As my daughter, Emma, prepares to embark on her adventure to Paris, I find myself reflecting on the countless bits of wisdom I’ve shared over the years. In moments of panic, I hope she’s packing not just her clothes but also the common sense and courtesy that will serve her well. Each morning, I sneak into her room to whisper reminders that I hope will stick. Some of these lessons are ones I wish I had known when I was her age:
- Choose wisely. The decisions you make about your body, emotions, friendships, relationships, and finances will shape your future.
- Stay in touch with family. Moving away is a significant change for everyone, not just you.
- Be cautious with credit cards. If you can’t afford something, it’s simply not necessary.
- Get outside and soak up some fresh air—don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Remember to smile at strangers, not in a creepy way, but as a reminder that kindness can brighten someone’s rough day.
- Always support kids running lemonade stands. It’s a small act of kindness that goes a long way.
- Be honest, but only when it doesn’t come at the cost of someone else’s feelings. In those cases, keep it to yourself.
- Practice kindness, but don’t let others walk all over you. Life has a funny way of bringing people back into your orbit.
- Volunteer your time; it enriches your life and the lives of others.
- Prioritize sleep, but don’t underestimate the power of a nap.
- Use the buddy system— it’s safer and often more fun.
- Everyone has their struggles, even if they don’t show it.
- Always tip at least 15 percent; remember that waitstaff and kitchen staff are not the same people.
- Look for the positives in every situation; it feels better than just complaining.
- If you’re unhappy, take steps to change your situation.
- Listen actively and practice patience.
- Set clear boundaries with roommates from day one to avoid issues later.
- Return borrowed items in the same condition you received them.
- Write letters to your grandparents and others—you’ll be surprised how much they appreciate it.
- Send hand-written thank-you notes; texts and emails just don’t cut it.
- Don’t lend money with the expectation of repayment—it can sour friendships. If they return it, celebrate!
- Embrace the adventure of life— try new things and step outside your comfort zone.
- Don’t fear failure; it’s a sign of growth and learning.
- Pay attention to deadlines; missing them can lead to unwanted consequences.
- Remember, online posts don’t disappear, so manage your privacy settings wisely!
- Keep a journal of both good and tough times; share only when you feel ready.
- Don’t leave the gas tank empty for the next person—same goes for toilet paper!
- Seek advice from others; you don’t have to take all of it.
- Read for enjoyment, knowledge, hobbies, and work—just keep reading.
- Trust your instincts; if you wouldn’t want to share your decision with others, it’s probably not the right choice.
I can see that Emma is starting to take some of my advice to heart. While she may not be the type to chat on the phone, her choice of stationery and those blank journals from Target give me hope. With her new planner, I feel like some of my anxieties are being addressed.
Ultimately, I am proud of her adventurous spirit and confidence as she prepares for this journey. She embodies the best advice I received when I became a mother: “Raise her to be a strong and independent woman who lives life fully.” If you want to explore more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination. And for those considering at-home insemination, you can find high-quality kits at Cryobaby.
In summary, as our children grow and venture into the world, the wisdom we share can guide them through life’s challenges. Let’s support them as they take on new adventures and learn from every experience.
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