A Letter To My Daughter

Dear Maddy,

You'll find out some day that I'm a fairly sappy person. I cry at movies that make me sad, or happy. I find myself so wrapped up in the love stories I read that I believe they have to be real. It is because of this trait that I decided to make a play list on my iPod of songs just for you. I hope it is just the start of the soundtrack to your life. Most of them so far are songs about daughters, or children, but the rest are about living life to it's fullest, and love. I was listening to your soundtrack on the way home from work and was inspired to write this by "I Hope You Dance". So I bring to you a little wisdom to live your life by.

*Never pass up the opportunity to help someone less fortunate than yourself out. Do not do it to make yourself look better though, no, do it out of the kindness in your heart. Volunteer. Donate money to a worthy charity. Do something to give back for all that you have been given in life.

*Someday you will have your heart broken, it is an inevitable fact of life. Someday you may also break hearts too. I cannot tell you which hurts more, watching someone who you love deeply leave you, or leaving someone who loves you more than life itself. Just know that life always goes on, eventually your heart will heal, and you will find an even deeper love out there waiting for you.

*Don't take for granted the beauty of the place where we live. On a sunny day admire the mountains, their grand majesty and snow covered peaks, the fact that no matter where you turn there they are. Notice how the sun breaks through the clouds on a rainy day and the whole world glitters in its light. Take it all in, and enjoy its peacefulness.

*Every day is a new day. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to, and just because you didn't do it the day before doesn't mean you have to give up. Try again. The only thing that can hold you back is you.

*Never regret anything. Everything you have done in life has made you who you are. You may do things that you are ashamed of, but learn from it. Grow from it. Remember, never forget it, and move on.

*What you do defines who you are. Your actions will speak louder than the words that come from your lips.

*Don't say anything about someone when they are not around that you wouldn't say to their face.

*Beauty is only skin deep. You may be beautiful on the outside, but what really matters is the beauty hidden in your heart.

*Do not stay with a person who doesn't treat you right. You deserve respect. You deserve to be loved. You deserve to be happy. But remember little one, whoever you love deserves those things just as much. A relationship is a partnership, each of you should be just as important to one another.

*Love openly and freely, but do not fall in love too fast. Know the difference between love and lust.

*I'm going to tell you something a wise woman once told me; you are my daughter and I have to love you, but I don't always have to like you. You are going to do things someday that I probably won't like that much, but just because I don't like what you've done doesn't mean I don't love you. I will always love you.

*Treat every animal on this earth with the love and kindness you would a fellow human. Love your pets like they are a part of your family, because they are.

*Don't underestimate the power of the following words: Please, Thank You, Excuse Me Please. It is important to be polite and remember your manners.

*Another important word: No. I've learned the hard way that you can't let people take advantage of you. If you never say no they are going to walk all over you. Learn what your limits are, and when to politely decline.

*Shoes can make or break an outfit. No matter what your dad says, a girl can't have too many shoes.

So my little one, I hope that you'll use this advice in your life. I hope that as the years go by I'll be able to help you turn into the best person you can be.

When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.

Love,

Your Mom