A Letter to My Daughter

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Dearest Daughter,

There is so much I would love to share with you; I wish I could create a manual for life…a guide for any and every situation that you will encounter in your life. I wish I could. But I don’t have the power to know all that will come your way and although I will do my best (by the grace of God) to always be there for you, I don’t have the power to make that happen either.

I have had the best mother in the world and even now that I’m a mother, she still is the best mother in the world. She taught me so much and if I have been even a little bit successful as your mother, it is because she did such a good job. Any mistakes I have made are all mine – most likely because I did not take her advice.

I want to share with you a few things she taught me as I grew up. She taught me so much and I can’t put it all down here, but these are all important and I want you to hold them dear to your heart.

1. Remember to say Thank You.

This seems like such a simple thing and it’s easy to dismiss it as not important. But I promise you, my daughter, that this advice is worth your weight in gold. Remember, it is the little things that show a person’s character. Always say thank you when someone does something nice for you. Showing appreciation is one of the best ways you can show that you value someone. Saying ‘thank you’ is also a reminder to yourself to never take anything or anyone for granted. It keeps you from feeling entitled.

 

2. Treat others as you want to be treated.

I have heard that this is the golden rule. One of the many things wrong with the world today – and perhaps the main thing – is that everyone is so selfish and self-centered. We don’t think about the other person and we want everything to go our way. Don’t be like this, my darling daughter. There is no satisfaction in mistreating other people, those who live their lives like that end up lonely and empty. Be kind. Be loyal. Be loving.

 

3. Have lots of self-respect.

Even as I type this, I can almost hear your grandmother’s voice. She was so emphatic about this. She always said to me “Never forget who you are.” “Don’t forget that you are a princess.” And I want to repeat those words to you today, my love. You are beautiful both inside and outside. You are a very special person and God created you in his likeness for a reason. Don’t ever put yourself down for anyone. Anyone who does not appreciate who you are does not deserve to be with you.

 

4. Pick your friends.

Oh, this was another favourite of your grandmother’s. Whether you believe it now or not, the truth is that the people you hang around will define you. So you might not sleep around or drink or go to wild parties, but your thoughts will begin to change. They will softly influence your thoughts to the extent that when you find yourself in a particular situation, you might make decisions you would never have made otherwise. Don’t let anybody pick you as a friend, not unless you want them as friends too. YOU have the right to say NO. Exercise that right even when it comes to friendships; especially when it comes to friendships.

 

5. Listen to your mother.

Haha…that one made me laugh, not to her face of course; I was never so bold. But I did laugh. Thank God I saw the truth and wisdom of that statement early in life. I am your mother and so maybe this should not be coming from me. However, if my mother could say it to me, then I will say it to you also: LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER. I have walked the road you’re walking and in similar shoes too. I have experienced peer pressure; I have fallen in love. I have had my heart broken and yes, I have broken hearts too. When I tell you to turn away from a certain course of action, it’s because I can see ahead of you. I love you and I will never sit by and watch you walk into a pit. Mothers don’t do that. Listen to your mother; I have a good idea of what is good for you.

 

6. Talk to your mother.

Your friends might be your natural confidants, but really what do they know? They are as clueless as you are; some of them are just good at talking smarter than they actually are. If you’re in trouble, come to me. If you are scared, happy, in love, heartbroken, come to me, my baby. My arms ache to hold you and give you comfort – that is what they were made for.

 

7. Love God fiercely and passionately.

Actually, what my mom said to me was that I should use everything in me – my strength, my thoughts, my creativity, my passion, everything – to love God. When you love him, you will want to please him. Because you know how much he loves you, you won’t want to do anything that will hurt him. And you know what? He sees your heart; how much you love and want to please him, and he will help you. He will guide you in the way you should go and keep you from making mistakes that will ruin your life.

 

There is so much more I want to write to you my darling daughter, but I think I’ll stop here for now. If I think of more, I will write again. I want you to know that I love you very much. You are my heart, my princess and the apple of my eyes. I am excited to watch as you grow into a beautiful young woman. God bless you.