02/06/2026
Two Powerful Books 📚 Ara 🦜 & Think and Grow Rich…
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Our Children Are Always Watching
This recent incident reminded me of two powerful books: ARA by Hinemoa Elder and Think and Grow Rich.
At first glance, this was just a difficult moment in a café. But if we look deeper, it’s really about how we respond when life tests us.
In ARA, Dr. Hinemoa Elder shares Māori wisdom that teaches us to pause, reflect, and act with intention. One of the central ideas is that our wellbeing is connected to those around us. Our actions don’t belong only to us—they ripple through our whānau, our community, and especially our tamariki.
Think and Grow Rich teaches that self-mastery is one of the foundations of success. Before we can lead others, we must learn to lead ourselves.
When emotions take over in public, children are watching. They are learning how adults handle disappointment, anger, and conflict. Every reaction becomes a lesson.
The Māori worldview reminds us that we are all connected. What we model today becomes part of the future our children inherit tomorrow.
So perhaps the lesson isn’t about a customer, a café, or a disagreement. The lesson is that true strength is not found in losing control—it’s found in keeping it.
Because it takes a village to raise a child, and our children are always watching.
Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu — with the right guidance and support, our young people will soar.
