I want our little girl to be independent, confident, and wise. I’ve
found this list and tweaked it into a list of things I want her to know as she begins her journey with
us.
1. Enjoy the innocence of your childhood. GROW SLOW.
In a world full of superficial values, peer pressure, and bullying, as well
as a pop culture that pushes materialism and consumerism – you are being
leapfrogged through your childhood. There is a constant pressure for you
to grow up WAY to fast. I mean, when did 5 become the new 10, anyway?
2. Smart is the new cool.
Never be ashamed of being smart or nerdy, having freckles or glasses, or
loving science and math. Smart never goes out of style, it stays with you
as you grow, and it will lead you down the most successful paths.
3. No matter how many times you hear it, “Diamonds are NOT a girl’s best
friend.”
Friends are invaluable. They are trusting and loyal. They stick
with you through good times and bad, happy or sad. Some will come and go,
but your true friends will be with you always.
4. Go for it, get dirty! It’s good for you.
Besides the fact that getting dirty actually does help support your
immunity, it’s also a great way to express creativity! Sculpt, draw, and
stomp. Better yet, go “classic” and make some mud pies. Mommy made some
great ones back in her day.
5. Beat the boys at their own games.
Football, baseball, hockey or golf, never let anyone tell you that you can’t
do something because you’re a girl. So go ahead, build the tallest tower
of legos, kick butt on Xbox, and bust out your light saber.
6. Be spiritual.
Find the desire to understand the universe and your place in it. Take
the time to notice the earth and all of its beauty. Give thanks to God. He has a GOOD plan for you.
7. See the world.
Experience new cultures, religions, people, and places. Open your
heart and mind to the tremendous benefits of studying and visiting domestic and
foreign lands. The world is bigger than
just the city you grew up in, the state you happen to have your driver’s
licensed in.
8. A strong hand shake leaves a lasting impression.
It represents self-confidence and ambition. A strong hand shake and
eye contact exemplifies a mutual respect for one another and is a sign that you
are friendly, trustworthy, and honest.
9. Choose your role models carefully.
Even though you are still little, I’m glad that you don’t know who lady gaga
is. Don’t feel like you have to go gaga over people, things, trends that your
friends are drooling over. For all you know, you’re their role model.
10. Read something everyday.
From the Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss to Junie B Jones, reading is exercise
for your brain. It expands knowledge and vocabulary- and lets your
imagination run wild.
11. When it comes to wearing make-up, there’s a general rule of thumb that
applies – LESS is MORE.
12. When it comes to fashion, shorter does not always equal
better. Fashion trends come and go and not all of it is fabulous.
Half tops and mini skirts are great for an 85 degree day at the beach or
if you’re a Miami Dolphins cheerleader, but not for your high school yearbook
photo or Tuesday’s Geometri’s class.
13. Please, please, please do not allow yourself to become someone else’s
property. Why this is trendy, I will never figure out. If you want
to make a statement about yourself on clothing, at least let it describe an
aspect of who YOU are. This goes with hickies too. Don’t let a guy mark his
territory like a dog. It probably means he is one, and you deserve better.
14. Speaking of trends, I hope that by the time you are allowed to date,
guys don’t wear their pants hanging half way down their ass. I really
feel like this has been pretty popular for quite some time and I am praying
that it finally goes away by 2022. Also, I will flip my lid if you become
this guy’s property!
15. Being an angel should not and does not mean wearing only your bra,
underwear, and a set of wings for everyone to see.
16. Since you’re growing up in the technological age of iPad, iPod, iPhone,
and texting, I have to address the horrendous lack of writing skills being used
by today’s youth. Bottom line, don’t use text lingo in your thesis.
17. Speaking of text lingo, verbal slang is just as unprofessional.
Reminds me of Alicia Silverstone from Clueless. OMG, ROFL, BFF,
TMI, FYI, IDK….As If.
18. Don’t let pop culture define you.
I don’t know why, but today we let pop culture manipulate our youth and it’s
killing them emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. From the early
on fascination with princesses, to the ‘need’ for a boyfriend, be skinny, and
big boobs, popularity, teen moms, and all the other garbage being thrown in
their face – be confident going against the grain.
19. Accept yourself for who you are.
You’re one-of-a-kind and that’s what makes you beautiful. Tall, short,
big, small, blonde, brunette, redhead, white, brown, blue, pink, yellow – we
are all DIFFERENT.
20. Mainstream your health.
It’s life’s greatest asset. A positive approach to health encompasses
physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well being. Healthy
lifestyle choices in your youth will help lay a strong foundation for continued
wellness throughout your adult life. Diet, exercise, stress management,
self motivation, positiveness, and meditation, as well as a number of other
approaches are guaranteed to make a huge impact on your quality of life,
health, and happiness.
21. Have confidence in yourself.
A positive self image assures power, strength, ability, and value. It
will enable you to conquer your goals and allow you to fearlessly pursue your
biggest dreams.
22. Be a sister. Be a friend. Be a protector. Speak up for those you can’t,
won’t or should.
23. Love with all your heart.
For where there is love there is life. Love is universal and felt by
all living things. So strong is the feeling of love that it is said it
makes the world go round.
24. Never be afraid to laugh at your self.
Laughter is humbling. It inspires and motivates.
25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home. We will be here –
always.
