My five-month-old granddaughter, Haley, has become a great teacher for me.

Haley’s top priority is Haley. She doesn’t sugar coat what or who she wants in her life in any given moment.

When she’s done playing with me or anyone other than her parents, she becomes quite vocal.

When she’s hungry, she becomes quite vocal.

When she’s tired, she becomes quite vocal.

You see the pattern.

Of course, we, adults, can’t be as self-centered and blatantly disregarding of other people’s feelings as a baby who can’t sit up by herself. 😊 Nor do we want to be.

Plus, there are lots of people in our lives who are givens that we wouldn’t have chosen. Some may be family. Others may be co-workers. A few may be neighbors.

However, that leaves a LOT of people in the world you get to choose to have in your life. Or not.

This is also true of activities – parties, events and even some work occasions – that you can choose to attend. Or not.

You have the right to be the gatekeeper of what and who enters, and stays, in your precious life.

You get to vocalize what and who lifts you up. Or doesn’t.

You get to vocalize what and who has your back. Or doesn’t.

You get to vocalize what and who wants the best for you. Or doesn’t.

Haley will, in time, learn about empathy and compassion, and will grow up to know not to deliberately hurt someone’s feelings. Her vocalizing will become more nuanced, as is ours.

Until then, Haley has clarity about what and who she wants in her life at any given moment.

May we all have that level of clarity for ourselves.

Thanks, Haley. Grammy loves you.