- Quit worrying about what people will think. They aren’t thinking about you.
- Buying things won’t make you happy. Doing things will. Instead of buying stuff – do stuff.
- Impressive cars and fancy houses don’t make you impressive or fancy. And they won’t make people like you (see #1)
- Invite people over more. Quit worrying about if they like you (they do) or if your house is clean enough (they don’t care – see #1).
- Back WAY off the sugar. You’ll feel better. And, while you’re at it, enjoy how darling and skinny you are right now. Start appreciating how beautiful you are – you are much too hard on yourself.
Then after I gave all that advice I would tell myself just how great I was. I would point out all the things I was doing right. Then we, my 30 year old self and I, would wake the kids up from their naps and cuddle while we read books, then we would go play in the garden - pushing the kids on the swings and admiring their daring trampoline tricks.
I wouldn’t be able to stay long. I am needed here in my 44 year old life. I would probably cry when it was time to go because I miss that time when my kids were all mine and hadn’t found the world yet.
I would hug my 30 year old self and tell her I love her. I really do love her. And then I would tell her one last thing:
You are better than you think you are.
18 comments:
Robin, my 32 year-old self really appreciates this post. Thank you!
Thank you! I needed to hear that. I am one to get too caught up in everything, and forget to enjoy it. You are amazing!
I've been thinking a lot about that post she wrote also...thanks for this. I had an ugly night last night with my kids and this totally made me cry.
just what so many of us needed - thank you!
This was perfect! Thank you for the reminder.
mandbrid - It made me cry to type it. Especially the part where I realized how great I was at 30. But I didn't know it then.
I love this post.
You are a wise woman. My inner 30 year old could also use a pep talk.
Bang! I'm crying!
I knew I assigned you this topic for a reason. You are right. We are good. Life goes fast and appearances,dust, crumbs and grime really don't matter. Reading and cuddling and LISTENING really really matter.
Thanks Robin.
I remember you at 30-ish and you were all that and a bag of chips. I was sure you knew it then though!
Thanks for the lovely post! My approaching-30 self will inscribe it on my brain.
Beautiful.
Robin -- I don't know if you remember me (I'm Sally's sister in law - Jordan's wife) but I am sitting here crying at your post. I am really going to take this advice to heart and start enjoying life more. Great post :)
Love it. All true. Thanks.
You made this 66 year old get teary with this post. You *were* wonderful at 30 and are amazing at 44.
Even now you and your 4 bossy sisters are not only better, but also more loved than any of you realize.
Thank you Robin, for this beautiful post. I loved it. Thank you thank you.
This is such a beautiful post. This part: "Then after I gave all that advice I would tell myself just how great I was. I would point out all the things I was doing right. " I think I need to write a list of these things down about myself. Then I need to put down my "stuff" and play with my kids.
Thank you. I needed this. :) xoxo
A quiet voice inside me has been hinting at some of these things, but I usually ignore it and keep worrying about what people are thinking about me :). Thanks for making me (and everyone else this post struck a chord with) listen.
THANK YOU! That was perfect timing that I read your post this morning. I am just at the point in my life where I'm wobbling and wondering and worrying.
And, god help me, I'm single.
So, I really needed to hear those words.
kj
Great post, Robin! Why ARE we so hard on ourselves? Thanks for the reminder. You are the big sister I always wanted.
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