May you always know who you are. This messy, beautiful, complicated world of ours will fill your mind with all kinds of questions, choices, options, distractions and opportunities, and not all of them will speak to your soul. In moments of confusion or uncertainty, remember who you are and what you value most, and everything will become clear.
May you never forget that you are strong, brave and wise, and that the answers to all of your questions can be found within your own heart.
May you remember to stop what you're doing every now and then in order to listen to the rain, watch a snail go by and take a slow, deep breath. As you learn more about yourself and the world, you will be inspired to reach, build, expand and create; as you take these journeys towards making your dreams real, remember to savor the details of every tiny, precious step.
May you never lose sight of how fleeting "final destinations" are - that your most solid sense of joy and wholeness will come from loving yourself, living with integrity, releasing expectations and accepting what is. It will not come from an Oscar, a best-selling novel or a check with a lot of zeros.
May you never doubt how deeply loved you are. When a boy breaks your heart and a friend betrays you, know this: It is not about you, and it does not take anything away from how deserving you are of the most expansive, magnificent love in the world.
May you always recognize how beautiful you are inside and out, and that this beauty will continue to evolve and expand as you make your way in the world with your arms outstretched and your heart wide open.
this is the kind of wisdom i so wish had been given to me when i was a girl.
but it wasn't
so i shall give it to myself now.
you are such a treasure.
x
Posted by: leonie | April 15, 2010 at 04:31 AM
What incredibly wise words. Things we all need to remember about ourselves. How beautiful of you to tell this darling girl these things.
Posted by: Jennifer | April 13, 2010 at 06:27 PM
lovely, wise words. thank you!
Posted by: amy | April 13, 2010 at 04:53 PM
Beautifully said. I hope this world is able to accept, understand, and appreciate everything my daughter will give to it. She makes me proud...and I, in turn, push myself to be a better Father. Thanks Christine.
Posted by: Sebastian | April 13, 2010 at 03:01 PM
so very lovely! these are words for every girl: big and little.
Posted by: Shelley | April 13, 2010 at 09:36 AM
Wise words and she IS a beautiful girl! xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | April 13, 2010 at 08:14 AM
this is a blessing to read before i start my day. you have such a beautiful heart!!!
BIG hugs and smiles~ jill
p.s. i wish i had read this when i was growing up
Posted by: Jill nalette | April 13, 2010 at 04:44 AM
Yes! Printing this off to share with both of my beautiful girls. Thanks Christine! You are my guru. xo
Posted by: gillian | April 12, 2010 at 06:28 PM