Know It All

I enjoyed a long conversation over the phone with my sister yesterday. We don't get to indulge in those very often due to the 3 hour time difference and the fact she has two little people who keep her on the run. I was in the middle of cleaning bathrooms when the phone rang and her call was the perfect excuse to take a break from scouring my shower.

Midway through all of the catching up, our conversation took an interesting turn. We were talking about our kids, her 22 yr. old daughter and my 18 yr. old son (yes, she has a 22 yr. old, a 6 yr. old AND a 2 yr. old... I know, YIKES!) . We were agreeing on how no matter what we tell our kids, they seem to believe they KNOW everything! It's a universal fact. When you're that age, everyone else is an idiot and, quite simply, your not! My sister and I began reminiscing about ourselves at that age. Mostly we were just struggling to survive in a volatile environment and we never considered uttering a word of disagreement for fear of physical retribution BUT, we still managed to believe in our hearts we KNEW everything!

So, I got to thinking to myself... Now that I really DO know everything (Ha! that's a lie, part of being a mature adult is being able to admit you know Nothing, which is STILL roughly 97% more than your young adult offspring.) I should make a list of things I wish I knew then, that I know now. So the following is what I was able to come up with...

Things I Know Now, I WISH I Knew Then:

• Self Confidence will help you weather the slings and arrows of Jr. High & High School.
• Really take time to LEARN the things you're being taught in school, rather than just doing enough to 'get by'... Knowledge is Power!
• Think about your future and make plans to do something with it.
  
• Be outgoing and friendly with Everyone at school, not just those in your 'social circle.'
• P.E. doesn't really suck. Maybe if you invest a little energy in it, you'll set a precedent for your future physical health.
• Be proud of the figure you have, you're not going to have it forever.
• That guy Chuck that you think is so amazingly cute, when he whistles at you, don't be shy, go over and talk to him.
• Don't wish your life away waiting for the next Great moment.
• When at 17, you meet that guy, who at first sight you think is a total dork... Be nice, he's going to be your husband.
• That woman that has made your world a living hell since the day she married your dad... The day is going to come when she won't matter ANY MORE and she'll no longer have any power over you.
  

There are so many other items and moments that come to mind. But I think I hit on the most important things... Self-Esteem, Education, Self Awareness, A Friendly Nature, Live In The Moment but also know when things are going horribly... This Too Shall Pass.

I've tried to TELL my kids these things but they'll be in their 40's before they really know them to be true.