As you prepare to graduate from college, I am wistfully reviewing our lives together, knowing that this next move will have you truly entering adulthood and leaving the nest. For real. Permanently. I miss you already.I want you to know that I consider raising you and your sister to be the biggest privilege of my life: to have had the opportunity to teach, to mold, and ultimately, now to sit back and watch.
There are things I’d like to tell you; things I should explain. One day, when you’re ready for your own family, they may be useful.
First, I need to tell you how proud I am of you. How I never doubted you for even a nanosecond. How from the time you were old enough to talk you’ve had important things to say. Stay wise; the world will welcome your ideas.
Of course, I should admit that there was no parenting book sitting high on the shelf, like I used to tell you. No page 89 to help me figure out the best way to guide you in your journey. So, for whatever wisdom was there, I breathe a sigh of relief.
The rest? Well, you should know that I tried.
And, just in case you begin to lose your way, here’s a reminder of the life lessons from your mom:
Be kind. To everyone. The bully down the street, your dumb boss, your sister. Since you never know what kind of day they’ve had, be kind.
Speak up for those who can’t. But for those who can, let them speak for themselves. You don’t know why they’ve chosen not to speak, but respect their decision.
Do your best. In everything you do. I know it’s not always easy to figure out what your best is, so here’s a handy guide: when you’ve completed a task and are happy with your results, go back and make it better. You’ll find in life that your first attempt is rarely your best.
Set your goals high. Without a road map in life, it’s hard to know when you’ve arrived. So, set high goals, keep looking towards them and reward yourself along the way. Put one foot in front of the other on the days when it seems overwhelming. We all have those days and they will pass.
Remember to be grateful in life. Just like when I’d pick you up after school and ask what the best thing that happened to you was that day: practice noticing little things and soon you’ll live a life that is filled with gratitude. This will bring you joy and peace, no matter what else is happening in your life at the time.
Always support those you love. Their journey may not be yours, but they will ache for your unsaid words. Give them, unfailingly. The reward to you will be many times the effort you expend.
Make your life’s work something you are passionate about. At the end of the day, choose to be remembered for being fully engaged. By being passionate, you can make a difference.
Show up and be present. When you are at work, work. When you are at home, be with your family. Play when it’s time to play. Give each aspect of your life your full attention, in the moment.
Maintain friendships. Studies have shown that social networks play a big part in a healthy and long life. Stick around for a bit, please.
Volunteer. Remember to give back to your community. Noblesse Oblige. To whom much is given, much is expected. There are always people and organizations that need your time and talent. Be involved.
Keep art and music in your life. Some things just make us feel better when we are around them. They feed our soul.
Laugh. And call your mom. Sometimes, these are the same actions. Do both, regardless.
As I watch you move effortlessly in your world, I wish mightily that it continue. And, while it’s my obligation to find your wisdom stunning, I only hope the world finds you as brilliant and stunning, too.
Best of luck in your journey. I adore you. And remember that I am 96.5% in your corner.
The remaining 3.5% I reserve, in case I need to have plausible deniability.
Ma
Ilene Slatko is a published writer and expert on business, investing and marketing. She has been a featured speaker at numerous conferences around the country, speaking on a wide variety of topics. Her seminar, "Women and Their Money", has been met with critical enthusiasm. You can find more about her work here: writeassistance.weebly.com
There are things I’d like to tell you; things I should explain. One day, when you’re ready for your own family, they may be useful.
First, I need to tell you how proud I am of you. How I never doubted you for even a nanosecond. How from the time you were old enough to talk you’ve had important things to say. Stay wise; the world will welcome your ideas.
Of course, I should admit that there was no parenting book sitting high on the shelf, like I used to tell you. No page 89 to help me figure out the best way to guide you in your journey. So, for whatever wisdom was there, I breathe a sigh of relief.
The rest? Well, you should know that I tried.
And, just in case you begin to lose your way, here’s a reminder of the life lessons from your mom:
Be kind. To everyone. The bully down the street, your dumb boss, your sister. Since you never know what kind of day they’ve had, be kind.
Speak up for those who can’t. But for those who can, let them speak for themselves. You don’t know why they’ve chosen not to speak, but respect their decision.
Do your best. In everything you do. I know it’s not always easy to figure out what your best is, so here’s a handy guide: when you’ve completed a task and are happy with your results, go back and make it better. You’ll find in life that your first attempt is rarely your best.
Set your goals high. Without a road map in life, it’s hard to know when you’ve arrived. So, set high goals, keep looking towards them and reward yourself along the way. Put one foot in front of the other on the days when it seems overwhelming. We all have those days and they will pass.
Remember to be grateful in life. Just like when I’d pick you up after school and ask what the best thing that happened to you was that day: practice noticing little things and soon you’ll live a life that is filled with gratitude. This will bring you joy and peace, no matter what else is happening in your life at the time.
Always support those you love. Their journey may not be yours, but they will ache for your unsaid words. Give them, unfailingly. The reward to you will be many times the effort you expend.
Make your life’s work something you are passionate about. At the end of the day, choose to be remembered for being fully engaged. By being passionate, you can make a difference.
Show up and be present. When you are at work, work. When you are at home, be with your family. Play when it’s time to play. Give each aspect of your life your full attention, in the moment.
Maintain friendships. Studies have shown that social networks play a big part in a healthy and long life. Stick around for a bit, please.
Volunteer. Remember to give back to your community. Noblesse Oblige. To whom much is given, much is expected. There are always people and organizations that need your time and talent. Be involved.
Keep art and music in your life. Some things just make us feel better when we are around them. They feed our soul.
Laugh. And call your mom. Sometimes, these are the same actions. Do both, regardless.
As I watch you move effortlessly in your world, I wish mightily that it continue. And, while it’s my obligation to find your wisdom stunning, I only hope the world finds you as brilliant and stunning, too.
Best of luck in your journey. I adore you. And remember that I am 96.5% in your corner.
The remaining 3.5% I reserve, in case I need to have plausible deniability.
Ma
Ilene Slatko is a published writer and expert on business, investing and marketing. She has been a featured speaker at numerous conferences around the country, speaking on a wide variety of topics. Her seminar, "Women and Their Money", has been met with critical enthusiasm. You can find more about her work here: writeassistance.weebly.com