Things My Daughter Should Know...

My Sweet Baby Girl There is so much about life you need to know. Just in case I'm not around to tell you when you need to be told, I am going to write it down. This isn't everything, but it's a start.

It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, at some point your life will get tough. It's okay though. With the right attitude, a full heart, and a strong mind, you will find your way through any situation.
Please remember to be kind to those whose paths you cross. Everyone is on their own journey. If you are able, help them find their way.
Make sure to work hard, fight hard, and play hard. The rewards you will reap are priceless.
Those big dreams can be reality. You just have to work for them and never give up.
Find something to be thankful for each and every day.

It's alright if you fall down, lose a fight, or struggle through something important. Without failures and hardships you will never find strength.
SMILE. A simple smile can make a difference for someone. A smile can change your attitude. A smile can change the path of every day.
Be true to yourself. Don't let judgement by others change your path or impact your destination.
No matter what someone says, you can't always *choose* happiness. That's okay. There is nothing wrong with shedding emotion. Anger, depression, bitterness, resentment, sadness, and heartbreak are all part of life. take the time to experience every emotion. Without really experiencing all emotions, you will never know empathy. Just don't let any negativity take over and swallow you whole.
Live a life you'd be proud to tell your grandchildren about. Make everyday a story worth telling. Get in trouble, invent silly games, sing karaoke on a first date, take impromptu trips, learn new things. Don't hold yourself back.
Tell jokes. Learn to take jokes. Laugh loudly.
Make memories. Take pictures. Make silly faces.
Play dress up. Try on fun clothes and wear silly glasses

Know that you will have different values, moral standards, and beliefs than others, BUT you can still be their best friend.
Understand history. Learn from it. Get active in politics. Vote. You hold the key to your children's future.
Splurge once in a while. There is no point in having a life if you don't take the time to live it.
Call your parents at least once a week. Talk to your grandparents while you still have them. Time passes too quickly.
Share your time generously. Especially to those in need, but remember to save some of that time for yourself.

Pick your friends wisely. Don't let anyone use you. Make sure the friendship goes both ways. Remember, you can only go one way for so long before that road eventually comes to an end.

You're never too old to splash in mud puddles, build a sand castle, go down the twisty slide, swing as high as you can, and then see how far you can jump off, color with crayons, play Go Fish and Candy Land, or to flag down the ice cream man for a Bomb Pop, or even to stand on your head.

Yell out the answers while watching Wheel of Fortune. Who cares how mad someone gets. It's not your fault you are great at puzzles!
Yell at your TV during baseball season! Jump out of your chair when your team makes a touchdown during football season. Go to a game and really experience the excitement.

Build something with your hands. Even if it comes out crooked, at least you know you did it.
Ask for directions.
Do something that scares you.

Get lost on purpose once in a while. You never know what adventure may await down an unknown path.
Learn to change a tire.
Learn to handle a gun.

Bake something from scratch once a week.
Learn how to cook one dish that will amaze a crowd. Never give up that recipe.

Find a book worth reading over and over again.
Take trips with friends. Make some new ones while you're there

The perfect shade of lipstick, and a cute pair of heels should be owned by every women.

Most importantly,
Love unconditionally, and forgive graciously. Live a life worth remembering and sharing. You are perfect and I love you.