Dear Me,
You don't know me yet. I'm you, after 21 years of marriage, raising 4 kids, and learning from the mistakes you are making right now. I'm you, after many ups and downs and am here to tell you all the things I wish I had known back then.
I know right now you are in the bloom of early love and marriage. You are looking at all the endless possibilities that life has to offer. You'll have a good life. Your kids are going to be amazing. And in 21 years, you'll still be in love with your best friend.
But, you'll also have had many struggles that could have been avoided. Many health issues that you can stop right now. Many depressing moments when you could have learned more to be better prepared for the trials ahead. And I'm here to tell you to do that. Learn more. Learn everyday. Keep learning. And then implement that learning.
Pretty soon, you'll find your self pregnant with your first child. (She'll be wonderful! Just so you know.) But being away from family and friends during this time will cause you a lot of grief. You and Dear Hubby are just so young and it's hard to ask for help. The pregnancy won't be easy, so find ways to learn how to experience more glowing, wonderful pregnancy moments without all the stress and fatigue. Find books like this Pregnancy Companion eBook where you will get quick tools and tips to sleep better, eliminate morning sickness, reduce stress, and give her a healthy start in life. Once you have a better pregnancy, you'll feel more confident as a mom. Because you're going to need that!
Confidence is something you have in abundance right now. I know you think you can rule the world. But as your kids start coming and the world starts trying to knock you down, confidence is going to be hard. Take care of yourself. Eat good. Exercise. Take time to get out of the yoga pants everyday. I know you aren't good at these things, so find some eBooks that will help like Simply Dressed: Inspiration to Dress for the {Everyday} Ordinary Days, No Cook Freezer Meals, and since I know you and Dear Hubby like your desserts: Treat Yourself - Real Food Desserts
And once those kids start becoming teenagers, you're confidence will really drop through the floor. Being a mom is hard. It's probably the hardest thing you'll ever do. But it really is the most amazing thing too. They are going to push you. They are going to make you cry. Sometimes hourly. Just keep going. Teach them those things you want them to know. Learn those things you want them to know first. It's okay not to know everything. There's help out there. Lots of it. Blessing Kids with Bold Faith: 31 Ways to Equip Kids, and ,The Busy Mom's Guide to Teaching Character and The Steady Mom’s Freedom Guide. This one is a life-affirming way to relax, let go of stress, and be the best mom you can be. This eBook will teach you all the cool tips and tricks that successful moms use to strike a balance between steadiness and blissful freedom, so that you can enjoy your parenting journey (and inspire your children to become their best).
But don't forget your Dear Hubby in all this. The kids are going to take over your life. But don't forget he's important to. His job sucks most days. He needs you. I know most days you'll want to just fall into bed at the end of the night and go to sleep. Or just stay home and read instead of going out and enjoying time with him. But he needs that. You need that. It's going to be hard when money is tight so check out this eBook, 50 Frugal Dates and My Beloved and My Friend: How To Be Married to Your Best Friend Without Changing Spouses. Both of these are great helps to keep the flame alive. You are going to need each other even more when the kids start getting older and tear your hearts out at times.
But it's going to be okay in the end. Keep your head on straight when dealing with them. And make sure you do lots of family fun activities. Even when you think you can't afford it. The park is pretty cheap and they'll love it When they get older and they want to do more things, make sure you've taught yourself and them to be frugal and smart when it comes to money. Become a Frugalista – Money-Saving Secrets for the Frugal Family Manage and Build a Budget That Works are both great eBooks to help you. There are lots more to help with staying organized and on track financially so you won't get into the mess you did when the house floods. (Don't worry, God makes that one work out for the best too.)
I know there's so much I'm telling you to learn right now that you may be thinking I'm crazy. But education really is the best tool for the trials you have coming. Since you aren't great at making friends and family is always too far away, eBooks and reading can change your life.
Fortunately, I found a great set of 86 eBooks that can help. It's only available today, so go grab your copy now. I'll thank you in 21 years. Your kids will thank you. Your Dear Hubby will thank you. Go gain your education today (and it will be way cheaper than BYU is I promise!)
Sincerely,
A Little Older and Wiser Me
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