A Letter To My Daughter

As I watch you sleep, so peaceful in your dreams, my heart melts. I stare at your little angel lips, your precious body, your belly moving soundly up and down. I lay softly on your chest as to not awaken you, and listen as you breathe in and out. I am in utter awe of you. Truth be told, you are everything I wish I could be. And so much more.

When you came into this world, our lives were forever changed. The doctor said it best: "You suck the oxygen out of the room, out of everyone around you!" She meant that in only the best way, and in only the way that everyone that knows you can understand: you are infectious. Your joy and zest and love for life are ever-abounding. You grab the attention of all those that surround you. It is your world and we live in it. We are all just mesmerized by you!

And it's this concept that I can only hope and pray that you never cease to own as you continue to grow. From the time you entered preschool, you held your ground. Kind, always, but firm. You would always share your toys, but you never let anyone take advantage of you. You knew when to say, "no!". 

Sadly, you will encounter far too many people in this world that will try to take far more from you than they should...with and without asking. My darling girl, please, please stand strong and hold your ground. You must know that you owe no one anything. You have every right to say "no" when things don't feel right, and say "yes" when they do...but only when things feel right to you. I beg you to never let people convince you otherwise, to hold steadfast to your convictions, to stand strong for what you believe in.

You are my petite little angel. You compensate with a loud, proud voice. This, you get from your Mama. You're welcome:). Never, ever be silenced! Your voice matters! What you think, what you feel, what you have to say...it all matters! You matter!!! Speak with intention. Be clear. Be firm. Be focused. But never, ever be silenced. Unless, of course, silence is the only answer.

You are my beauty. Your body is precious. You are a magnificent wonder. Do not take this for granted. Do not take your body for granted. Treat it well. Do not let people abuse it...or you. People...men, mainly, will tell you they love you so they can take advantage of your body. Do not be fooled. You are smart. Smarter than this. You know that you deserve the absolute best in life. Only a real man will never lie to you. A real man will love you for you, not for what he can get from you! Treat your body well. Treat yourself well. You deserve this!

My sweet baby girl (and yes, no matter how old you get, you will always be my baby!), you will meet many people in this short life. Some good, some bad, some indifferent. Some will be jealous of you & try to make you feel bad about yourself because they are insecure about their own selves. And some will be great, and will inspire you to go higher and farther in life. Hold strong to these great people...you will need them! Regardless of who you meet, remember this: always be you, always be true to yourself. There is no one else like you. You are unique, one of a kind. You have a light like no other. Your energy, kindness and love is so beautiful...never lose sight of that!

You will encounter many challenges in life. They will be hard times that may seem difficult and sad and you won't know why you're going through them. The why isn't important. What's important is that you stay strong always and never, ever give up!

You are so much more than a pretty face. You are talented. You are funny. You are smart. You are so much more than I could ever dream of and hope for. I want to be just like you. You inspire me to be the best me I can be! I love you more than the Universe has stars & planets. You make me so proud just to know you. To say that you are my daughter...well, I am the luckiest, most blessed Mommy ever.