Am I officially getting old? The grocery clerk just called me “Ma’am,” so I think it’s safe to say yes. I crossed the 40-year milestone with little celebration. Instead of feeling wise or ancient, I simply recognized that those sparkly eyeshadows and miniskirts never really suited me. However, I unapologetically rock a few tiny braids in my hair.
As I flip through old photographs, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. The baby-faced girl I once was, who thought she was chubby! How sweet it was to believe that sneaking kisses in the basement while “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel played meant we were destined to be together. And what was I thinking, rocking a double-breasted acid-wash jean jacket? The cringe-worthy fashion choices are part of my history, just like my brief obsession with Rick Astley.
I cherish the moments spent with my boom box, rewinding and replaying “If You Leave” and “Groovy Kind of Love.” These experiences are treasured memories, and I don’t regret the times I fell for the wrong guys. That youthful wisdom is now invaluable as I help my daughters navigate their own teenage challenges. I want them to enjoy their fashion missteps and hair experiments, even if I’m secretly hoping they steer clear of cigarettes.
As we approach the tumultuous tween years, I plan to lean on seven specific songs when I’m unsure of how much guidance to provide. These tracks transport me to moments filled with emotion, reminding me of the carefree spirit that still resides within.
1. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
Amidst the whirlwind of moods and hair color changes, we remain true to ourselves.
“Oh mother dear, we’re not the fortunate ones, and girls, they want to have fun.”
2. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
Even through tough times, we have each other… and a little help from Pitch Perfect.
“Will you call my name as you walk on by?”
3. “Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows
We’re all just trying to fit in and find our place in this world.
“We all want to be big stars, but we don’t know why.”
4. “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia
Heartbreak can feel all-consuming, but it’s okay to acknowledge it.
“I’m cold and shamed, lying naked on the floor.”
5. “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt
Letting emotions flow is vital; suppressing them isn’t fair to anyone.
“Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts.”
6. “Right Here, Right Now” by Jesus Jones
Focusing on the present allows us to truly enjoy the moment.
“Right here, right now, there is no other place I want to be.”
7. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
I often wonder if the songs my daughters cherish today will resonate with them as parents. Will they listen to empowering anthems like Katy Perry’s “Roar” and feel inspired?
“I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter dancing through the fire.”
As I navigate my parenting journey, I feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Perhaps it’s all part of the plan, and I’ll just keep making the same mistakes, hoping they’ll understand. For more insights on family planning, check out our piece on the at-home insemination kit. For more information about male fertility, visit this resource. If you’re exploring pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline offers excellent resources.
In summary, music from my past serves as a comforting guide through the challenges of parenting in my 40s, reminding me of the vibrant, youthful spirit that still thrives within me.
Keyphrase: parenting music from the 80s
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]