To my precious son, Oliver, as I ponder the unpredictable journey ahead:
These past few months have been transformative. On March 18, you made me a father, and just a week earlier, on March 7, I faced a health scare at 36. It wasn’t severe enough to leave lasting damage, but my doctor called it a warning shot. While you’ve settled into a charming routine of feeding, sleeping, and diaper changes, I’m navigating a maze of specialists—from neurologists to cardiologists—trying to uncover the cause of my health issues. So far, they’ve found nothing definitive.
I’m not one to dwell on the grim, nor is this a farewell note. However, given the seriousness of my situation, it feels necessary to share some wisdom with you—just in case life throws us a curveball.
Family Is Everything, But Life Isn’t Fair
First, know that your immediate family—your mom, grandparents, and a select few aunts and uncles—love you unconditionally. You are their treasure, and the sooner you grasp this, the sooner you’ll realize a hard truth: not everyone will hold you in such high regard.
Despite the accolades and certificates you might earn during childhood, remember that real life doesn’t hand out participation trophies. You will struggle with certain things, and that’s perfectly normal. Growing up means discovering your unique talents, which can’t happen if you’re falsely celebrated at every turn.
You may watch friends receive praise for achievements that don’t quite match their abilities. This constant validation can lead to overconfidence and, ultimately, embarrassment. Just look at the trends surrounding the Millennial Generation if you need examples.
Your mother won’t crown you the next baseball star if your batting average is below par, nor will she proclaim you a literary genius if your grades suggest otherwise. However, with time, you will undoubtedly find your passions. Pursue them wholeheartedly, while also exploring new interests along the way.
Be Mindful of Your Actions
As you navigate your teenage years, please, for the love of all that is good, avoid actions that could prematurely end your story. In fifteen years, when you’re a teenager filled with hormones, you’ll inevitably find yourself in tricky situations. The key is to keep your missteps minor.
If you find yourself at a party, don’t even consider driving under the influence. If you’re tempted to experiment with drugs, remember they aren’t all created equal. And when it comes to relationships, always practice safe habits.
You’ll be growing up in an era of constant internet connectivity, where a single moment of poor judgment can haunt you forever. Your worst decisions can have repercussions far greater than I experienced at your age. While it’s unrealistic to expect you to avoid all impulsive behavior, my best advice is to take a brief pause before acting on anything controversial in public.
Embrace Life, Don’t Fear It
Let me clarify that caution doesn’t equate to passivity nor does it mean to always keep the bigger picture in mind. For instance, those four years in high school will pass faster than you think, and soon you’ll wonder why they ever felt so significant. So, live boldly and embrace life fully.
If you think someone you’re interested in is out of your league, let them decide that, not your insecurities. It’s better to take a swing and miss than to never step up to the plate. If someone challenges you, stand your ground. Your self-respect is worth defending, even if it means a bruise or two.
Don’t shy away from trying new things just because they may not be popular. This isn’t some cliché about the need for uniqueness; rather, it’s about finding what you love. A significant portion of your life will be spent at work, so seek out a career that brings you joy and fulfillment.
Beyond that, the basics remain: study diligently, stay active, and eat your veggies from time to time. And remember, it’s best to steer clear of being a Yankees fan.
For more advice on navigating life’s challenges, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination Progyny and explore options for at-home insemination kits at Make A Mom.
In conclusion, as you embark on this journey called life, embrace love, learn from challenges, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path.
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