This Friday, my Rita turns eight. And I often think that I taught her, or at least I am trying to achieve these goals: to be a kind, empathetic, responsible, and happy human being at ease with herself. But then I realize how much she taught me, not the other way around. The only difference is that she didn't teach me through speeches like I do as a mother; instead, she taught me through her simple, pressure-free, and innocent way of being herself.
Until I had Rita, I was always on autopilot. Don't get me wrong; I am, by nature, the type of woman who enjoys achieving things in life and loves to make deeper changes, but I did not stop; I did not know how to enjoy life.
So here are five lessons my daughter taught me before turning eight.
1. Beautiful things deserve to travel with us
Rita always carries something with her: a doll, a shell she took from the beach, a rock or even a piece of wood she found and likes. These little and "unimportant" items become part of her way of being unapologetically herself. She enjoys her little pleasures even when she is outside her comfort zone.
This is lesson no. 1: wellness becomes easier when it belongs to real life instead of interrupting it. And it's why I am so happy to carry my M31 True Collagen Creamer sachets around, even when I am outside my house. The packaging is intentional and even somehow elegant, like something you would rather not hide at the bottom of a drawer or bag…and since I am struggling with discipline and routines, it's good to be able to incorporate my needs into my somehow hectic schedule.
2. Presence is the most luxurious thing we own
Rita is aware when I am not fully present with her, and she always expresses her feelings: "Mom, please stop scrolling while we are watching this movie"; "Mom, please pay attention to what I am telling you," and so on. And actually, for her birthday this year, she had only one wish: "The only thing I want as a present is to spend time with mom and dad; just to be together and have fun, the three of us."
So the second lesson: be present and actually enjoy a moment without other distractions like the phone or the emails. These tiny pauses, like having a warm drink, tea or coffee with your fav collagen, can help. The familiar rituals help. Being present is something we build through repeated moments that makes us feel better.
3. Growing older is not something to fight
Children are never ashamed of becoming older. My Rita is so thrilled about her birthday that she expects it with excitement and wonder. And I love that she is always thinking about turning 7, 8, or 9 years old as a new journey to be discovered with curiosity, passion, and joy.
And I think that this is something that, somewhere along the way, especially women, learn the opposite of because we begin measuring time against our skin, energy, and self-worth.
But watching my daughter grow has changed the way I perceive the passing of time. This is why I am taking collagen: not to become or remain young (er), but to support the body that carries me through this life, with all that it brings along the way: motherhood, work, travel, exhaustion, joy, reinvention, and ordinary moments.
The third lesson: don't wish to stop time, but meet it well, with care and love for yourself first, so your cup can be full enough to pour into others'.
4. Small rituals are what hold life together
I was never adept at maintaining rituals or routines until I had Rita. I think in general children understand rituals instinctively. They love the same bedtime story, park, time to meet friends, mug or bowl, and cereals. Something that for adults at one point becomes insignificant, for kids, these rituals create safety, rhythm and even belonging.
I used to think self-care had to be big to count: a retreat, a full day off, a perfectly planned wellness routine. My daughter taught me otherwise.
Now, sometimes self-care is simply sitting with a warm coffee at the beach, surrounded by beauty. I love beauty in all of its forms. At times, it involves stirring collagen into a cappuccino on a restaurant terrace, watching the sea in front of your eyes.
Lesson No. 4: We aim for perfection when all we need is tenderness.
5. You are allowed to enjoy your life while taking care of yourself
Another aspect I have struggled with my whole life is structure and strictness. I felt bad about myself because I was always comparing myself with girls and women I know and who are very disciplined. And I associate this with being valid and worthy enough.
Lesson no. 5 refers to enjoying life while taking care of yourself; being healthy doesn't have to be boring or frustrating. Rita laughs and talks loudly without apologizing; she walks up to 10 km because she feels good and has fun. She rests when she is feeling tired. She eats healthy foods, but she occasionally has a not-so-healthy meal just to balance it out.
Life is not just about being strict and rigid, but about being at ease with yourself and your choices while truly enjoying life.
You can read about my personal journey with these products at the following links: here, here, here, here, here and here.
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*Products already discounted on the website for the three mentioned brands do not qualify for the 10% discount. The RALUCA10 code can exclusively be used for products at full price.
These products represent dietary supplements. Read the leaflet or the information on the packaging carefully. If any unpleasant reactions occur, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
*This article is part of a fantastic collaboration with RepublicaBIO, a Romanian business that I admire.
