As My Son Turns Eleven, There Are Life Lessons I Want Him to Learn Early on in His Life
#6. Trust your instincts — always
--
My little boy turned eleven just days ago. As I try to make sense of how time has flown by, I’m left baffled. It still feels like yesterday when I held him in my arms for the first time.
Yet when I look at him, I’m reminded of how much time has since passed by. He’s grown from this cute, adorable baby into a smart, curious young boy.
When you’re a sleep-deprived mother, who’s tired-as-hell and who feels that the tiny human in your arms is driving you crazy, time seems to slow down and you feel as if this is going to be your life forever.
But what you don’t realise is how fast they’ll grow even though every day seems monotonous and mundane. C.S. Lewis describes this perfectly,
“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back everything is different.”
As we grow, we learn things in life. Some will be through the advice given to us by our elders, but most of it comes through experience.
My wish for my son is to teach him certain valuable lessons that will help him throughout his life.
1. Don’t pretend to be something you are not
You don’t have to fit in the mould that society provides you with. Don’t change yourself to fit in when you’re supposed to stand out from the crowd. Do not try to dim your sparkle because it is too bright for their eyes.
Always be confident and comfortable in your skin. Learn to embrace your flaws. They are a part of your personality just as your strengths are — that is what makes you ‘you’.
Successful people are those who understand their limitations and accept them, but they don’t let those shortcomings stop them from achieving their goals.
2. Value people and relations
Your family and friends matter the most. Value people who love, respect and trust you. Treat them with love and kindness.
