Life lessons for my future son

In less than a month, I’m about to be elbow deep in poopy pampers and transform into a groggy-eyed milk machine. My world is about to be rock-a-bye babied. Scheduling weekly doctor’s appointments for NSTs and ultrasounds from here until the big day shook me awake to how little time is left. At first I started to feel overwhelmed with how much I needed to get done before then and a little sad that my pregnancy was nearing its end. And then I remembered something that has been a recurring lesson in my life–it’s the new beginnings that help us to better appreciate the journey (and it’s inevitable ending). Ready or not, life is constantly changing and moving forward so instead of fighting it, we have to jump in and enjoy the ride.

It got me thinking about life, the lessons I’ve learned, and the things I hope to teach my future son. Below is a list of some of the top takeaways I’ve learned (mostly the hard way) from my time here so far.

• The only things you can control in life are your attitude and effort. The meaning that you give something changes the reality of your life. Choose the empowering meaning.
• Life is always happening for you, not to you.
• Problems are life’s way of calling us to grow spiritually and personally.
• Vulnerability is a strength. It is authenticity.
• Each moment is an opportunity to be openhearted. Uplift the present moment by participating in it full out. Choose love over fear always.
• Be playful! Don’t take yourself or life too seriously.
• It doesn’t have to be so hard. Lean on life when you feel like you’ve done all you can. When your intentions are rooted in good and you take action, life will meet you halfway and help guide you along your path. Be awake to the opportunities around you. It’s up to you to notice and pursue them.
• Every relationship (especially the ones that drive you nuts) is an opportunity to learn, grow, and share your gifts.
• Pain is inevitable, suffering is a choice. All emotions serve a purpose. Feel and experience them fully and then let them go by focusing on the good, the gift, the lesson, or the humor in a situation.
• When you’re suffering, lean on your support system. Openhearted connection heals. Separating yourself amplifies suffering.
• Never underestimate the mood-boosting magic of movement. If you’re feeling stressed or down, go on a walk or run. Bonus points if you can get in nature to move.
• Remember to experience and appreciate the wonder and awe in the world around you. The more you acknowledge it, the more you notice it.
• What’s wrong is always available, but so is what’s right.
• Failure is not trying or not learning. Anytime you try, do your best, give something your all, learn, grow, or see the humor, you have succeeded.
• Be kind always. It is contagious and has a ripple effect of impact that extends further than you can imagine.
• Just beyond boredom lies creativity, imagination, and inspiration. Don’t fall into the trap of distraction. Create space to be present and observe the world around you.
• To slow time and remember clearly, be gratefully present and take a “gratitude snapshot” of the moment (notice and give thanks for whatever is going on in a particular moment).
• Gratitude dissolves anger and fear.
• Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure.

With each day, another lesson is learned and my list continues to grow...and I’m pretty sure that’s the point of it all. When we continuously learn and grow, we are able to better share our gifts and give our love to others. Which leads to one of my greatest lessons learned–it’s when we give, that we truly live.

What’s on your list?