Last week my daughter turned sixteen and on the day all I could think was I was just so so happy for her. I remember how sixteen was a major life shift for me. I couldn’t wait to experience the freedom of driving myself wherever I needed to go.
My daughter’s perspective is different. She was in no hurry to get her license on the day she turned 16. I think it’s because we live in a smaller town where everything is within biking or walking distance: her high school, her friends, and the places they like to hang out.
But maybe it’s because she feels no rush. She’s moving at her own pace. She has her permit and the training behind the wheel has begun, but she doesn’t share the urgency I had to be free as soon as possible. She’s on her own path, happy to drive the old family Honda the half mile it takes to get to school, when she’s ready.
Life has its stages and it’s delightful to be a witness to her transitioning, to her blooming and growing. It gives me great joy to see her moving slowly out into the world, in small steps, excited to experience all the good it has to offer.
Favorite links from the week:
So lovely. This lake home designed for relaxed and casual living.
99 ideas for updating your bedroom.
Do you have frequent guests? Accommodate and save space with this DIY murphy bed.
He is a favorite so I was happy to read Stanley will have a culinary show!
Pole dancing could become an Olympic sport.
Opinion piece: why the American life is killing you.
Let go of the old to make way for the new.
OMG not me! But this photographer has no fear of swimming with great white sharks.
Ha ha, this wine glass made me laugh. :)
..
p.s. We lost Kirk Douglas this week. He holds a special place in my heart because my son used to clap and sing along to this song just about every day when he was three. Every human leaves an imprint, that was his on me.
All if my children were reluctant drivers. My daughter, in fact, never completed drivers training.We are in a suburb of a large city and as long as she could get to the train, she was fine. She was an extremely nervous driver when we took her out and almost had a very serious accident when she panicked. When she feels the need to drive, if ever, she can go to a drivers training facility. Luckily, she lives in that large city now, happily embracing mass transit, uber, lyft, and riding her bicycle.
I know that most everyone believes everyone should drive but I also think my daughter did what was right for herself.
and that’s the key, do what feels right for you! no pressure to do what the others do.
thank you for sharing Deb.
xo
Happy birthday to you daughter! I also wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog posts. I’ve followed you for a few years and your posts feel authentic, deep and reflective. It’s a joy to read. Thank you! Much love
wow that is so kind, thank you Linda!
xo
Happy birthday to you daughter! So enjoying your post regarding home improvement and lifestyles.Stay blessed.
thank you Maria :)
I have 3 daughters, and my oldest was in no hurry to drive. My M-I-L kept pushing me to make her get it, but I knew that a nervous driver was not a good thing. She didn’t get her license until 18, my middle was somewhere in the middle. She got hers but was definitely not chomping at the bit to get it, and my youngest couldn’t wait. She drove off the day she turned 16 and never looked back. I think it is scarier to drive today with more people on the road (and more distracted people driving). Good for your daughter to take her time. She will get it when she is ready. Thanks for the great links.