Wisdom for My Younger Self: 4 Lessons I Wish I Knew

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As the wise Skin Horse said, “Real isn’t how you are made. It’s a thing that happens to you.” When a child loves you deeply—not just for fun but truly—then you become real.

Once upon a time, I was a young woman filled with free time, flowing hair, and a face void of laugh lines or stretch marks. Life felt easy, and I had little to worry about. But surprisingly, I found ways to stress myself out.

Now that I have a bit more life experience (and maybe a sprinkle of wisdom), I’ve navigated the trials of raising three kids, sleepless nights, and the rollercoaster of hormones. I’ve come to realize that sometimes, like Elsa, you just need to let things go. I’ve learned that life has a way of sorting itself out. My worries about how to manage this complex thing called life have faded, and my priorities have shifted. Sure, I may shout a bit more, but I’ve figured out not to sweat the small stuff.

If I could reach back in time, I would share these insights with my younger self:

1. It’s OK to Take a Breather.

   Wanting to excel is great, but failing is part of the journey. There will be moments when you forget your child’s big day as the special kindergarten helper, and yes, it will sting when they come home in tears. But remember, love is forgiving. The next day, they’ll be back to their cheerful selves, and you might just find yourself nailing lunch prep or finally getting all the beds made. Life has its highs and lows, and they balance each other out. So give yourself a break.

2. Your Marriage Will Flourish.

   Believe it or not, your relationship will evolve for the better! You’ll go through phases of tiredness and crankiness, and yes, the minivan life will be real. You might argue over parenting styles or wish your partner could hear his own loud chewing. Days may feel lonely during maternity leave, but he will surprise you with little acts of love—packing lunches, cooking dinner, and even reading princess stories with flair. The laughter will flow, even when you’re both exhausted, and you’ll find new depths of love together. Enjoy this journey; you’ve got a gem.

3. Embrace Your Changing Body.

   Accept this truth now: your body will transform. You’ll catch yourself saying things like “What the…?!” when you steal glances in the mirror. Your pre-baby self may seem like a distant memory, but keep in mind your body is capable of remarkable things. While it may feel like your once-perky figure has shrunk, remember that bras can work wonders! Plus, your partner will still appreciate you just as much, so there’s hope yet.

4. Savor Every Moment, Even the Tough Ones.

   Everything is fleeting, and the challenging times will pass. While it’s hard to enjoy the rough patches, looking back, you’ll treasure the joyful moments even more. Be silly, laugh with your kids, create blanket forts, let them eat fries, and say yes more than no. Capture these memories with photos, hold hands with your partner, and cherish your family. Life is a beautiful adventure, so embrace it.

Most importantly, remember that life will constantly evolve. Don’t get caught in a web of control—just let it unfold. You’re on the brink of welcoming three amazing little humans who will love you deeply and help you become your truest self.

So, enjoy the ride! It’s going to be a wild, beautiful journey filled with challenges and extraordinary moments.

If you’re curious about home insemination, check out this informative guide on intracervical insemination. For those looking into at-home options, Make a Mom offers some great resources too, and you can always turn to CDC’s infertility FAQ for excellent insights on pregnancy and more.

Summary:

In this reflective piece, the author shares heartfelt lessons for her younger self about the challenges and joys of life, especially in parenting and relationships. Emphasizing the importance of self-compassion, the evolution of marriage, accepting body changes, and cherishing moments—even the tough ones—she encourages readers to embrace life’s unpredictable journey with love and laughter.