A Message to My Daughters

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I vaguely remember being the age of my youngest daughter who is now 7. I do however, remember when I started my very first day of high school. The 4 years that followed that day are etched in my mind always. Of course I don’t remember every day to day occurrence, but I do remember the friends, the good and bad times, as well as the dreaded heartaches. Looking back now I know all those experiences (the good, the bad, and the ugly) were helping to mold me into the woman I am today. There were times back then I felt like I was on top of the world, and other times I felt like the world was against me. High school memories are those we as adults cherish for a lifetime. My oldest daughter started her very first day of her own 4 year journey known as high school this week. Scary right?  I think I’m more afraid than she is. The high school life and teen years, as amazing as we’d like to remember it, can also be a very emotional and trying time. I know I can’t be with my girls every single moment as they grow, and I accept that. But I can guide them with the best advice I can to help them stay true to themselves and be the best person they can be to survive these “wonder years”.

To my daughters:

You bring joy and sunshine to my life and I thank God above everyday that he gave me the honor of being your mom. As I watch you grow, I’m filled with so many emotions. I’m proud of the young lady you are becoming, yet sad that you are no longer that baby girl I once held in my arms and rocked to sleep. I know I won’t always be there to shield you from harsh words or ugly situations as you grow, but I hope to give you this advice to guide you along. Many, many years from today when you are sharing this same advice with your own children, in my heart, you will always be my baby girl.

1. Keep your faith. Your faith in God and your faith in yourself. With this anything is possible.
2. Love yourself. You are a beautiful, smart girl and I never want you to forget that. Be the very best person you can be & be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Hold your head high and in doing so, keep the confidence & self esteem you deserve. God made you just the way you are. You are amazing & unique simply because you are you. No one can love you better than you can love yourself (except for me!).
3. Take care of your body & be healthy. I don’t mean this as a body “size” issue, but I do mean it as a health one. The better you treat your body, the better you will feel. Your adult self will thank you! Remember to exercise and practice healthy eating habits. Even something as simple as going for a walk or playing an outdoor game is better than nothing at all. I know It may sound silly but be sure to wear sunblock while your outdoors (take it from me, sunburned skin leaves scars).
4. Make time for yourself. I know you love your friends and the social scene, but make sure you are content in your own company as well. Take time to get lost in a book, get outside and enjoy nature, or lose yourself in your music! Always stay happy in your own thoughts.
5. You don’t have to follow the crowd. Even if someone says “everyone’s doing it“, I promise you they aren’t. Don’t be afraid to stand up for your values & morals. If you have to hide it from us, it’s probably wrong. And if you think or feel like it’s wrong, it probably is.
6. Talk to me. I am your mom, your protector, and your supporter. I want you to never be scared or afraid to talk to me when you need to, even if you think I’ll be upset. I will always love you no matter what the situation and we will get through it together.
7. Be a good friend. Good friends are hard to come by and unfortunately you will probably learn this the hard way. Be the type of friend you’d like to have by being a good listener and apologizing when you’re wrong. Be an inspiration to others and encourage them when you can. Always surround yourself with positive people and realize that everyone isn’t going to be your friend, but that’s ok. It’s for the best, I promise.
8. Your electronic devices aren’t that important. I know you think I’m crazy on this one, but trust me here. When I started high school there were no cell phones and when I did get my first one (which I had to pay for myself) I was in 12th grade. It had no camera and no text messaging. But guess what?! I survived. That being said, make sure you take time to connect with family and friends personally, not electronically. Have real conversations with the ones that matter. Yes, that is that important.
9. Never settle and know your self worth. I know you will have tons of emotions and think that cute guy is “the one“, but trust me, only one special boy will be the one who deserves you. A real, true love is worth waiting for. Wait for the guy who will do anything to be your everything. He will treat you with the highest respect and treat you like the queen you are. You deserve a happy, healthy relationship and anything less should not be settled for.
10. Follow your dreams. No one can make your dreams come true but you. If you have your mind and heart set on something, work hard to make it happen. Be consistent and do not (I repeat DO NOT) give up. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy but one day it will be worth it. To quote Cinderella, “a dream is a wish your heart makes”… Make it come true.