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Dear Daughter,
I just blinked, and you have morphed into such a young lady. I feel like I just put you down in your crib for a nap, and you suddenly woke up sixteen years older.
It is time for me to loosen the reigns and set you off into the world. I can only hope that I have done right by you.
I wish the world for you and would harness the stars and put them on your ceiling if I could.
For all the times I sat at the dinner table with you correcting you on your table manners, you will understand why when you entertain as an adult at your first business dinner.
For all the thank you notes you have written rough drafts in crayon, you will understand when you get that first job.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.
Go out into the world with an open heart and an open mind.
See everything through your eyes not someone else’s.
Ask questions about everything; the more you ask, the more you know.
Try not to judge someone for their anger; realize that it is theirs, not yours.
People make mistakes—just like your parents did—and so will you. Be forgiving, and let go of the past when you can.
Forgive yourself when you can’t let go. Sometimes that is OK, too.
Don’t fall for advertisements that say you need fixing. You are perfect just as you are.
Don’t let anyone put you in a box or step on your coattails. There will always be those that never want you to succeed or surpass what they have become. That is their journey, not yours.
People’s pasts have made them who they are today. It can be hard to understand, but try.
Listen more, talk less.
Don’t expect praise from people for your accomplishments. They may want to give it, but their ego may not allow it. Be proud of yourself for everything you do, as I know you will put your heart and soul into it.
Some of your peers are, as you have said, “spoiled little entitled brats.” I am secretly proud of you for being able to see that; but remember, some will be your peers for a lifetime, and one may be your future boss, so remember your manners!
Always give, always help when you can. Your hands can make a difference in the world.
There are always going to be those that have more than you, and there will always be those that have less than you. Share what you have with those that have less than you, and be gracious and grateful to those that have more to share with you.
If you know you can do something to help someone, always do it. A little leg up can make a huge difference to someone’s life. Connect people who should be connected; it only takes a second and wouldn’t you appreciate it if someone did it for you?
Love with all your heart.
Eat cake. Cake is for celebrating births, weddings, anniversaries, and love.
Never be with a man who thinks you are less than him. He should be kind and show you the respect you deserve. Don’t settle for anyone who doesn’t.
Be as kind to your partner as you want him to be to you.
When you fight with someone, remember that some words can never be taken back. Don’t ever throw them.
Keep your personal cards close to your chest. Someone out there is always going to try and take them and use them against you.
Always follow up with a thank you note. No matter who tells you a written note is a thing of the past, it isn’t. It makes you stand out and not be forgotten. The recipient appreciates the time you took to write it. It will be put on a mantle, fridge, or even in a drawer for later. Emails disappear off the screen and are forgotten.
Smile at strangers; you never know what they are carrying on their shoulders.
Find out early in university what you want to do. You will figure it out, and when you do, sit on that hard chair and study, study, study. You will earn your stripes with pride.
Secrets are exactly that. You keep them no matter what happens! You can part ways with people, but you keep their secrets safe in order to respect the relationship, even if that relationship no longer exists.
People act the way you allow them to act. If you feel disrespected, speak up and stand your ground. Your feelings are never wrong.
Nourish your mind, nourish your spirit, nourish your body.
Always hold the door open for the person walking in behind you. When they say, “Thank you,” smile and say, “You're welcome!” (It’s contagious.)
Stretch your wings and make mistakes because you will learn from them. They give you character and understanding.
Know that for all the times I watched you fall, trip, and scrape your knee, I sometimes didn’t run to you because you needed to learn how to get back up on your own.
Men are not the most important thing in your life; you are! Learn to love yourself and not need a man to fulfill you. You may think they are the cake in your life, but the wiser you become, you will come to realize they are merely the icing. You are the cake, my love!
The most important thing is to learn is to make crow your favorite dish. Learn to admit your wrong to people; it frees both your heart and theirs.
Know that there is no other woman on this planet that I love more than you. I am proud of you for everything have accomplished and everything you have yet to discover.
Love,
Mum xoxo