To my future children:

The world is a scary place and bad things do happen, but don’t ever let that stop you from seeing all it has to offer.

Never undervalue your education.

Always tell the people in your life how much you appreciate and love them. Life is short and this is so important.

There are bad people out there. Do your best to be one of the good ones.

Try your best not to hold a grudge. I hope that this is something you can get from your father, because it is not my strong suit. I try though.

Be honest. The truth hurts, but it needs to be heard.

Be you. I am messy and loud and overbearing and I drive too fast and I love to argue and I fight for people who don’t deserve a single ounce of my love. But I’m me. You get the bad, but there is so much good to counteract it. As I grew up I learned not to let anyone change who I am. That’s something I wish I’d always known.

People may be different than you, but they are never less than you. Each person offers a unique quality to this world, no matter how small.

Explore. Travel. Learn and appreciate culture and history.

Enjoy your company. Talk and discuss life. Some of my favorite moments are sitting on the boat, just floating and talking about life and everything that it means.

Play sports. Play them all. Try each one. Stick with the ones you love. But don’t forget to see the importance in other things like music, writing, or art. They create endless character and help you see all types of perspectives.

Make the greatest friends. People you’d be proud to have as friends. And always remember, ‘Quality over Quantity.’

Hang out with your grandparents. They are more fun than you could ever imagine. (You may not believe me, but I’m sure I can find some videos to prove it.)

Always look out into the horizon. Value nature. Always remember how big this world is and let it keep you humble.

Give back. Typical, I know. But simple stuff is all I’m asking. Donate. Help someone in need. Leave a generous tip or tip someone that doesn’t always get tips. I don’t care; just do something nice for someone else. I promise is extremely appreciated.

It’s OK to not know what you want to do or what you want out of life. There’s a path for everyone and you’ll find it when you are meant to. Explore all your options.

Be best friends with your siblings. Your aunt is my greatest friend in this world. We’ve had some fights that you’d never believe (ask her about the time she got this Hulk strength out of nowhere and shoved me and the fridge across the room…or the time I tied her baby-doll to the back of my bicycle. Seriously, try not to act like us. Please). The point is though, we have had some of the best times together.

Try to find the good in every situation. It may not be ideal, but there is a purpose.

Celebrate any and everything. There is always cause to celebrate. Life itself is a reason to celebrate.

Spread an immense amount of love in the world.

Apologize for your wrongs. Everyone knows when they are wrong, the problem comes when admitting it. Don’t ignore it or force someone to tell you what you did wrong. Own up to it, apologize, and move on.

Always wake up grateful. You are blessed with another day.

To my possible daughter(s):

Be independent. Be so unbelievably independent. As your mother, this is one of the two qualities that I will pray everyday for you to have. (The second is just below this one.)

Stand up for yourself and all your worth. If I ever preach anything to you in life, this is going to be it. Don’t ever let anyone walk all over you. People should know your opinions matter and deserve to be heard. Shout your truth from the roof. And when people are wrong or aren’t respecting you, you stand up for yourself with all your being. Let everyone know you aren’t a force to be reckoned with.

Don’t ever let a boy change your opinion of yourself. You are so valuable in this world. Be with someone who is not changing you, but watches you grow into the wonderful woman you will become.

To my possible son(s):

Be just like your father. I wouldn’t let you have a father that isn’t someone I would want you to learn your morals and values from. (Hint, hint: Always pay attention to how he treats your grandmother and myself.)

Don’t ever let a girl change your opinion of yourself. You are valuable in this world. Be with someone who is not changing you, but watches you grow into the wonderful gentleman you will become. (I’m aware, I said this above, but girls and boys have the same struggles, boys just don’t voice theirs as much as girls….Sorry, that’s an unfortunate stigma. Hopefully is has changed by the time you read this.)

And in a final note, be happy and Hakuna Matata. It means no worries.