Anna Leary – Becoming a mother has been life altering in the most beautiful and surprising of ways. Motherhood has become a magnifying glass of my own strengths, weaknesses, and personal experiences.
While I have spent the majority of my 30+ years struggling, wrestling, and working to learn some painful life lessons – many of which I am still learning – there are a few things that I would love to help my children know right out of the gate of their young lives.
- Be kind.
- Love life.
- Love each other.
- Remember to say please and thank you.
- Remember that everyone is fighting a struggle we can’t see or know about.
- Believe in magic.
- Turn your music up LOUD.
- Take up space – you’re worth it.
- Remember the prayer I’ve prayed with you since you were born: I love you. Mommy loves you. Your sibling loves you. Most importantly, God loves you. You were meant for great things in life. Always believe in yourself. Never settle. Sleep well and I’ll see you in the morning.
- DON’T SETTLE.
- Believe in yourself.
- If you’re able, buy coffee for the person behind you in line.
- Life’s too short to try to please other people all the time.
- Try musical theater.
- If you love a place or a thing and it has a membership option: always subscribe.
- Spend your money with businesses that align with your life beliefs.
- Have life beliefs.
- Pray often.
- Ask questions.
- It’s OK to cry.
- Eliminate clutter in all parts of your life.
- Listen to your body.
- Try to give fruitcake a chance.
- Spend time in nature and meditation.
- Find a passion that ignites your heart – and if it’s elusive, try to spend more time in nature and meditate.
- It’s never wrong to do the right thing.
- Go to church.
- Send out Christmas cards.
- Have pen pals.
- Ask yourself, “Does this bring me joy?” And if not, STOP..
- Always watch to the end of movie credits – lots of people worked hard on the film, read their names and recognize their work.
- Learn the art of the peaceful protest.
- READ.
- Learn how to cook.
- Learn how to bake.
- Go on as many adventures as possible.
- Speak the Truth in LOVE.
- Host parties.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least twice a year.
- Make big LIFE GOAL lists and then start marking things off.
- Move your body.
- Sing along.
- Look out for your neighbors.
- Get involved in your community.
- Smile.
- Look into the eyes of service people, recognize their humanity, and thank them for their service.
- Try yoga.
- Write letters and then mail them.
- Send cards.
- Always remember to vote.
- Be an educated voter.
My wish is that my children know all of this and more. May they forever know kindness and authenticity and may they be kind and authentic. Always.
Anna Leary is a momma first and foremost and she believes we should never stop learning every day.
