Life Lessons From Mom

When I look back on my life I see that I have made some stupid decisions, learned a lot of things the hard way, and survived things that would have broken a lesser woman. I am not perfect and my life is still near it’s beginning when you think about it. Or at least in its first 3rd of my time here on Earth should I be blessed with an average lifespan. In these years of my life, I have learned a lot and I hope to help my children take away a few of my hard earned lessons so they can avoid learning them the way I did. To my beautiful angels…

Nutrition is vital. Our bodies have a way of helping force us to find what we need. Our bodies will make us feel hungry after eating if we did not provide them what they need. If you find yourself eating more than normal take time to figure out what you are missing. Yes, a burger from the fast food joint is “food” but, it won’t leave you feeling great like fresh fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains will. Fule your body and it will stay healthy longer. And don’t forget the garlic and onions during flu season.

Drink your water. Dehydration is a nightmare. From lightheadedness to body cramps most things going on with your body can benefit from getting plenty of water. This is why hospitals routinely start an IV when you go in. It is amazing what a bag of fluid will do for nearly everything. Don’t touch that coffee pot until you drink your water.

Make due with what you have. Today everyone seems to be all about keeping up with the Jones’. The truth is that you don’t need to go out and buy something just beacuse you want or even need it. Before you shop look and see what you have that can do the job with a few tweaks. Life is short and there is no reason to waste it away to pay for something you already have in your home.

Education is vital. No, you don’t have to go to college. Education comes in many forms and it should never end. Devote time to learn about something new every day. Seek out books on topics you would like to gain knowledge on. Share that knowledge and help others learn. Don’t give up when learning gets hard. Instead, search out a new way to learn it or a new person to teach you from a different angle.

It is ok to not know what you want to be. When you are young you hear a lot about how you need to think about a career and the next steps of your life. The truth is that while they push this stuff on you in your teen years, very few people end up where they plan during high-pressure high school years. That is okay. There is nothing wrong with not knowing who you are yet. Hey, I am almost 30 and I am not quite sure who I am right now. At this stage in my life, I have a lot of small people calling me mom. Years from now that will change and well I am not afraid of not knowing my future. Going with the flow is so much less stress.

Your Dr does not know it all. One thing I wish I had been told growing up is that just beacuse someone went to medical school does not mean they know everything. The fact is they can not reasonably memorize every illness, medication, or side effect in existence. Don’t go blindly trusting your Dr. Read inserts, refuse treatment you do not want, and demand that your dr give you the respect you deserve. We so often forget that they work for us. Not the other way around.

Learn how to fix your home and your car. While home improvement may not be a typical thing to learn in your younger years it is one of the best things you can take the time to learn. I can not tell you how many middles of the night disasters I have pulled through by learning basic home improvement skills that help me get things done and keep the house from falling apart. Anyone that drives should take the time to learn basic vehicle maintenance form changing tires and oil to installing fresh spark plugs. Good maintenance on your vehicle can save you a fortune in the long run and doing it yourself can save you money.

Never take your childhood friends for granted. I can’t tell you how many times the amazing friends I made growing up have come to my rescue when I need them most. Keep those connections and nurture them through your adult years beacuse in the end, those are the ones that will stick with you when life gets tough.

Slow down and breathe. Today the world is all about busy. We practically compete on who is busier and doing more each and every day. Don’t DO IT! Stop, take a deep breathe and do not fall into the trap that is the perpetual comparison of busy. Relax and enjoy life beacuse it flies by faster than you think.