21 Things I have learnt in my first 70 years of life

Turning big ‘0’ birthdays is often a time for reflection and this one has certainly been that. So here are my key thoughts:

1. Life is precious.
2. Laughter is the best medicine.
3. Failure can be a great teacher.
4. No-one is perfect – absolutely no-one.
5. No-one can make me feel anything – I choose my feelings.
6. What other people think about me is none of my business.
7. Every choice you make has a consequence – some good, some not so good.
8. Sunrise and sunset are moments to be savoured.
9. My sister makes the best pavlova in the family.
10. Cooking for those I love makes me happy.
11. Nature is the best place to find truth and solace.
12. Fairness and kindness starts within me.
13. This too shall pass – hard things and beautiful things.
14. Dreams do matter.
15. You are never defined by your looks or your grades.
16. Everyone matters – no matter what.
17. Never delay moments of joy just in case your time on earth ends.
18. Becoming a mother changed my life for the better.
19. The answers to all my questions lie within me.
20. Gratitude matters.
21. Unconditional love is life’s greatest gift – to give and receive.

The dedication in my bestselling book Mothering our Boys expresses better than anything else I’ve probably written, how being a mum to four sons has been the absolute best part of my life.

Here it is:

To my dear boys — my sons Michael, Ben, Alex and James.

Fate, destiny or the divine
blessed me with you
when your tiny bodies and bright souls
were placed into my care as your mother.

Such a responsibility I felt —
to nurture and care for you as you grew
from babyhood to boyhood
and finally to manhood.

I trembled so many times
as we came to a new door in your lives.
I held your hands and encouraged you
and then watched as you walked through alone.

A tiny piece of my heart would break
as you met each new change and challenge,
as you stepped further and further from me.

Every part of my being
wanted to keep you close so I could protect you
and keep you safe, and to shield you
from the world’s pains and heartaches.

But I know from deep in my heart
that you must walk your own journey in this life
to make your own choices
and to find your real self.

Always know that I love you
more than you can ever imagine.
I believe in each one of you and
I know that you will make our world a better place
because that is what you have been raised to know.

From the bottom of my heart
I thank you for choosing me to be your mother.
It is and always will be an incredible privilege and honour,
and the greatest gift I could ever receive.

All my love always and ever,

– Mum.

Image credit: ©Evgenii141/Depositphotos.com

 

---

To celebrate my 70th birthday, I am offering a free copy of my little self-help book, A Dog’s Life Wisdoms: 21 Life Wisdoms from a Dog Called Jess with every order containing a print book purchased from maggiedent.com.

Offer ends 30th April.

---