"...living in the Realm of the extraordinary required tenacity." (Rofessa, The Co-Walkers, Awakening)

In The Co-Walkers, Matthew, Brian and Ashley are being taught about magic - enchantment, what was once referred to as glamour. They are learning a way to experience the world that would allow them to understand how they could use their personal power to create positive change for themselves and those around them. Living life knowing that we have impact, that we are important translates to high self-esteem, having a strong sense of purpose, and feeling fulfilled. We all long to experience and be part of something larger than ourselves; it provides us with an enhanced feeling of aliveness and excitement about life. It is living the extraordinary life - seeing our place in the larger scheme of things, rather than focusing on the mundane. It is as if life is beckoning us to experience the adventure that awaits, making you eager to start your day and keeps you up at night thinking about all the possibilities. You feel inspired to become the person you dream of being, to try your best, to help others fulfill their goals. Many of us have lost this feeling we once had, maybe as a child. Some of us have never truly felt this way and do not even believe it is possible. But if we could encourage our children to feel and see the world this way, it would be the greatest gift imaginable. It would be our true legacy to the world - providing it with a generation of engaged, creative, positive individuals prepared to work together to solve the world's problems.

Maybe living an extraordinary life is as complex and as simple as feeling deep inside that you are on the right path, not one chosen for you by your parents, your teachers, your friends or because some celebrity on television thought it would be cool. It doesn't mean the journey is easy, or does not require hard work. It does mean that you have to pay attention, follow the signs or opportunities presented, and keep moving forward with courage and compassion while staying true to your convictions.

So how do we teach our children to build an extraordinary life, to cultivate a love of life, and embrace the power they have to create a better world?

1. Encourage them to be true to themselves by accepting them and appreciating their unique attributes. Support their interests and listen to their ideas.

2. Do not define success in terms of wealth but in terms of happiness, achievement, and contribution to others.

3. Require them to use their talents and skills (at whatever age) to help others so that they can learn their power to make a difference. They can start by doing very simple tasks to help you around the house, teach their siblings a game, help with a community event, or raise money to support a local cause. Charitable giving should be a habit developed early.

4.Insist that they treat all life with kindness and compassion. Having a pet allows your child to build an intimate relationship with an animal and appreciate our connection to the natural world.

5. Model and engage them in exploring/learning about the world. Don't be a couch potato - go to the zoo, discuss books together, visit the library, build a bird house, grow a garden, volunteer at your local food bank, go on nature walks and learn to identify various plants and animals, take field trips to the museum, art gallery or planetarium, etc. If your child asks a question, encourage them to research the answer.

6. Teach your child that failures are a normal part of life. Ask him or her what he/she could have done differently to get a better result. If they require improving skills or do not know what they need to do, make a plan together to obtain the information or assistance that is needed. Specific actions should be decided upon. Encourage them to seek mentors and find role models.

7. Encourage your child to build a strong network of support by cultivating quality relationships with friends and family. Teach them about being a good friend and the importance of being treated with respect.

8. Expect high ethical standards. Honesty, meeting commitments, dealing with people fairly, and taking responsibility for and rectifying mistakes or damage created should be seen as basic requirements.

9. Show appreciation and gratitude. Encourage your child to identify the good things in his/her life.

10. Make time for fun and laughter in your life.

Living the extraordinary life requires inner strength. Doing what is right is not always easy and there are many people in our lives who would recommend settling for mediocrity, choosing convenience over commitment, trading idealism for short-term rewards, and going along with the crowd instead of standing up for our values. But these people are choosing the status quo, rationalizing their decision by insisting that we are unrealistic while they are being pragmatic or practical. And they are right. They are accepting things as they are instead of trying to make real what is ideal. They have given up on the dream of a better world; robbing themselves of the possibility, the wonder, and the joy of discovering the power they have within them to affect change - their glimmer and their glamour. Encouraging your children to embrace the idealistic, the fanciful, the possibility and taking pride in living the extraordinary life will make them real life Co-Walkers, beings who can transcend their reality and create a new world.