A Saying That You’re Never Too Old To Hear

Dress: Topshop Dot Print Dress. Also comes in white! Similar finds that are great options for fall include the Tiffany Knot Midi Dress + Twist Front Midi Dress. | Shoes: CC Corsco Como Slingback Flats. Currently 50% off! If you’re looking for other great slingback flat options, swing by here! | Earrings: Moon & Star Stud Earrings paired with long threaders. These threaders are elegantly simple, and I love the little charms on these ones! | Necklace: What else?! My half moon crescent. Honestly, it’s a must-own! If you’re looking for great options for layering, swing by here. 

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A sweet story for you.

Last week, I went on a 24 hour trip to Cleveland for my first speaking engagement as a creative consultant. (Still feels surreal to say that!) On the docket was a 45 minute presentation about “Mastering the Blend of Art + Science In A Digital World” at the the Greeting Card Association’s Annual Convention. It was my first time doing the presentation, which I’d made for the event, and I wanted to practice it out loud to someone who I knew would give me objective advice on ways to improve it.

Insert: My dad.

He actually ended up joining on the entire trip, not just to help with the presentation, but to keep me company on the drive and to help with miscellaneous things like blogging photos. (Ha – kind of embarrassing, but so goes attempting to get photos on trips! By the way, great job, Dad!) We’ve never really done a “Dad/Daughter trip” with just the two of us, so even though the reason for going was for work, I was looking forward to hanging with my good ‘ol pops with just the two of us.

It was so much fun, you guys! We chatted for hours on the drive, had dinner on East 4th Street with my dear friend Carolyn who I hadn’t seen in years, and enjoyed walking around the city in the little time that we had to spare.

He was even there for the presentation itself, which was equal parts exciting and nerve-wrecking. (“OMG, my dad’s here!” and “OMG, my dad’s here.” You know what I mean?)

But that’s not the point of this story.

The point is that, after watching the presentation, my dad said something that made my day. “I’m so proud of you.” It’s funny because that’s something he says to my siblings and I all the time, but when it was paired with the first time *really* seeing me in action professionally, it was incredibly meaningful.I suppose I just really needed to hear it, especially after taking such a big leap last week. (Was it only last week? I feel like it’s been a month.) I’m confident in my decision, don’t get me wrong. But even after a very short time of being an entrepreneur I’m learning that it’s a route that comes with doubts on the daily.

Regardless, it all just goes to show that, no matter how old you get, hearing your parents say they’re proud of you is something that I think perhaps every person needs once in a while. It’s the reassurance that you’re doing a good job. That they’re fully behind the person you’ve become (and, in my case, am still becoming!) They recognize your efforts. They see you. 

Really, it’s not just a matter of professional applause. It can be in regards to anything. In fact, recently my mom pulled me aside after a particularly tough day with my kiddos (tantrums, both crying at the same time, the works), and gave me a big bear hug while saying, “Honey, you’re doing a really great job.” I about cried; they were exactly the words I needed to hear to make it all better and gather the patience to continue to deal with two screaming toddlers head-on. 

Reflecting on all this got me thinking.

Are you ever too old to hear words of affirmation like “I love you” or “I’m proud of you”? For me, I can’t imagine that a time will come when that would be the case. Even at 90 years old, when the odds are that they’re gone (that makes me tear up even thinking about), I know I’ll long to call them up to chat and hear that everything’s okay despite my teeth falling out and possibly peeing myself. (Lulz.)

I know I’m very lucky to have parents that are so supportive. My dad, my mom, my step-parents. Even Doug’s parents. They’re all incredibly generous with their pride, support and confidence in us.

And with all that said, comes an important lesson for me as a mother. As a human. Receiving all this on behalf of them is the best reminder to give that to others. Especially my girls. So even though they’re 3 and 18 months, I’ve been trying to say these things to them every single day…

“I love you. I am so proud of you.”

…After all, I really mean it. And I know how important it is for them to hear it. Even if right now they don’t really know what those words mean…I still believe they can feel it.

When they took their first steps. When they’re 15 and can’t stand to hang out with me. When they’ve tried really hard on a test, regardless of the grade they received. When they’re going through a tough time. When they’re celebrating something. When they’re heartbroken. When they’re so in love that they’re overflowing with happiness. When they become mothers. When they pursue a career. Everything. I love you. I am so proud of you.  

I’ve been trying to keep this in mind not just on behalf of my kids, but my husband, my family, and my friends alike. It’s so important to hear those words from those close to you in your life.

So, too, when Doug comes home and talks about a good or bad meeting. When I watch him with our girls and see how great he is as a dad. When my dad decided to retire. When my mom took her dream job recently. When my friends have done something brave or are tackling being a new mother with strength.  I love you. I am so proud of you.

Parent or not, never underestimate the power of those words. Even when someone’s 32. Or, hell, 90. Especially when you think they may not need to hear it.

I promise, they always do.

Switching gears for a moment to talk about this Topshop Dot Print Dress.

It’s such a perfect color for fall, right?! And it’s under $100, too. I also wore it to a friend’s baby shower recently, and I know I’ll be getting a lot more wear out of it this season. I paired it with my Corso Como Slingback Flats, which are currently on sale and are the ideal light + breezy flats for any look.

Next time, I’ll try pairing this with a wrap belt and perhaps an adorable fall coat. But, I do think it looks classic and lovely on it’s own too. I love pieces that can be worn so many different ways!

Also, I did a fun twist with my earrings with this outfit. I usually would have put the long, threaded pair in the first hole, but I switched it up and put them in the second instead. It was a super simple switch but brought a little extra funk to my look, which I was really feeling. I want to do a full post on this soon, so look for that, but in the meantime why not try it out for yourself!

:: Shop The Look ::

Have you experienced positive words of affirmation from someone you love recently? What were they? Would love to hear in the comments below!