As I enjoyed a lovely afternoon getting pedicures with my daughter, our conversation about her upcoming kindergarten adventures was filled with excitement. Nearby, I noticed another mother and daughter sharing in the same thrill—this time about the girl’s first year of college. Our eyes met, and in that fleeting moment, we both felt a wave of nostalgia and hope; she was reminiscing about cherished memories, while I was gazing ahead at all the possibilities for my little girl. I might not often say it, but there are moments I wish I could pause time to capture the image of my daughter in her oversized cowboy boots, whimsical pigtails, and her wagon in tow, as she makes wishes on dandelions.
Time, however, marches on, and with each milestone my daughter achieves, I find myself compiling a list of important lessons for her to learn:
- Cherish Childhood: Your childhood is a precious and finite phase, so savor it. This is where your dreams begin and your imagination flourishes. Play with your toys for as long as you desire, and believe in magical things for as long as you can. There’s plenty of time to explore the world ahead.
- Let’s Talk: Prepare yourself for some awkward but necessary conversations. I promise to cover everything from the basics to the bizarre, complete with illustrations and perhaps a few embarrassing jokes that will somehow become hilarious when you’re grown. Someday, you might just find yourself laughing in an elevator, reminiscing about those talks, and thinking, “My mom sure knew how to deliver a good laugh.”
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support, especially from me. Share your joys and worries—never feel like you have to carry everything alone. You’d be surprised at how much I can help you bear. Always remember that my love for you is unwavering, no matter what happens.
- Embrace New Experiences: Don’t shy away from trying new things. Life is an adventure, so allow it to guide you in unexpected directions. Stay open to change and fresh ideas.
- Practice Forgiveness: Forgiveness is essential. Holding onto grudges can transform your heart in ways that aren’t visible on the outside. It can make you bitter instead of better. Forgiveness doesn’t mean giving up; sometimes, it’s the wisest choice you can make to maintain your peace.
- Healing Will Come: Life will sometimes break you in ways that seem irreparable. But trust in your strength—healing is possible, and you’ll emerge stronger than before. Let those challenging moments shape you, rather than define you.
- Real Love Looks Different: The fairytale you’ve always dreamed about? It’s real, but it’s not always like the stories you’ve heard. True love is built on respect, compromise, and sometimes disagreements. Remember, both you and your partner will have flaws, but you’ll uplift each other through it all.
- Be True to Yourself: When you ask me, “What do you want me to be when I grow up?”, my answer is simple: I want you to be confident and kind. Everything else will naturally fall into place from there.
If you’re interested in related topics, check out this post for more insights on family planning. And for those looking to enhance their journey to parenthood, Make a Mom offers great resources, while Johns Hopkins provides excellent information on IVF and fertility services.
In summary, life is a journey filled with lessons that will shape who you become. Embrace each moment, be open, and always remember that love and kindness are the foundations of a fulfilling life.