Reasons to Keep in Touch with Your Parents or Guardians

I’m one of the millions of kids that moved away from home when I grew up. And you know what? As much as my parents can drive me crazy sometimes, being so far away from them makes me realize just how much I love and miss them despite the differences we may have sometimes. I think many people take their parents for granted when they are young—I know I certainly did. And though I’m not exactly getting on in years, I’ve come to appreciate my parents and all the sacrifices they made for me through the years.

Have you told your loved ones how much you appreciate them lately?
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I’m not good at keeping in touch with people. It’s one of the things about myself that makes me the most frustrated. I want to be one of those people that keeps track of everyone, that talks to all the people she cares about every single week—but thus far in life, that does not describe me. However, I do make a particularly strong effort to keep in touch with my parents. Here are a few things I’ve learned I need to do on a regular basis:

I let them know that they mean a lot to me. It’s not difficult to let your parents know just how special they are to you. All it takes is a call or even just a simple text. It doesn’t need to be an hour-long call every day, but it should happen. In the same way that we like to be told we’re loved, so do our parents. Don’t assume they already know you love them—even if they do, everyone likes a reminder now and again.

I hate thinking about this next one, but it’s true: they won’t be around forever. None of us will. Your time with the people you care about most will seem like it’s gone in the blink of an eye, so don’t take that time for granted. Always give them that reminder of love.

Most of the people we meet and “know” in life are barely acquaintances. Perhaps you share a social circle or a workplace with them. You’re on friendly terms, but most likely, they don’t have any idea who you really are. If you are lucky enough to have people you love in your life, make it known. Those special individuals deserve your love, especially when they give it to you so unconditionally.

Though I know better, my parents are not bullet proof. Sometimes they go through hard times, just like I do. I think of all the times that their shoulders were offered as a place to cry, and it reminds me that maybe sometimes they feel the same grief as I have felt. Because we are so close with our parents, it can be easier to see them in a different light and be harder on them—assume they’re older, wiser, tougher skinned. And while this may be true at times, that doesn’t mean they don’t need someone to lean on now and again.

Do you keep in touch with your parents, guardians, or others that you love?  

17 Life Changing Choices I’ve Made as an Adult

This is something that took me years to learn.

I never was one to make a lot of poor life choices, but that doesn’t mean I never made any. Being young has its advantages—like the ability to survive on three hours of sleep and still have enough energy to go to a concert the next night. But it also comes with disadvantages, like not fully understanding how to take care of ourselves. Adulthood hasn’t brought me all the answers, and I doubt it ever will. But it has brought me some clarity, and these days I find that my priorities have changed.

Now, I’m making choices that are better for my body, mind, and soul. For example, I used to constantly compare myself to others and my main goal in life was to make everyone else happy. I haven’t completely been able to banish the comparisons, but I’m more mindful about them now. And while I want everyone to be happy, I’ve learned that I shouldn’t always sacrifice my own happiness and well being to avoid disappointing others. In short, I am far more self-aware and I value myself so much more than I ever did before.

This shift didn’t just happen overnight—it was a long process and involved a lot of individual choices. Here are some of the choices I’ve made along the way:

Being happy and healthy means eating right.
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1. Finding a workout that I love and committing to it regularly.
2. Drinking in moderation.
3. Loving my body for all the hard work it does for me—whether or not I’ve got the perfect flat abs.
4. Making “me” time.
5. Making time for friends (apart from my significant other).
6. Cooking healthy meals at home, regularly.
7. Being mindful and calling myself out for ignoring what my body and mind need.
8. Checking up on my health—doctor’s visits, breast checks, etc.
9. Admitting when I need a mental health day and seeking help when I feel overwhelmed or depressed.
10. Committing to living a healthy lifestyle rather than extreme dieting.
11. Spending fewer hours in front of a screen. Reading, writing, or playing with the dog instead of watching another episode of “Friends.”
12. Being OK with indulging—in moderation. One cookie is NOT something to feel bad about. Twenty cookies is a different story.
13. Paying attention to what’s in my food, drinks, makeup, and even hair dye—and avoiding harmful chemicals.
14. Staying home when I’m sick instead of suffering through the day (and making others miserable, too).
15. Going outside at least once every day.
16. Letting the little things go rather than allowing them to cause problems.
17. Allowing myself to be a human being—I will make mistakes, and that is ok. Life is about finding balance, losing it, and then finding it again. Over and over.

What are some tough lessons you've learned or choices you've made as an adult?