A Loving Mother's Advice to Her Daughter

I stood, among a group of mothers, watching you play upon the playground equipment. I watch you, amazed on how far you have come. Then, the "mother bragging session" started! "My child has finished potty training already and he is only 18 months old!" "Well, my child said three new words today." I just stood there listening. Once in a while, a mom would look over at me, waiting to see if I would chime in. I just thought to myself," In the scheme of things, is this really important? Do they realize that everyone has their own path, talents, lessons, and adventures, in their lifetime?" Then, I thought to myself, "How do I measure success, what is important to me, and what do I want you, my daughter, to learn, during your lifetime?" Well - - here is what I have learned so far!

Intelligence is not measured on how much you can memorize and spit out! It is measured on how you use the information you learned. And, there is nothing wrong with admitting that you don't know something. If you don't admit it, you will miss out on the opportunity on researching and learning something new! Further, keep an open mind on an opposing view. You don't have to agree with that person! However, if you don't at least listen, you will miss out on the possibility of learning something new from that person. Finally, reading opens up new worlds, opportunities, and develops your imagination. I am fine with you watching a little television, movies, and using the internet. However, you will always find that a book is so much better!

Beauty is skin deep! Yes, you are a beautiful child and eventually will become a beautiful woman. I think so anyway! However, if you don't demonstrate this from within, you can make yourself appear very ugly! Also, don't measure yourself by a magazine and/or television ad. Having worked in the media industry, your father and I have seen it firsthand! Magazines and films are always touched up to create that "perfect" women. And trust me - - that doesn't exist! Speaking of perfectionism - - I don't want you to try to be perfect or better than someone else, because every one of us has their own unique gifts! And trying to be "perfect" will only cause you to be unhappy. I just want you to do "your" very best! Finally, diet and exercise is not used to create the perfect body! It is, however, engaged to create a very happy and healthy woman! Also, don't complicate your life by using drugs and alcohol! They just lead to other bad choices and a difficult life! Please take care of yourself! I want you around for a LONG time!

One doesn't measure themselves by their monetary successes or their bank account! Why? Because you can't take your possessions with you in the end! One does measure themselves by how they treat one another and how they lived their lives. Most importantly - - you will be answering to God on the other side! And His opinion of what you did here is much more important than anyone else's! He is going to judge you on how you treat people, especially family and friends. If you don't cherish loved ones, you will miss the many wonderful memories and bonds that you could have had with them.

These are my life's lessons that are important to me and try to live by, as an example! Enjoy every minute! Life is so precious! I don't want you to miss anything or anyone! Also, remain flexible at all times. Well planned events change quickly. Just go with the flow! The change could make life more interesting and fun! Always look at the glass as being half- full. Why? Because, life is how we perceive it. You can decide whether or not you want to have a good day. It is your decision, when you wake up in the morning! You are also responsible for your own actions. You decide the outcome for anything that happens in your life! Made bad choices? And we all do! Admit to them! If you don't, you will miss an opportunity to learn something! We do learn from our mistakes! Always be honest! You always want everyone to believe you, when you say something. Never say "can't." Always, try and try again. It doesn't hurt to roll up your selves and get dirty once in a while. And when you do a job, do it 101 percent! Want an easy going happy life? Make good choices and make them happen! Whatever energy you do put out in the world, will reflect back. Put out positive energy! Life is not a dress rehearsal! Live your life (pure) to the fullest! Speaking about a dress rehearsal - - enjoy and be a supporter of the arts and culture! Your life will be even fuller! Finally, life is not about the destination! It's the journey! Enjoy!

I love and admire your strength and leadership skills! However, use them wisely! You can get someone to do something for you; however, a "please" or "thank you" goes a long way! Treat people the way you want to be treated! You will have a full life, with a lot of special people in it, if you treat people right!

Life is not perfect! And we all go through difficult times. Your dad and I want you do know that you are not alone. You will always have your family, friends, and, most importantly, God with you at all times! Rely on his strength! He is always there for you! Just pray!

I am still learning! Remember - - I am not perfect! In fact, I can and will learn from you, too! And trust me - - I already have learned a lot from you! Yes, even in the two, very short, years you have been here! You will someday see that, too, if you decide to have your own family! I am proud and feel privileged that God made me your mother! I love you more than words can say! If anything, the one thing I want you to learn from me: just have fun and enjoy the journey!