75 Lessons My Daughter Has Taught Me

Motherhood (and fatherhood) brings an awakening to life. Living alongside a child, whose view of the world comes from a place of honesty, purity, and awe is such an incredibly powerful experience.

My worldview has been rocked now that I am a mother. Everything about the way I think, the way I feel, the way I express myself has changed for the better. Being a mother has forced me to stretch my wings and to grow into a better human being.

Tiny is my most persistent teacher. Here are 75 of the hundreds of lessons that she has taught me in her three short years.

1. Roll down grass hills while laughing
2. Have patience
3. Stop and smell the roses
4. See the good in everyone
5. Life is always worth living
6. A dirty rock is more entertaining than television
7. Be quick on your feet
8. There is nothing wrong with throwing caution to the wind
9. Emotions are to be expressed
10. Laugh often
11. Love unconditionally
12. Forgive and forget
13. Be honest
14. Be curious
15. The imagination is beautiful
16. Dance in the rain
17. Coloring is a form of meditation
18. Sing loudly
19. Life does not have to make sense
20. Don’t worry so much
21. Not everything has a deep meaning
22. Live each day like it is the last one you have
23. Money does not bring happiness
24. Even the toughest days are to be cherished
25. Tantrums aren’t just for children
26. It is ok to have an off day
27. Walk barefoot
28. Love your body
29. Fairies are real
30. Every day is a surprise
31. Every day is an adventure
32. The path less taken is always the one to choose
33. Don’t conform
34. Dance like no one is watching
35. Silence is golden
36. Mother Earth is to be cherished
37. It is ok to admit you were wrong
38. Get messy
39. Simple is always better
40. Chores can wait
41. It’s the little things
42. Cherish the moments
43. Enjoy the journey
44. Go ahead and cry for no reason
45. Look up
46. Look down
47. All you need is love
48. Ask for help
49. Accept help
50. Be grateful
51. A smile goes a long way
52. There is nothing more beautiful than pure intentions
53. Never go to bed angry
54. Be free
55. Explore nature
56. Show reverence to even the tiniest bug
57. Eat dirt
58. Rules are made to be broken
59. Guide don’t dictate
60. Find the “yes” in “no”
61. Embrace and conquer fear
62. Let go
63. Sleep is overrated
64. This too shall pass
65. You never really have things figured out
66. Relax
67. Breathe
68. Ignorance is bliss
69. A kiss can really ease the pain
70. Showers are overrated
71. Savor the world around you
72. Create often
73. It does not matter what anyone else thinks
74. Stomp in puddles
75. Bare your soul

What are a few of the lessons your child(ren) have taught you?