My entire life, people have told me that I look just like my dad. They always said, "You have the same smile."

As I'm getting older, I'm seeing more similarities between my dad and me. It's not just the slope of my nose, or the way my upper lip curls when I smile.

I look like my dad when I'm completely focused and determined to do my best.

I look like my dad when I can be honest about my feelings.

I look like my dad when I tell somebody that I love them, and I mean it wholeheartedly.

I look like my dad when I'm brave enough to do something that scares me.

I look like my dad when I'm feeling proud of all the work I've done.

When I am filled with joy, and I'm laughing, and I have sparkles in my eyes, I look like my dad.

When the sun is on my skin, and I'm squinting to see what's beyond me, I look just like him.

When the wind brushes my hair back and my cheeks look full and my lips are pink, we are unmistakably identical.

But even when I don't look like him, I see my dad in me. I'm full of compassion and empathy. I'm sensitive, but bold.

The most important thing my dad has taught me has been to always work on myself. No matter where you are in life, you can always strive to be a better person. You have all the power to change what you want to.

I'm always working super hard on myself. I want to live a life where I can step back and think, "Wow, it was all worth it."

My dad lives this lifestyle. He didn't have it easy. He worked hard and learned lessons. He made mistakes and grew from them.

My dad always says, "I know I'm not the perfect father," and I always stop him and pleaded that he has been the best dad a girl could ask for.

But he's right, he isn't perfect. But that's what I love most about him. He isn't perfect, and he's working on it. He isn't perfect, and he knows it.

I have grown with my dad. There are times when we don't understand each other. Sometimes we hurt each other's feelings. We never spend too much time in these moments. They always end in apologies and hugs, and we move forward with new perspectives.

I have to thank my dad for the moment I'm in right now. I have never felt more fulfilled. It took a lot to get me here. It has not been a smooth ride. In the past year I've felt the most pain in my life, but I've also experienced some of the best things life has to offer. Acceptance, peace, self-awareness.

I think my dad has a general idea of what he has done for me, but it's so much more. He will never understand my gratitude. I'm not even sure if I can put it into words.

I am my truest self today, with the help of my dad, who taught me not to run from reality. Embrace every situation, because it's your truth. It's your opportunity.

Thank you, dad. I love that I see you in me, and I also see me in you.

I am so blessed that in the moments that I am my happiest, and my smile is true, I look like you.