As I awake from sleep on the morning of my only child’s 16th birthday, I am reminded of how fast time flies. I’m realizing the importance of appreciating life’s tiny moments and making the most of that which I want to cherish forever.
Not-So Positive Thinking
For me, it seems like Brandye was a 7 pound 11 ounce baby girl such a short time ago. But I can’t deny the truth while looking at the beautiful young woman standing before me. For a moment, I shed a few tears as I focused on the loss of my little girl. Oh how I missed combing her hair, taking field trips to the zoo, coloring on the kids menu at restaurants, picking out her clothes, face painting parties, and telling bedtime stories.
Reminiscing turned into dwelling as I focused on missing the past, fearing the future, yearning for what is no longer here, and the experience of aging. But then I snapped myself back to reality. This is not an occasion for grief and sorrow. Time for partying? Maybe. Time for a pity party? Absolutely not!
Restoring a Positive Outlook
We all have choices when thinking of the passing of time. We can focus on what is missing/lost or what is gained. And the key to making the right choice lies in one simple question: “Which thought feels better?” I had no trouble identifying the thought pattern that is truly in alignment with the positive, joyful life I am here to lead.
After much reflection, I’m happy to say that my smile and positive outlook are restored. Time won’t stop ticking. Milestones come and go. Babies grow up and go off to college. Young people become wrinkled and elderly. And eventually we all leave this life. These are facts. But what matters is what we do with each moment as it is within our grasp.
Appreciating the Positive Power of Now
My current focus: I am the proud mother of a beautiful, self-sufficient, intelligent, ambitious young woman. She doesn’t want me to comb her hair, tuck her into bed, or play a game of peek-a-boo. But it is so much fun taking her on shopping trips, showing her how to apply makeup, talking about boys and teenage love drama, listening to crazy music that keeps me hip, teaching her to drive (though this is quite scary), and laughing at her ever-evolving fashion preferences.
There is so much to appreciate about the here and now. And I have equal appreciation for the experiences that led up to this point. When living life to the fullest and focusing on the present moment, there really is no loss. I hope you’ll join me in looking back over the last 16 years of your life with your eyes open to the laughs, the lessons, and the moments worth cherishing. Embrace the positive power of your now.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Nea, my little girl is about to turn 35 and it seems like only 5 years ago she turned 16. Yes, it flies, but with the right attitude it get’s better every year. Reflection is good, I reflect on my blessings every day. Enjoy it Nea, every moment of this remarkable journey.
Nea, You are correct in every way possible, I am a single mom of a 4yr old, and he’s at the age that keeps me laughing and soooo happy with all the silly things that he does and says, I’m not ready for him to grow out of this stage, but I do see it slowly slipping away, 4 yrs went by so fast and I know in a blink he’ll be 16 =( I’m appreciating every moment that I have with him now…I love your post and your daughter sounds great, I hope I can have a close relationship with my son when he becomes a teenager =)
You are so right, we should all stop and smell the roses more often!
It’s amazing how fast time does fly. Every day you spend with your child will last a life time though.
I was the oldest child in my family (there is a 15-year gap between me and my younger sister), and I remember thinking that my younger siblings were so cute, and that my Mum must get nostalgic for that when each of us grows up, like I had. But my Mum told me that I was wrong – she preferred us as got older, because we were more interesting to talk to
She is gorgeous! Great article.