A Letter To My Children

On this Mother's Day, 2013, I decided to leave a message for my girls, that they may grow up to be wonderful women and mothers themselves. I love them with all of my being...

Grace, Natalie, Madeline and Sydney -

Don’t be afraid to step off the path taken by most. Allow your curiosity and passions to lead the way and navigate you to places that are rich in meaning according to your unique spirit. Walk with confidence in your heart knowing that anything is possible and that every experience – from the highest highs to the lowest lows will contribute to your growth and shape who you become.

Know that many people will cross your path in life. Some will hurt you, betray you, and some will confuse you.  Not all people are meant to stay in your life forever. They will, however, all have a purpose. Be grateful for the lesson and don’t stick around.

Surround yourself with those who you’re drawn to because they lift your spirit, encourage and inspire you, make you feel alive and bring the best out in you. Cherish and nurture these people – they love you for who you are and they allow your spirit to shine as it should.

Respect differences in other people’s choices and park your judgment – it will never serve you. Your way is not superior, simply one of many. You can’t change or control other people’s behavior – so don’t waste your energy trying. Instead, focus on what you can control – your own reactions and attitude.

I want the world to be your classroom, for there is only so much you can learn within 4 walls, one town, one city, one country. Respect other cultures and embrace the people.  Take time to get to know them, as there is something truly beautiful about a strong connection with someone from a completely different world to you.

Be abundant in perspective and compassion and aim to make a difference, one person at a time, for it will humble you and you will appreciate what you have. Aspire for humility and gratitude; you cannot put a price on either and they will make you wealthy for life.

See through materialism and value the things that are truly important in life – relationships, love, nature, experience and adventure.  At some stage in your life, it may seem important to be wearing certain brands and buying the latest trends, but living life to the fullest is what brings the type of happiness that ‘stuff’ cannot come close to.

My advice is not to rush into marriage or motherhood – they both require a lot of hard work where you can no longer only think of yourself. Enjoy those young wonderfully selfish years in your 20s – you cannot get them back. Choosing a life partner will be one of the most important decisions in your life. Live a little first and know who you are and what’s important to you.

Be good to your parents (especially me). Even though there will be many times when all you want to do is roll your eyes and give me a piece of your mind, know that the love I have for you is the type of love that is impossible to put into words. Only when you have your own children will you fully understand the depth of my love for you.

Don’t let those beautiful spirits stop shining.

Love always,
Mom

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