She’ll be fun, smart, and beautiful. She’ll help others and strive to be the best person she can be. She will be my very best friend, and I will hopefully be hers. If I could tell my daughter a few things, they would be this:
Go to that party in the middle of the week, but don’t drink too much. If you do drink too much, call me, not your ex. Your 8am tomorrow will be awful, but it's worth it just once. Don’t embarrass yourself. Have fun, but don’t be THAT GIRL.
Take the time to journal. You’ll always have an outlet, and an easy place to keep your memories written down.
Have girl-friends. Not the catty ones, the real ones. The ones that stay up talking to you till 5am so you don't fall asleep while driving. Yeah the boys are fun, but this is so important. You’ll also need the girls to tell tell them everything you don’t want to tell me.
Study hard. I know it stinks when all your friends seem to never have homework, but a little time each day on studies will get you so far. It took me till my sophomore year in college to figure this one out, but please study a little every day. It goes a long way.
Always send handwritten letters and “thank you” notes. This gesture is so small, but so appreciated by the receiving person. Take the time to show you care. Besides, stationary is so cute!
Be humble. Humble yourself no matter how amazing you are.
Talk to old people…And listen to what they say. They come from a different time and are so wise. Always have respect for them and absorb what they teach you.
Fall in love. Yeah, he will probably break your heart, but the feeling of love outweighs that pain so much more. This will develop you into the woman God wants you to be for your husband. Don’t worry, you’ll know he’s the one when he comes along, but for now, love with your whole heart and hold nothing back.
Play a sport. This will teach you how to take personal responsibility, build others up, work with others, and teach you to be tough.
Look up from your phone. Eventually your eyes will hurt. Looking at your phone, you’ll miss so much. Turn the thing off for a bit and enjoy life.
Surround yourself with those who build you up. You’re amazing, and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. If they cant see how wonderful you are, stop surrounding yourself with them.
Hunt. I promise the guys will love this.
Get involved in as much as you can. It makes you feel good to serve, give back, and be apart of something greater than yourself.
Love your family. We will always be here for you. Bad days, good days, ugly days, and every day. Let your family know how much you love them.
Know how to get dirty, but also be able to clean up. Mud is fun. So is outdoors, exercise, and keeping up with the guys. Just remember to still paint your toes and wear nice dresses.
Be thankful. For everything.
Don’t smoke. Anything. Ever. Smoking is so unattractive and nasty. You’ll get wrinkles and smell. Don’t even try it just once.
Listen to your mom. I know you think you know everything because I was there too. You don’t, and that’s okay. Take my advice, and know ill always be here for you.
Read your bible. Everyday. God is so so so good. There is so much wisdom in His word, and this will help you tremendously. Grow close with him, and don’t ever let anyone come between your relationship with God.
Love your daddy. He loves you so much more than you know, he’s just a guy, and guys stink at showing emotion. You’ll always be his little girl, so don’t grow distant towards him when you start wanting to date and he doesn’t approve. Hug him often.
Use your manners. Yes mam, no sir. Always. Even if the people from up north tell you not to, you better still do it. Its respectful and people will admire you for this.
Find something you’re passionate about, and embrace it. Take time to support what you’re passionate about, no matter what it is. Don’t go through life without having a passion. Find it, and know I will be there supporting you no matter what.
You’re going to get mad at me and hate me. That’s okay. I know you don’t mean it. Know that this will break my heart, but its probably me being “the worst mom ever” for your own good.
Get in the sun, but stay out of the tanning bed. Natural skin is beautiful. Being outside loving the water, sun, and nature will give your skin all it needs. The tanning bed will just give you cancer.
You’re going to do stuff you’re not proud of, but that’s okay, God forgives. Not everyone needs to know what it is you’re not proud of, just know that your past is not your future.
Don’t smack your food. I will probably smack you if you do this. It's gross and rude.
Don’t be mean. Just don’t. Be the girl who takes the broken or weird kids under her wing. Sit with them at lunch and show them that you are someone who cares. Don’t ever pick on someone, no matter how different from you they are, because you are NOT perfect.
Run for homecoming queen. Even if you don’t stand a chance, just do it.
Laugh often. This is such a beautiful quality that many girls don’t posses. Smile at strangers and laugh at bad jokes. You’re more beautiful the more you smile.
Get a job. You’ll have your own side money and have a more independent feeling.
Take lots of pictures. One day you will look back and be so glad you did. Just don’t take so many that you cant enjoy the moment.
Don’t be lazy. Always work hard, even when nobody is watching. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Besides, nobody likes a lazy person.
Live every day like it's your last. I know, this is cliché, but life is short. Don’t take anything for granted and enjoy every moment. Smile often and always help others.
You’re a mini me. I’ll always love you, support you, and encourage you. Yeah, there will be ups and downs, but you’ll make me so proud to be your mom, and I will love every second I spend with you.
