As you turn 18 tomorrow, and get ready to leave your nest I wish you all the very best for what your future holds for you. This is an open letter to you, my firstborn high school graduate ready to be grown and flown, who will be leaving for college at an out of state university this fall. I want to say so much and I want you to know so much before you leave, so read on as I try to put my thoughts and emotions into words.
I remember the day you were born, my first born. You must have heard this story from me innumerable times- how you met your dad when you were 6 months old, we traveling to a different country to join him. Thanks to Google pics, we have tons of precious pics reminders from January 2004 till date. These memories will stay in my heart forever, as I have seen you grown from a cute newborn to a naughty toddler to a smart preschooler to a hardworking student to a human rights activist. Go on and do your best to make this world a better place! You have accomplished tons of feats in these initial 18 years of your life, and I look forward to where you will go ahead in life. Sky is the limit, my dear child! Just keep focus, work hard and always do your best!
You have grown up be a loving, caring and intelligent human being. I am amazed by your talent, hard work, dedication and smartness. Remember what is given to you is God’s gift but what you make out of your life is your gift to God. Being the older one, you are mature and sensible. But there are so many things I want you to know before you are off to college and on your own. First and foremost always keep God first. Keep faith and believe. Read below for some of my simple words of wisdom in no particular order of importance-
- Love and respect yourself for who you are
Be confident and take care of yourself first as self care and self worth is the basis for you to be able to make a difference around you. Start small with yourself and then spread your love, passion, kindness and tolerance towards others.
- Choose your friends wisely
As they say, you become who your friends are. Choose your friends and acquaintances as someone who share the same values and beliefs. It is totally fine to agree to disagree but choose to be with people who continue to motivate you, grow you, keep you on the right path and give a right direction to go in life.
- You always have a choice
I hope you always make good choices in every decision you make. Remember that you always have a choice in your decision making.
- We love you and will always love you no matter what
Remember family is not just flesh and blood, but the strong bonds in our heart that knits us together. We will always love and support you!
- Aim high while keeping yourself grounded
It is good to aim to reach the sky but remember to always be humble and keep your feet on ground.
- Manage money wisely
I am hopeful that with your dad’s money management tips you will learn to earn, save, spend and grow your money
- Simple living, high thinking
This quote is a great way to live. Simple living and high thinking will take you places.
- Be your own self
Be comfortable in who you are, and do not change yourself to fit with people, friends or society.
- Check in with us daily
As a mom I can’t emphasize how important communication is. Even a small hello or text emoji will help us with daily checks ins.
- Take ownership
Every action has consequences, so it is important to be 100% sure of what you do and be ready to take responsibility and ownership.
- You are an example to others
Not to put any pressure but remember that you are an example to your sibling and other family members. Never forget the sacrifices and hard work put in by your family members to bring you to where you are right now. Do not take anything for granted. Our ancestors are beside you cheering and supporting you all the way
- Always work hard and do your best
Remember that there is no short cut to hard work. Always do your best in all your efforts.
- Study hard and play a little
As a college student fresh out of high school, studying and doing well in college should be your top most priority. Have fun but remember to keep your focus.
My favorite motherhood idioms
From my previous post on Joys of motherhood, here are some of my favorite mom idioms that I find really fitting and close to my heart that I want you to remember-
You can do anything you set your mind to.
Remember who you are, and whose you are.
Character is how you act when no one else is watching.
Make good decisions.
Make smart choices.
Be kind- no matter what!
Learn from your mistakes
Hard work pays off
Be a blessing!
Tomorrow is a new day
This too shall pass
Happiness is a choice
It is not what you say, but how you say it
Take pride in your appearance and work
We are all work in progress
Be kind to yourself and others
Actions speak louder than words
Everyone deserves a fresh start
Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today
Always tell the truth
Nothing good happens after midnight
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Never put your key to happiness in someone else’s pocket
Trust your gut
Fair is not equal
Life isn’t fair
Everything happens for a reason
Know your worth
Lead with kindness
A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear
Today is a great day for a great day!
