As I watch you navigate this new stage I can’t help but notice just how tricky it is.
I watch as you stare into your teen years and you watch your childhood start to fade. All the while still being that silly, awkward child I love.
I’m amazed every day at the person you are becoming. Your hopes and dreams. Your friendships. Your crushes. Your passions and fears.
I pray and hope that you see your value the way I do. That you always stay true to yourself and follow your heart.
I pray that you strive to be the best version of yourself but that you help to pick up others along the way.
Shatter those glass ceilings but don’t forget to empower others along the way. Success is nothing if you leave a wake of destruction in your path.
Never be afraid to dance and soak in life’s small moments. One day you will look back and realize they are in fact the moments you treasure the most.
Never be too shy to laugh. Be silly. Enjoy Life. Don’t let others’ opinions stop you from enjoying yourself and bringing light and laughter to this world.
Never be afraid to show your brilliance. I don’t just mean the beauty that shines with intensity inside and out but also the exuberance of your mind. Let your brain shine. Let your ideas empower change.
Never be afraid to show how smart you are…but never be cocky.
Never be afraid to ask questions and learn new things. Remember that everyone you meet can teach you something…recognize their worth the same way you recognize your own.
Never stop chasing your dreams. Never be afraid to fail. Challenges do not equal failure. Persevere and learn from every stumble…the hardest paths will make you the strongest and teach you the greatest lessons.
Be strong. Know you are strong and don’t be afraid to show that strength to the world. If someone can’t handle it, they don’t deserve all that you are.
The next few years will be filled with challenges, confusion, tears, joy, heartache, love, laughter, memories and magic. Puberty will hit hard. Friendships will change. Emotions will run high. Feelings will be hurt and tears will be shed. Remember who your tribe is. Remember who your supporters are. Don’t push away the people who love you and cherish you. Demand that level of respect and treatment from everyone. Don’t strive to impress others….be you and the world will be in awe the way I always have been.
It’s okay be frustrated and confused. It’s okay to be mad. Scream, cry, break something if you must. Collapse on the floor and dive into a container of ice cream. Do what you need to do and let your emotions out but remember not to stay there. You are far too valuable to stay on the floor. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and figure it out. You’ve got this!
My daughter, I can’t tell you life will be easy. I can’t tell you I will always have the answers and solutions you seek. I can’t even tell you that you will come out unscathed.
What I can promise is far greater….
I can promise I will always be there. I can promise to help you learn from your mistakes and come out wiser and stronger.
I can promise to be your shoulder to cry on and your sounding board…without an ounce of judgment.
I can promise that although these phases feel like they will last forever…they won’t.
I can promise that I will believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself.
I can promise to stand by your side no matter your mistakes.
I can promise to love you, no matter your choices.
And I can promise to always know when and pampering is needed and to be there with the necessary support to make the day better. Remember you aren’t facing this alone. Together we can get through anything.
