Hindsight REWIND First Milestones

Reminisce and Reflect with me.

January nineteen-ninety something, when cursive writing was still a coveted rite of passage in school, my daughter lost her first tooth and wrote a letter to the Tooth Fairy.  I thought it just fell out all by itself!  My own journal entry substantiated the exciting event.  We have a fascination with significant occurrences in our lives. 

We like to share common passages of time and life events.  It makes us feel normal and human.  Little does she know that there will be so many more milestones ahead.  Important events and achievements.  Memorable highlights,  monumental tasks and defining moments.

A chapter in her life will end and a new door will open.  There will be critical junctures made by unforeseen circumstances when decisions will need to be made.  She will arrive at different crossroads and turning points as she navigates through life.

It is important to recognize all the good and bad firsts in life but learn from them too.  First day of school, riding a bike without training wheels, a first place finish or win, a first date, first love, first heartbreak, driving solo for the first time, graduating, voting for the first time, getting that first job, the adventures and trips, first time living away from home, first failure, conflict or great loss.  The list will be long. 

Feel proud and excited or humbled and appreciative.  Not every day will be special. Few will be consequential.  In the moment be conscious and discerning because your reality and perspectives will change with age.

Welcome your accomplishments and independence.  Savor the moments because too soon many of them will become commonplace.  Document things when you can for future reference and pleasure.  Firsts often lead to self-discovery and greater maturity.

Celebrate when life is good.  Learn when life is challenging.  Another New Year has now come and gone.  We are now in the first days of a new decade.  What other firsts will this year bring?

I found my daughter’s “tooth” letter years later and had to chuckle and admire the honesty and innocence that was being communicated, in awesome cursive writing!  She was experiencing the feelings of amazement caused by something remarkable and unfamiliar.  Yet she was already showing gumption and assertiveness pulling her own tooth out and negotiating with the Tooth Fairy!

Little did she know that the first day with braces would be in her future and that the Tooth Fairy would always be generous but fair.  The wonders of childhood do not last forever but that day in January was special for my little girl.

Thank you for joining me.

Karen