A Message for My Son

I am going to be a mom soon, if I use my expected due date, it would be roughly 45 days from now. It is both an exciting and scary experience. Exciting because I adore and love kids (so having my own would be great for sure, no more borrowing!!) but scary because I honestly have no idea how to take care of a child, much more a new-born. So far, what I have done is almost-finish reading a pregnancy book, read online articles, buy a few baby clothes and some toiletries but other than that, not much really.

I guess I am hoping that when my baby comes, the motherly instinct just kicks in automatically and I'll be super-mom! I am not sure really, I see moms out there and it seems like a no-sweat task to them being moms and most of them are even younger than me. I wonder how I'd assess in the mommy-spectrum when my turn finally comes, which isn't very far from now.

My inclination is not to be like my mom, who was very strict to me and hardly let me do things on my own, exactly the opposite of how she treated my younger sister. In my younger years, I remember my mom always being over-protective about me and always wanted her way in my life, even the length of my hair! I abhorred the whole idea of not being able to make decisions of my own and I always felt like a prisoner because of how I was treated as a child. I had my moments of rebellion and distinctly remember tagging our house and mom's number in my phone as prison and jail warden respectively. (entry discontinued...)

But enough about those negative things, I want this blog entry to be an inspirational one and not the exact opposite. I initially planned to just write about motherhood as a whole but then I was not able to finish my previous entry so now I am revising this entry from a purely narrative one to a list.

A list of the things I want my son to learn and put to heart when he lives his own life. I am calling this list, Mama's Little Nuggets of Advise for Izel Kaleb, My Son:

My son, I hope when you are able to understand this, you will try to live it.

1. Always save for the rainy days. It might be such a cliche but really, when unexpected needs arise, its always great to have some money you can use. I still encourage the use of piggy banks, I am such a lover of the old ways. :-)

2. Always be polite and courteous. Say "thank you", "I'm sorry", "Excuse me" and practice courtesy anytime and anywhere. It is courtesy that gets you anywhere and not flattery, as an infamous saying goes.

3. Have fun and do things that are fun. If you take things too seriously, you will grow old quickly and then you'll end up regretting why you never enjoyed life to the fullest.

4. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Sure you can indulge in some unhealthy food every now and then but eating natural foods makes your healthier and keeps you fit. (they taste good too!)

5. When you're angry, take it out on a punching bag or a kicking pole because they are inanimate objects and feel nothing. People though, are exactly the opposite so don't take it out on them.

6. When you're sad, its ok to cry. Cry it out and then let it go.

7. Always wear your smile, it never goes out of style and helps you stay young.

8. Read books. Its the cheapest way to travel, meet people, experience new things and learn.

9. Be kind to animals. They too have feelings.

10. Be yourself. Its ok to be weird or different; that is what makes you YOU and what people will love about you.

11. Don't suck up to people just to get ahead. Ass-kissing is not a rewarding act at all. When you get somewhere just because of that, you won't last there long because someone else might be better at ass-kissing than you are.

12. Don't be boastful of your achievements. Take pride but do not boast. People who boast about what they have achieved are insecure and boasting is their only way to feel good about themselves.

13. Climb a tree. Do this when you are older and be careful. I love climbing trees and its a great nature-therapy.

14. Bathe in the rain. The sense of freedom and being one with nature is such an exhilarating experience and I want you to experience this for yourself too.

15. Play Pinoy native games. I know it might be the era of PSPs, nintendos, computers and all high-tech gadgets but you should really try tago2x, syatong, takyan, slipper game and many other native games. If I were president and could make my own holiday, I would make one called "Native Pinoy Games Day" so each and every child can enjoy the games we used to play when we were yet kids.

16. Don't be afraid to try new things. Just as long as it doesn't hurt anyone, does not do you harm or is illegal. Safe and clean is the best way to go about it.

17. Don't gossip about other people or listen to others gossip. It is a waste of time and does you no good.

18. Join contests and aim to win but be prepared if you lose. If you win, well and good and congratulations but remember, winning is not everything. Keep in mind though that joining is better than letting the opportunity pass without trying it out for yourself.

19. Pray always. There is a higher power working in our lives and he always listens, so talk to Him.

20. Always be mindful of your surroundings and be alert. Its always good to be ready in case anything happens.

21. Do not throw litter anywhere, let the trash can serve its purpose. There are too many people littering the planet, so do not be one of them instead be an ambassador of cleanliness.

22. Keep your body and your mind clean. Those are your greatest assets so keep it always precious.

23. Help a person in need. A little act of kindness does wonders for your heart and your well-being.

24. If you need to do something, do it with all your heart and not with mediocrity because it will be a reflection of yourself. Mediocre input will only yield mediocre results.

25. Choose your friends wisely. They will make or break you and they won't take the blame for it, you will.

26. Always look both ways before crossing the street. Its simple but it always works!

27. Always keep a cool head. A hot temper will get you in trouble.

28. Always make time for family. They are the only constant people in your life and will always be there for you no matter what.

29. Study well and finish your studies. You might not appreciate it when you're in school but you'll see its importance when you graduate and look for a job or open your own business.

30. Only give your heart to the person who deserves it and takes care of it. The heart is too fragile to be taken for granted and there are no replacements should it be broken.

Here you go, my son. I don't want to sound like I am nagging by making my list longer than it is now. Just in case I am no longer around to remind you of things, I hope my list will be enough to guide you through life. Remember that I love you and I always will.

- nmed -
10/22/2011 finished at 6:59pm

This is the little boy I wrote this entry for.. my beloved son.. now 9 months old. :-)