Thursday, September 20, 2007

My Last Lecture

Have any of you seen or heard about this? The Husband forwarded this great article to me from the Wall Street Journal. A lot of universities are now having professors give lectures and speeches - as though it would be their last. Many have been waxing philosophical and poetic with one last look at their life and what they would have the world know after they have gone.

This article really got me thinking. What would I say to my children if I knew I was dying? What lessons would they need to know? I began thinking so much about this that I decided to write my own Last Lecture. Kind of like the talk I'd give if I were to attend my own funeral. But since I am who I am, my Last Lecture must be in the form of a list. So here are some of the things I've learned in my short life that I would want my children to know:
  • Boys who are mean and tease you actually really like you.

  • Seventh, eighth, and ninth grades are not kind to anyone. Not even that pretty girl who never gets pimples and wears the cool jeans.

  • Don't take things personally.

  • Don't over-analyze every conversation and be critical of yourself for hours afterward.

  • Don't feel insecure when you walk into a room and don't know anybody.

  • Don't ever feel like you're not good enough. YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH. And then some.

  • Never lie. Unless it's to get out of a bad date. Then come up with a DOOZIE.

  • Never be afraid to talk to that cute boy. He just might be your soul mate.

  • Look at the glass as half full. Even if it's not.

  • Find a creative outlet.

  • Then create something every day.

  • Learn to bake a really good cheesecake and your spouse will always forgive you for accidentally making pink gravy.

  • Organize your life. Clutter can actually cause your brain to explode.

  • Be okay with laughing at yourself.

  • Always remember that you're never too old to make new friends.

  • Don't be afraid to try something new. Even if you're really bad at it. ESPECIALLY if you're really bad at it.

  • Be physically active. Exercise will make life seem more manageable.

  • Always make sure to taste the cookie dough. Can't stress this one enough.

  • And the cookies, too.

  • Don't waste your energy on things that don't matter.

  • Marry someone that makes you laugh.

  • Don't panic because your first baby never cries. Your second one will. A LOT.

  • Savor every moment with your babies. Even the ones when you're so annoyed you want to scream. Your babies will grow up entirely too fast.

  • Take pictures of everything in your life.

  • Wear sunscreen.

  • Learn to measure a person by their character and their soul; not their looks or situation.

  • NEVER, and I mean EVER, take two toddler boys to Nathaniel Hawthorne's House of Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts. Just trust me on this one.

  • Accept that your life is a poster for Murphy's Law. And be okay with that.

  • Learn to love all your faults. Even your freckles. And the jiggly bits on your thighs.

  • Laugh at something every day.

  • Read good books. Over and over again.

  • Never stop learning.

  • Love those around you.

  • Be forgiving.

  • Never judge anyone. You just don't know everything.

  • Love yourself.
What would you have your loved ones know?

19 comments:

Annie said...

What a fabulous post! I remember attending one of these "last lecture" events in college and they weren't nearly as usable. Or funny.

I'm going to sit with this one a spell and get back to you on your question...thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Kate said...

LOVE this - what a good idea! It's got me thinking.

Bridget said...

Wow, I am all teary. What a great post. I had never heard of those lectures. That is really neat. I love reading your list. I feel like I still know you as well or better then when we lived close. You're amazing! I need to work on my list.

mama jo said...

that was a great post...you have all the right parts written down...wisdom plus a few laughs...

marta said...

you are one wise woman! i love this list! thanks stie. the perfect post. and yes, ditto: marry a man that makes you laugh and no toddlers at hawthorne house. hee hee. love that i learned that with you!!

Musings of a Housewife said...

Christie, this is AWESOME. I want to do one, but I'm afraid I can't top this.

Jake said...

great idea and great links! love your list too...

Trenda said...

This made me tear up! Life really is short and I need to enjoy it more and enjoy my babies more. Thanks for the reminder. I'll make a list soon.

kelly said...

this was great! it's going in my saved file... great inspiration. thanks.

Pedaling said...

wow, i don't need to post what i'd say because what you said is so perfect - great job - i'll print it and give it to my kido's.

Wendi said...

Such a good list. I wish I could get my kids to believe all of those things, if fact I wish I could get a lot of women to believe all of those things.

Kimberly said...

Gosh, I don't know if I could come up with anything THAT good! Great post! You definitely got the wheels in my head turning!

Scrapbooks by Amanda said...

Good list. Interesting thing to think about! I may have to work on this for a few days.

Anonymous said...

Holy Schmoley! What a deep idea for the day. I may not get around to writing mine so can I just give my kids yours? Please?

{B}dreamy said...

Loved this. Especially this bit: "Learn to love all your faults. Even your freckles. And the jiggly bits on your thighs." Amen to that! Hahaha. I would have to say that many of the things on your list are on mine too. *B

Tiffanie said...

I love the thoughts you share.

Merilee said...

hello, I'm a friend of Bridgets. I've been blog stalking you for a couple weeks. Love your blog. Love your list.

I'm headed to Salem in a couple weeks and would love to know what your must see and do list is. I definately want to hit the House of Seven Gables. What else would you suggest?

Diane said...

This really gave me something to think about...being on the right side of 40 and all! Great post!

Unknown said...

What an enjoyable list. All of your points were right on target. :)