Dear Future Child,
Although at this moment in time, I do not plan on having you for a very long time, I already love you so much. I want to give you some advice. Live big, proud and happy. When you don’t have what you want, want what you have. Feel good, and do good. Break rules. Do not spend time in front of the mirror. Instead, let go of stereotypes and preconceived notions and free yourself. You are beautiful and never forget that. Be kind to your body. Embrace it. Love it. Learn that your body is strong, but your mind is even stronger. Stand your ground. Do not be afraid to hold tight to your values. Find the balance between humility and confidence. Remember, compassion over hate always wins. Give.
True kindness lies within giving without the expectation of something in return. Put yourself out there. Be a voice, not an echo. You are confined only by the walls you build yourself. Excuses will always be there. Nothing worth having comes easy. Ignore the haters. Instead, let them see you boldly and lovingly embrace your imperfections. Let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile. Be weird and random. Be real. Be who you are, you never know who would love the person you hide. Besides, be yourself because everyone else is taken. Too many days are wasted comparing ourselves to others. It’s only when you accept everything that you are --and aren’t-- that you will truly succeed. It’s not about being the best. It’s about being better than you were yesterday. Dream and then dream bigger. If your dreams don’t scare you they are not big enough. Some opportunities only come once – seize it. Surprise yourself. Let your mind wander among the stars. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. What defines us is how well we rise after falling. The next rock in your path may be a stepping stone.
Unfortunately, the elevator to success is permanently broken and you have to take the stairs. There are no shortcuts. Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and think of what could go right. A certain darkness is needed to see the stars. The best way out is through. It’s not whether you win or lose. And my favorite: Fall in love with yourself first. Only then can you share the best parts of yourself with the world around you. Make peace with who you are and where you are at this point in time. How others see you is not important, how you see yourself means everything. When you see someone without a smile, give them yours. Open your mouth if only what you are going to say is more beautiful than silence. Live in such a way that if someone spoke badly of you, no one would believe it. As you grow older you will realize why you have two hands – one for helping yourself, and one for helping others. One kind word can change someone’s entire day. Be the change.
Find your passion and pour your soul into it. Do what you love and do it often. Passion first, always. Do not take anything for granted, especially time. Say things while you have the opportunity. Live without regrets. If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. The trick to life is to enjoy it. Every single moment. When they say time flies, they mean it. Don’t wish away your days waiting for better ones ahead. Life is too short to really experience it. Be present. Disconnect to connect. Spend more time being, not doing. Make moments into memories. This is your life. Live it with all you have.
You are here for a reason. Your dreams can change lives. Every person has the power to make a difference. Believe in fairy tales, wish upon stars and write your own happy ending. I will always be here to get you through it all. I can’t promise I will always do and say the right things, but I will try. Just always know that I will be proud of you no matter what. Know that my love for you will never be able to be put into words. You are a miracle.
Love you,
Mom
