In honor of Mother’s Day, I thought maybe I’d write a little “what we might tell ourselves in 30 years” kind of post.
You guys know I’m passionate about the present, so it seems fitting to think about what my wiser, more mature self might tell my I’m-so-tired-I-can-hardly-see-straight self.
So, let’s just get started.
Honey, relax. Take deep breaths & enjoy yourself. Sometimes that’s simply a choice.
It’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to be worn down, fed up, & even annoyed. It’s not okay to take it out on them.
Changing diapers in the middle of the night is so monotonous. So is opening every wrapper, tying every shoelace, zipping every zipper. Try to remember that very soon they’ll be driving themselves to their own job in their new hometown. You’ll miss the zippers and the shoelaces.
Teach them to explore every single thing that gets their blood pumping. Try not to think so much about the most practical solution. Listen to their dreams & help them get there.
It’s okay to fuel your own passions. As a matter of fact, it encourages them to go for it in life. Make sure they know they’re a part of that passion.
Try to say yes as much as you can–there will lots of “no” moments.
Pack a second change of clothes for them. Yes, almost every time.
Do the fun stuff. Build forts, read books to them, play tea party.
Try not to raise your voice so much. It doesn’t really make them obey you any more than they would if you were controlled and firm. Plus, it raises your blood pressure & gives you more of those fine lines you love so much.
Go on and accept your body. Workout, walk, drink green smoothies. Sure. But don’t let your vanity consume you. It sorta stinks, but youth is wasted on the young, you know. You have stretch marks, cellulite, and occasionally, love handles hanging over your used-to-be-favorite jeans. It’s alright–you also helped create/nurture/love your children into being. You earned some bumps and bruises.
You know how you go to the kids’ school plays, etc. and wonder what all the other moms think of you/your child/your outfit/your children’s outfits?? Quit worrying about it. They’re all thinking the same thing.
If there’s something you still want to do, just do it. Share your dreams with your children & make them a part of your journey.
Reach out to more moms around you. It’s really incredible to have friends around you. You’ll each travel through highs and lows. Having each other will make it so much easier.
Definitely, hands-down, no doubt date. your. husband. Treat him right. Enjoy him, laugh at his ridiculous jokes. Tell him he’s the most amazing man on the planet. Love him. You’ll get to enjoy the most wonderful reward after your children are grown. Hanging with your best friend/love of your life after you’ve outgrown a lot of insecurity & immaturity is going to be the best, most satisfying thing you’ll experience on this earth.
Stick to your guns on the fruit & veggies thing. It matters.
Dear, did you really think a boy would never ask your daughter out?? And your boy would only have eyes for you? Again, with the deep breaths. Instead of panicking, help guide them to be the person they are looking for–and they will surely find them.
Remember as you’re so busy in your world of busy-ness that your mama is getting older, too. Enjoy her and tell her how much she means to you. Take her parenting advice (even if you would do some things differently) & thank her for it.
Begin using anti-aging potions at 25. No matter what they tell you.
Put on some clothes, for goodness sakes. Don’t work in your pajamas everyday. It’ll make you feel frumpier than you are.
Cuddle with them more times than you think is necessary, smell their freshly shampooed hair, and kiss their little noses a few times too many. It’ll all fly by so quickly.
The list of lessons my older, less spastic self would relay to the current me is probably many miles long. I suppose she would also tell me that I’m doing a great job–to hang in there and “just keep swimming.”
It also has to be said–Matt and I are so very thankful to you, our two mamas, for all of the bandaids and the meals, the prayers and the wedding planning. We’re beyond thankful for your super-power grandmom genes. We are crazy about the way you love us and love our babies.
On that note, Matt and I are hopping out of town for a bit and we’ll be taking the next couple of weeks off. After arranging house sitters, baby sitters, blog sitters, etc., we’re off to Europe. It’s a dream come true–and I plan to soak up as much inspiration as possible.
Maybe I’ll finish that book, after all.
See you folks soon!
Love, love, love this post. So inspiring as usual. 🙂
have an amazing time!! you deserve it!
You had to make me cry?! I’m glad. It’s beautiful. I might have to print it out and stick it on my fridge. Good, really great stuff. Have a blessed, wonderful trip!
this is my favorite post yet. all stuff my heart needed to hear. happy mother’s day, too you.
Beautifully written…Have a wonderful weekend & Mother’s Day ! I pretty much teared up when my son handed me my Mother’s Day card he made at Pre-K. The best gift ever….I shouldnt have peeked in the little bag that was attached to it (but I am bad like that)….and there was a hand painted stones necklace on a leather type “chain”…too cute. My husband was like what are you doing looking into the bag already. “We wont tell him” 🙂
Beautifully Written!!
Enjoy your trip to Europe, it is lovely this time of year~
Beautiful blog post! Happy Mother’s Day and have a wonderful time in Europe!
This post is so beautiful & filled with great advice! Have a wonderful time in Europe and Happy Mother’s Day 🙂
Beautifully said! Have fun on your trip & don’t forget to take lots of pix! God Bless you & be with you along the way:)
You are a wise woman…have a great trip!!
Happy Mother’s Day my friend…have a wonderful time in Europe with your man.
Janet xox
The Empty Nest
A great post! You’ll be missed while you’re away! Have you been to Europe before? It’s an amazing place! So very much inspiration, and such a wonderful way to experience other ways of living. Have a wonderful, wonderful time!!
got me a little tearful. wonderful post. enjoy Europe!
even on our best days….we mess up…the older, more mature self would tell me to allow more grace in on those mess up days…it’s good for our children to see us struggle and to know that we’re human and need Jesus so very desperately.
Happy Mothers Day!
Have a wonderful time in Europe!!!
Beautiful Mother’s Day post! Hope you have a beautiful Mother’s Day!
I love this! Thanks for including me and have a GREAT trip! Lisa~
I loved, loved your post. Life is so, so short. Enjoy it all so that in 30 years you have as few regrets as possible. And those babies? You’re right. They are growing up before my eyes and it’s fascinating and sad all at once. I cannot kiss and hug and tell them I love them enough.
Have a wonderful trip!
This is precious! I love the part about get dressed for goodness sake. As an author I’m guilty of dropping my kids off at school in my sweatpants and not changing before noon. Not good! Thanks for sharing this. I chose to write a letter to my Mom for mother’s day this time.