Wait and see how you feel in the morning
You got this!
Be the change you want to see in the world
Choices have consequences
Life is what you make it
Do what’s right!
It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice
Attitude is everything
Do your best and don’t stress
When you know better, you do better
Never take more than you can give
There is no such thing as perfect
What goes around comes around and you get what you give
It all begins with you!
To summarize
In today’s letter to my firstborn, I wish you all the very best today and always! As you are getting ready to fly out of the nest, remember this is your home and you will always have a place in this house and in our heart. Just because you are going out of this house, does not mean anything as although we will not see you daily we will still talk daily and will be part of each other’s lives for ever. Wishing you the best as you get ready to fly and spread your wings- sky is the limit! I can’t wait to see what future holds for you, and the places you will go! Also happy birthday in advance to you!!
With lots and lots of love, forever wishes and hugs- your mom!
Dear readers, we would love to hear from you. Are you a parent? Do you have experience of your kids leaving your home, grown and flown? What advise would you give to the mom and child as the kid starts their new journey away from home? Sending love for everyone
22 replies on “An open letter to my firstborn”
Aw, this is so sweet. As a mum of 3, it deeply resonates with me. Need to write something like this for my children. Love it!
Thanks Tren. Keep up the good work mom!
I’m crying all the bittersweet tears! What a lovely idea. I’m glad I ran across this so I can do the same for my son when he graduates. He is just now heading to high school. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing and good job mama!
Thanks so much for your kind words Mandy. Wishing your high schooler all the very best. Love
Hi Nishta!
I first met Aarushi on her 2nd birthday , in an orange cute lehenga if I still remember. Both our first borns went to the same preschool. Have lots of memories of our families together. It’s amazing to see her achieving many things on her way to college hood. Best wishes to her and hope she continues to inspire all of us. Your open letter was very emotional and had tears in my eyes.
Yamini, thank you so much for taking me down the memory lane and for your wishes! Yes we have known each other for forever and miss you and love you all so much! Take care and ttys
What a beautiful idea, so lovely and great words of wisdom!
Thank you!
Aaawww I absolutely love this idea. Such a beautiful letter to your first born.
Like you, I am preparing for my son to leave the family nest.. and yes, it is going to be a bittersweet experience. Proud and happy that he is off to pursue his dreams and experience new things, and that he reached this point all by himself; and of course a little bit sad that I will not see him at his familiar spot at home except for when he visits …
Wishing your firstborn the very best for her future
This is so sweet and some very wise advice! I wrote my daughter a letter when she was 6 months old. I should probably do another one as she’s four now…
Awwwn.. So sweet. Those are kind words of wisdom and encouragement you’ve got for her. You both must be proud to have each other in your lives.
This is such a beautiful gift … your words, and heartfelt expressions are touching. Thank you for sharing the page full of love with us.
Take ownership of your actions is a very important advice for anyone. And nothing like if this habit is inculcated among kids. Thanks for sharing
This is so beautiful ❤️
This is so sweet and full of some really great advice
This is beautiful! And it provides great tips for life, not only for your daughter. I love the mom idioms. We all have them. 🙂
I absolutely love this. Thank you so much for sharing.
This is just so sweet coming from a mother. Your child is lucky to have you, a supporting and loving mom. Sending our kids to be independent mature individuals is hard but we have to let them go. My kids are still young so I have long time to prepare my faint heart.
What a lovely letter to your girl, I hope that she will cherish it and that is bring her pride and joy on her big day!
love this. I, also, like to write open letters to my children, especially on special occasions. Lately, I find myself preparing to write letters, journals, words of wisdom, etc. for my children mainly after I have gone. Not sure if it is because I am learning so much about my mother that I never knew.
Awww… thanks for sharing! Gives me ideas!