Borrow Time
Borrow Time: The Gift of Non-Possessive Love
The concept of “borrow time” reminds us that our relationships—especially those with our parents and children—are temporary, precious, and non-possessive. We are here to grow and learn together, but never to own one another’s journey.
A Message to the Child
We are naturally grateful for the life our parents gave us and feel compelled to respect and love them. However, no matter how grateful you are: you are not indebted to them.
It is crucial to remember and affirm:
It’s okay to be different and to want different things in life.
It's okay to explore the world and figure out who you are and what you want.
It's okay to have boundaries, even with our closest loved ones. People need their personal space to grow.
It's okay to keep a distance from a given or close relationship. Just because someone is put into your life does not mean they are always the right person for you.
A Message to the Parent
As a parent, you naturally want what is best for your child, but you must remember that you do not know everything, and your children have a life of their own.
It's okay for you to accept what you know and don't know as you both evolved individually.
It's okay to learn from our children.
It's okay that they don't share your dreams and visions.
You should not seek to control your children or mold them into your vision. They do not owe you that. In fact, they owe you nothing.
A Universal Truth
We are all blessings to one another, existing in perfect equality:
Your existence is as important as their existence.
They are as much of a blessing to you as you are a blessing to them.
Don't hate. Don't judge. Respect boundaries. Embrace differences. We are all on borrowed time with one another to grow and to learn together, but our highest purpose is to become the truest, most authentic versions of ourselves, not the version we wish each other to be.
