Words for my Daughter

When I was pregnant with you, I dreamt of all of the adventures you would have in life. Additionally, I thought of all of the things that I wanted to teach you, all of the things that you won’t want to hear when you are old enough to hear it, and all of the things I would want you to know if I were not around. I know I am not the wisest person in the world, but I do have some words of wisdom that I would like to pass along, so here it goes:

About Friendship

True Friends are hard to find. True friends are like family; they will be your friend no matter what. They don’t care what you wear, what you look like, who or what you are wearing or who you know. True friends will be a shoulder to cry on, someone to bum around with, someone to goof off with, someone to have deep conversations with and someone you can sit in silence with. Most of all, true friends will never take more than they give.

About Trust

Much like friendship, people you can truly trust are hard to find. Your Trust should not be given freely nor quickly. Trust, like respect needs to be earned.

About Disappointment

Disappointment will inevitably happen. People will let you down, outcomes won’t be what you want, and you will not always win. These disappointments WILL make you stronger, the way you handle them will shape the person who you will become. However, just remember, most things that disappoint you today will ultimately not matter in the future, they will become distant memories and life will go on even if it does not seem like it will at that moment in time. Often, not always, things work out for the best. Just know that your family will always be there as a shoulder to cry on, or someone to vent to.

About Love

You will have many loves in your life. Most likely, you will not end up marrying your first love, but there is nothing like falling in love for the first time. You will laugh, you will cry and you will think that nothing else in the world matters but the person you love. Your family and friends (and depending on your age, alcohol) will get you through the heartbreaks and will see you through to the time when you meet the person you marry.

Please, if nothing else sticks, remember these words. NEVER LOSE YOURSELF. NEVER BASE YOUR SELF WORTH ON WHAT SOMEONE ELSE THINKS OF YOU. KEEP YOUR FRIENDHIPS AND ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR FRIENDS. HAVE ALONE TIME, HAVE YOUR OWN HOBBIES AND ABOVE ALL ELSE BE SELF-SUFFICIENT.

About Education

Let’s face it, for most people, learning is not fun. Just know this, knowledge is power. I will always remember this quote that my middle school science teacher had hanging up in his classroom which stated that if an educated man is a powerful man, strive to be deadly. I hope you become the deadliest person I know.

About exercise

. Exercise will keep you happy. Exercise is not about being skinny, it is about feeling good about yourself. Keeping your mind and body healthy. Get out of the house, take a walk, or run or bike ride – Just stay active.