A little over a year after tying the knot with my husband, we made the decision to toss aside birth control and let the universe handle the rest. At 24 and 25, we thought we were ready to dive into parenthood. While I wouldn’t trade my kids for the world, I can’t help but wish I could travel back in time and give my younger self a gentle nudge in the right direction. Here’s a list of what I’d do differently if I could rewind the clock:
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Tackle My Student Loans
If only I’d tackled those pesky loans sooner! I graduated with a hefty bill, and nearly two decades later, I’m still chipping away at it. In hindsight, waiting a year or two to start a family while focusing solely on loan repayment would have been wise. -
Travel More
I know, I know—everyone says this. I spent almost a year in Japan after college, and it was fantastic. But I really wish I’d explored more destinations, both solo and with my husband, before the little ones arrived. I’ve since discovered nifty ways to travel on a budget, and I’d love to have used that knowledge back then. -
Pursue a Higher Degree
Many times I’ve pondered whether I should’ve pursued a Master’s or Ph.D. Some amazing moms manage it after kids (kudos to them!), but the thought of studying while juggling little ones seemed impossible. Now that they’re older, my ambition for academia has dwindled. -
Spend Hours at Museums
We’ve taken our kids to countless museums, but it’s often a whirlwind visit. I long for those days of leisurely strolling through exhibits, soaking up all the information instead of rushing from one display to the next with a child in tow. -
Enjoy Live Performances
Live theater became a luxury I didn’t appreciate until I had kids. Concerts, plays, and poetry readings now feel like distant memories, often interrupted by little ones who don’t quite grasp the concept of silence. -
Savor Full Nights of Sleep
Need I elaborate? Parenting and sleep rarely coexist peacefully. Even when I do manage to catch some Z’s, it’s never quite the same as those blissful nights before kids. Sleep is a whole new ballgame. -
Master Time Management
I underestimated the importance of time management until I found myself juggling two jobs, a spouse, three kids, and community engagements. Ironically, with all these commitments, I can barely find time to learn better time management techniques! -
Get Fit
I’ve always had an on-off relationship with exercise. If I’d known then what I know now, I would have seized my youthful energy to get in shape. Entering motherhood fit and fabulous would have been far easier than trying to muster motivation at 40. -
Keep a Diary
I started a few journals that sadly fell by the wayside. Looking back, I wish I’d documented more of my thoughts and experiences before motherhood. It would be fascinating to reflect on how I’ve evolved over the years. -
Treasure My Alone Time
After getting married, my husband and I spent nearly every moment together before kids came along. Fast forward 16 years, and I can barely remember what “me time” feels like. As a proud introvert, I wish I had cherished those solitary moments when I had the chance.
If I could really rewind, would I change these choices? Hindsight is a funny thing, isn’t it? Perhaps it’s more important to think about what I’ll wish I had done by the time I’m in my 60s or 70s. Here’s to making those memories now while we still can!
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Summary
Reflecting on life before motherhood, there are several experiences and milestones I wish I had prioritized, such as tackling debt, traveling, and enjoying my personal time. These reflections serve as reminders to appreciate the present and make the most of the time we have with our children while also considering our own desires and ambitions.