My Darling Daughter,
You're only three right now, so I know I have many years before we can have this conversation face-to-face. There are some things I want to tell you… some things I learned the hard way.
Take your time. I know you'll want to grow up as quickly as possible and move on to the next phase of life, but take it from me - enjoy where you are. Time goes by so quickly and you should never rush through life. You miss so much. Slow down, take a breath, and appreciate where you are this very moment. Good things will come to you in their own time.
Know yourself. While you're taking your time, get to know yourself. Know what you like and don't like. Find what you're passionate about and chase after that. Don't base your opinions on what someone else thinks - not even me. Your thoughts and opinions are your own. Keep it that way. Any person who tries to change you isn't worth your time. You should never have to change who you are for another person.
Seek God. You'll be brought up with my experience of God, but at some point you'll have to seek Him out yourself and find your own relationship with Him. He'll find you right where you are, but never stop getting to know Him. He loves you more than I can possibly imagine (and that's a lot).
You are beautiful. I've told you this from the day you were born. You were the most perfectly beautiful baby girl and I know you'll grow into a gorgeous young woman. Sure, you'll have days when you don't feel pretty, but never forget that your beauty runs deeper than your hair or makeup. A beautiful spirit is more attractive than a beautiful face. Don't let anyone else tell you different.
Work hard. Good work ethics are hard to come by these days. I can't imagine what it will be like 1-20 years from now. No matter how lazy everyone else around you is, be industrious and give 110%. It will take you far in life.
Be kind and generous. No matter how little or how much you have, give as much away as you can. Only keep what you need. This goes for your time as well. Give quietly and watch what God does. The joy of giving surpasses any praise you could receive.
Take care of yourself. You'll get busy with a career or kids (or both), but always take some time for yourself. Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. Take some time to relax and focus on good mental health. It's not a bad thing to think of yourself once in a while.
Respect yourself. If you respect yourself, other people will respect you more. You cannot ever demand respect, but you can certainly command it with your attitude and presence. Don't ever let anyone treat you disrespectfully.
Love with abandon. Be careful who you give your heart to, but love those around you like it's your last day on earth. You never know who may be hurting and need your love. Even at the age you are now, I can tell you have a tender heart towards suffering. It is my prayer that you always stay that way. You have no idea how many times you have already comforted your mama.
You're only three right now, so I know I have many years before we can have this conversation face-to-face. There are some things I want to tell you… some things I learned the hard way.
Take your time. I know you'll want to grow up as quickly as possible and move on to the next phase of life, but take it from me - enjoy where you are. Time goes by so quickly and you should never rush through life. You miss so much. Slow down, take a breath, and appreciate where you are this very moment. Good things will come to you in their own time.
Know yourself. While you're taking your time, get to know yourself. Know what you like and don't like. Find what you're passionate about and chase after that. Don't base your opinions on what someone else thinks - not even me. Your thoughts and opinions are your own. Keep it that way. Any person who tries to change you isn't worth your time. You should never have to change who you are for another person.
Seek God. You'll be brought up with my experience of God, but at some point you'll have to seek Him out yourself and find your own relationship with Him. He'll find you right where you are, but never stop getting to know Him. He loves you more than I can possibly imagine (and that's a lot).
You are beautiful. I've told you this from the day you were born. You were the most perfectly beautiful baby girl and I know you'll grow into a gorgeous young woman. Sure, you'll have days when you don't feel pretty, but never forget that your beauty runs deeper than your hair or makeup. A beautiful spirit is more attractive than a beautiful face. Don't let anyone else tell you different.
Work hard. Good work ethics are hard to come by these days. I can't imagine what it will be like 1-20 years from now. No matter how lazy everyone else around you is, be industrious and give 110%. It will take you far in life.
Be kind and generous. No matter how little or how much you have, give as much away as you can. Only keep what you need. This goes for your time as well. Give quietly and watch what God does. The joy of giving surpasses any praise you could receive.
Take care of yourself. You'll get busy with a career or kids (or both), but always take some time for yourself. Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. Take some time to relax and focus on good mental health. It's not a bad thing to think of yourself once in a while.
Respect yourself. If you respect yourself, other people will respect you more. You cannot ever demand respect, but you can certainly command it with your attitude and presence. Don't ever let anyone treat you disrespectfully.
Love with abandon. Be careful who you give your heart to, but love those around you like it's your last day on earth. You never know who may be hurting and need your love. Even at the age you are now, I can tell you have a tender heart towards suffering. It is my prayer that you always stay that way. You have no idea how many times you have already comforted your mama.
Don't settle. Work hard, be patient, and wait for the good stuff. Don't take the easy or the cheap way out. The old adage "good things come to those who wait" is very true and applies to just about any situation in life. What is available to you at the moment isn't always the best thing for you.
I'm sure I'll have plenty more to add to the list as the years go on, but these are just a few things I have learned so far.
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