My dear son just hit the big 2-0, and wow, that number makes me feel ancient—like, really ancient. I vividly remember my own 20th birthday: I was in college, cramming for a Shakespeare midterm, wearing a thrifted floral blouse from the ’50s because I thought it was ironic. I still recall the layout of my room, the friends who flitted in and out, and even the dance moves from the show I was in back then. It feels like yesterday.
Mostly, I remember the thrill of being 20—the excitement of what life had in store. Would I find true love? A fulfilling career? Mental clarity? Oh, and I still mourn that fuzzy tan sweater I lost at a bar.
I’ve experienced all those joys but also faced losses along the way. It’s easy to point the finger at myself, but let’s be real: sometimes things just vanish. One minute you’re reaching for a drink, and the next, it’s gone—just like opportunities and clarity.
So, in honor of your newfound adulthood, here are 20 little nuggets of wisdom from your slightly eccentric yet lovable mother:
- Brew Your Own Coffee. Save those dollars from Starbucks and invest them instead. You’ll thank yourself later!
- Texting Games Are Not Worth It. If a girl doesn’t reply, she’s not interested. Move on—there’s plenty of fish in the sea, or whatever.
- Negotiate Your Worth. Don’t hesitate to ask for a higher salary. If they want you, they’ll find a way to make it work.
- Living Alone Is Okay. Roommates can be a pain—think labeling hummus! Embrace solitude; it helps you discover who you truly are. Plus, you have a guitar. Play it!
- Dance Like No One’s Watching. Blast your music and let loose! Your neighbors might hate you for three and a half minutes, but it’s worth it.
- Condoms Are Essential. No explanation needed, just remember this.
- Forget ‘Follow Your Bliss.’ If I did that, I’d be a beach bum in Bali. Find a career that ignites your passion and makes you excited to get out of bed.
- Embrace Naps and Baths. Trust me, you’ll lose years of relaxation once you have kids. And hammocks? Sit in one whenever you can!
- Never Pass Up a Restroom Opportunity. My dad’s wisdom has served me well—you never know when you’ll need it.
- “I Need More Time” Usually Means Goodbye. Cut your losses and keep moving forward.
- Spaghetti Alle Vongole is Easy. Toss clams, garlic, and pasta together, and voila! Dinner is served. Don’t stress about recipes—let your creativity shine!
- Avoid White Bread. It’s the devil—unless you’re in Paris. Then, it’s an entirely different story!
- Doctors Aren’t Always Right. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, seek a second opinion. Or just call me—I’m great at Googling symptoms!
- Choose Your Partner Wisely. Red flags can become anchors dragging you down. Don’t rush into living with someone just because your lease is up.
- Travel While You Can. Don’t wait until retirement. Check for flight deals and visit friends. Experiences are worth more than things.
- Invest in Quality Clothing. Buy a few timeless pieces that last decades instead of a closet full of cheap trends.
- There’s No Set Path. Life is full of choices, and it’s okay to be confused. Seek opinions, but ultimately, your journey is yours to navigate.
- Life Hacks Are Your Friend. Toothpicks can fix a shelf, and grocery bags can be wrapping paper. Embrace creativity in daily life!
- Name-Calling is Never Acceptable. Stand up for yourself if someone is disrespecting you.
- Don’t Forget to Call Mom. I won’t be around forever, and I love you more than anything. Remember our dance parties to “Son of a Preacher Man”? We can still connect, even from afar.
This advice comes from a place of love and a few bumps along the road. If you want to delve deeper into topics like home insemination or pregnancy, check out this resource or learn more about the home insemination kits available.
In summary, life is an unpredictable journey filled with lessons, laughter, and love. Embrace every moment, and remember, I’m always just a phone call away.