Love Life

My ‘Baby’ turned eighteen this summer, so this article is a tribute to both my gorgeous daughters and the lessons they have taught me.

Lesson 1: Always judge the world from where you are looking. Others may have opinions and may do things, but you know best for you so say so.

Lesson 2: Seize the day. If now is a great time to do something – then do it! This may mean your room stays a mess or your homework doesn’t get done, but if you end the day smiling the chores get done in record time!

Lesson 3: A hug is always the answer. Don’t spend time thinking about whether it’s appropriate – grab the person and get hugging!

Lesson 4: It’s easy to say sorry. You may need to walk away for a while and calm down, or take a deep breath, but the word ‘Sorry’ breaks down barriers and washes away tensions. It doesn’t mean you are weak or have no opinions, you are just apologising for upsetting the other person.

Lesson 5: Guilt is our parents’ problem. We get stuff right and we get stuff wrong and that’s ok. Our parents feel bad about things for longer and it makes them do things to compensate. Admit it, let it go – simple!

Lesson 6: It’s the time spent with our friends and family that is special – we believe in the people we surround ourselves with and will be there for them. That may be a comment on Facebook, or meeting for coffee, or a text with a made-up face on it, but the thought is always expressed.

Lesson 7: Don’t be scared. Whatever you are planning – have a go. There may be people who doubt you or try to keep you safe, but if you believe in you then it will always turn out ok.

Lesson 8: It’s ok to cry. Crying shows the outside world that you have feelings and it’s ok to show them. Tears show our frailties and admit our frustrations – but when the smile finally arrives it’s a beautiful look!

Lesson 9: Share your dreams. Tell people your dreams and give them all the details. Recount every event, every person in them and every section blow by blow and just keep going until you notice your parent glazing over…then make a coffee as a reason to keep going to the end (Kassi – this one’s for you!).

Lesson 10: Defend your corner. Saying nothing and grinning and bearing it makes you unhappy and resentful. By standing up and saying no you avoid misunderstandings and people always know if you are doing something then you want to do it (Ami this one’s for you!).
And finally…

Lesson 11: I have learned that having children to watch over and admire keeps me human. It gives me the space to learn what is important and to hug it close. It allows me time to worry and fret, to ponder, to agonise…and then finally to laugh at myself and life! I have become a stronger person for all these experiences.

I have learned that I am a more rounded person for knowing my daughters and the lives of my friends have been touched too. I have learned to appreciate what is important and to forget everything else. I have learned that being a part of someone else’s life is priceless.

“To the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world.” (Source Unknown)

© Nicky Marshall 2011
www.holisticinsights.co.uk