I probably think about my children’s future more than I have ever thought about my own.
Of course this thinking selfishly revolves around them becoming famous actors or celebrity lawyers, which will keep me in a luxurious lifestyle.
I’m totally kidding.
No, there’s a lot I wish for my children and their futures. I want them to be independent. I want them to live in a world that isn’t cruel and one that won’t slowly dissolve around them or their children. Mostly though, I just want them to be happy.
So, my children, here are my five wishes for your future.
Wish 1
That you find a friend who is your best. Someone who loves you for who you are. If you are extremely lucky, you will find this person early on in life. If not, you will know them when you meet them. It will feel like you are in love, but without the awkward kiss.
Wish 2
You find a partner who gets you. One who adores you for just being you and that you adore, in equal measure. This will happen when it will happen. Don’t rush it, don’t force it and please don’t expect it. An open heart will allow the right person in when the time is right.
Wish 3
Your career sees you working in a field you love. Find out what interests you. Is it animals? Writing? Building stuff? Knocking down stuff? I know it’s a cliché, but if you are working doing what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.
Wish 4
That you are kind and compassionate. That you treat others as you would like to be treated – and if people aren’t nice to you, remember that’s on them, not you.
Wish 5
That you give in and surrender. There is no actual one answer to happiness. Happiness is what makes you happy, not Mr Smith down the street. You need to find your happiness, and do all you can to cradle and it and keep it safe.
Basically, my wish is for happy, healthy, strong and safe children. It’s what most mothers around the world want for their children too.
But sadly, there’s one thing preventing this simple wish from being granted for one third of the world’s mothers, as 50 per cent of mothers in the developing world will lose a child by its fifth birthday due to not having access to adequate sanitation.
However, there is hope. UNICEF and Domestos are working together to help children grow up healthy and strong and to reduce child fatality caused by sanitation related diseases.
There are four ways you can help UNICEF and Domestos grant a mother’s wish today:
- Buy a specially marked bottle of Domestos that will result in a direct donation to the UNICEF Sanitation Programme.
- Help spread the word by telling friends and family about the global sanitation crisis.
- Donate to UNICEF’s global sanitation programme domestos.com.au/ourmission
- Become an Ambassador and download the online toolkit to get started with fundraising at www.domestos.com.au/ourmission.
What do you wish for you children?