My oldest turned sixteen yesterday.
Has it really been sixteen years since she launched me into parenthood and a new sense of what it means to make my way through the world?
I could choose to spin this into: her birthday means I’m halfway to my next birthday at which point I’ll be officially entering my late forties. And doesn’t that sound old, etc. etc.
But I’m not going to choose that rabbit hole this time around.
Instead, I’m going to celebrate where I’ve come in sixteen years.
In my twenties, I mostly operated from the perspective that life was a standardized test, and I spent a lot of energy evaluating myself and aiming for that proverbial 1600.
Needless to say, I’ve come along way since then. Parenthood has had a way of working on me - my children have been some of my best teachers.
In the past sixteen years, I’ve learned to ease up on expectations and judgment. I’ve learned that I can be imperfect, my kids can be imperfect and we can still love each other.
I’ve experienced traumatic illness close up. I’ve witnessed the beauty and the pain of loss. I’ve moved my family to a foreign country for the sake of broader horizons.
I have learned to ask for what I need.
I have learned to say NO to things that don’t suit me.
I have learned to ask for help.
I have learned self-compassion.
I have learned to fail more frequently.
I have learned to say I’m sorry, even when it’s hard and uncomfortable.
I have learned to shoot for GOOD ENOUGH.
I have learned to let go of things out of my control and let the Universe take the lead.
I have learned to embrace the resonance of who I am, rather than trying to be that which I think others will appreciate or admire.
I have learned that life is not a standardized test with a perfect score to be achieved.
Instead, it is a journey of exploration and discovery, an opportunity to give and receive love.
I watched my daughter get herself ready for school in the morning. She was looking forward to being with her classmates for her birthday. She gave me a big hug before walking out the door. Life is an opportunity to give and receive love.
What more could I ask for?
What are you celebrating today?
Has it really been sixteen years since she launched me into parenthood and a new sense of what it means to make my way through the world?
I could choose to spin this into: her birthday means I’m halfway to my next birthday at which point I’ll be officially entering my late forties. And doesn’t that sound old, etc. etc.
But I’m not going to choose that rabbit hole this time around.
Instead, I’m going to celebrate where I’ve come in sixteen years.
In my twenties, I mostly operated from the perspective that life was a standardized test, and I spent a lot of energy evaluating myself and aiming for that proverbial 1600.
Needless to say, I’ve come along way since then. Parenthood has had a way of working on me - my children have been some of my best teachers.
In the past sixteen years, I’ve learned to ease up on expectations and judgment. I’ve learned that I can be imperfect, my kids can be imperfect and we can still love each other.
I’ve experienced traumatic illness close up. I’ve witnessed the beauty and the pain of loss. I’ve moved my family to a foreign country for the sake of broader horizons.
I have learned to ask for what I need.
I have learned to say NO to things that don’t suit me.
I have learned to ask for help.
I have learned self-compassion.
I have learned to fail more frequently.
I have learned to say I’m sorry, even when it’s hard and uncomfortable.
I have learned to shoot for GOOD ENOUGH.
I have learned to let go of things out of my control and let the Universe take the lead.
I have learned to embrace the resonance of who I am, rather than trying to be that which I think others will appreciate or admire.
I have learned that life is not a standardized test with a perfect score to be achieved.
Instead, it is a journey of exploration and discovery, an opportunity to give and receive love.
I watched my daughter get herself ready for school in the morning. She was looking forward to being with her classmates for her birthday. She gave me a big hug before walking out the door. Life is an opportunity to give and receive love.
What more could I ask for?
What are you celebrating today?
 | Jessica Curtis is a professional coach who helps people cultivate intention and live from a place of meaning and authenticity. If you think you could benefit from working with Jessica or want to invite her to work with your group, reach out to start a conversation. |
Sign-up to receive my newsletter and blog to your Inbox:
RSS Feed
