In this season of our children growing into adults and driving and graduating and moving away, I’ve had a lot of conversations with them about life stuff.
Adulthood. Beliefs. Being careful.
Heavy stuff, as they say.
The other day I was looking at photos on my mother’s shelves. I looked at mine and caught my reflection in the framed glass. This wasn’t staged. It took my breath away. I captured the moment.
Talk about heavy stuff. Almost thirty years.
I wrote down everything my present-day reflection would tell that starry-eyed kid given the time and the chance. Some of it’s mine, some of it’s what I heard.
All of it is true.
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Things I Need to Tell You
This world is phenomenal. Full of beauty. That you are even here is phenomenal. Be grateful.
People love you, but no one wants to hear you complain. Don’t.
Your parents did the best they could under the circumstances. You’ll understand one day.
People will die. Spend the time, send the letters, make the calls, finish the conversations.
If you’re not seeking your own truth, everything you learn is hearsay.
Don’t buy anything on credit until you’re 30 with a fully-developed brain.
Live your dream, not anyone else’s.
Certain opportunities expire with age. Don’t pass them up. You only get one life.
Everyone has a threshold. The light in your lover’s eyes is fragile. Cherish it.
Don’t let the fear of failure or death stop you from doing anything.
People will disappoint you. You will disappoint people. Deal with it in a positive way.
You are more capable than you realize.
Children are never a burden. They are gifts.
Family isn’t allowed to hurt family just because they’re family.
No matter what you do, life will break your heart. It’s on you to put it back together.
Exercise five times a week. Every week. For life.
Don’t let jealous people make you doubt yourself. Stay humble but be confident.
The “big day” where it all makes sense never comes. Life is a series of moments that pass.
People will remember how you made them feel more than anything you ever achieved. Be kind.
You will die. Make sure you live.