
I love you guys.
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