Hey, future kid(s)!
It’s your mom here and I’m excited to share some lessons that I’ve learned over the years. I hope you aren’t too embarrassed by the fact that I ran a blog called “Awkward AF” back in 2020, but I won’t hold my breath.
Let’s begin:
1. When the sun is out, make sure to spend some time outside.
I am writing this blog post during the COVID-19 pandemic (you’ll learn about this in history class, but it’s not fun). In order to slow the spread of the virus, many states have shut down bars, restaurants, movie theaters (are those still around in the future?), etc. Basically, everyone is staying at home. Since there’s not much else to do besides work, blog, and sit on my ass, I really look forward to sunny days where I can go for a run and enjoy. It is an instant mood lift. Even though it may be tempting to stay inside and play around on whatever devices/technology you are using, you need your sunshine (but please wear sunscreen).
2. Enjoy your own company.
Think of some hobbies you enjoy doing that do not involve other people. This can be reading, writing, exercising, art, music, anything. Having fun with friends is always encouraged, but sometimes they aren’t available, so these hobbies come in handy.
3. There’s a difference between managing emotions and hiding them.
Hiding emotions is unhealthy and will lead to mental breakdowns. In previous generations, many parents (not all) taught their kids (especially boys) to have a stiff upper lip and to not wear their hearts on their sleeves. This was very unfair to the kids because although they hid their emotions, they still experienced them. This tactic is essentially a cover-up that taught us all to be ashamed of sensitivity. My hope is that in the future, we will all learn to fully embrace our sensitive sides and channel emotions in healthy ways. If you are feeling down, scared, or anything at all, I never want you to be ashamed of seeking help.
4. Be aware of both your strengths and weaknesses.
In other words, stay humble, but don’t be too hard on yourself. We often perceive ourselves to be either better or worse than we actually are. Your weaknesses can only be improved if you acknowledge them, and I hope you never deprive yourself or the world of your strengths.
5. Never brag.
Bragging never looks good on anyone. Show off your strengths through actions and by merely being yourself. People will notice how amazing you are without any convincing. Talk, in many ways, is cheap.
6. Embrace change.
Change is scary as hell, but you’ll get bored if you don’t experience change from time to time. Sometimes the road we intend to go down for the long haul turns dark. In those cases, you’ll need to be brave and make a turn on another road towards the light. You deserve nothing less, and don’t let the fear of change get in your way.
7. Failure is a part of the journey.
Fun fact about your mom: I’ve experienced a decent amount of failure in my 27 years on this earth, and there’s inevitably more to come. If I never failed, my victories would be somewhat anti-climactic. Think about it, would they even be victories? If you never fail, it means you aren’t challenging yourself enough. Learning from failure is the most effective way to learn. So, keep failing until you do something great and keep repeating that cycle.
8. Always choose kindness.
This one is self-explanatory yet essential. There’s a lot of darkness in the world, and I hope you choose to be someone who spreads light.
I wrote this note for you to read when you require a little motherly love. I promise I did not write this to tell you how to live your life. Truthfully, I realize that if you are anything like me, you don’t listen to anyone’s advice. All things considered, I want you to go out into the world and come up with your own life lessons. Life is a scenic route, and I can’t wait to watch you grow on your journey.
Love,
Mom ❤
Awkward AF 