Remember that book when you were younger? The insightful information a father wrote for his son? I often think of the things I want to tell my daughters. The list is long and will never really be complete. Here are my random thoughts and feelings . . . my instruction book for my “girlie” gifts from God.
Participate in an athletic race at least once in your life. It makes you feel like an athlete and teaches you discipline.
In high school and college, don’t ignore the quiet guys not necessarily a part of the “in crowd”. They usually turn into confident, successful men who are perfect fathers and providers.
It is better to live your entire life on the edge than to have peaked . . . it is only down from there.
Don’t peak in high school. High School is a hiccup in life and there is so much more out there.
Travel, even if you are afraid of flying, travel. The world is so amazing.
Learn at least two funny and perfectly timed jokes.
When you meet someone for the first time, talk about their favorite subject . . . them. Nothing breaks the ice like being interested in someone else.
Don’t dress too trendy.
Don’t try to keep up with the Jones. They usually suck.
Get your heartbroken at least once so you know how it feels. Break as many as you want until you find the man you are going to marry,
Go to Europe in college when you can’t afford anything. Go back when you can.
Become passionate about whatever YOU want in life, not what your friends or your parents want.
Ignore mean girls. Karma is a bitch.
There will be a time when you hate me. There will never be a time when I don’t love you.
Learn to make your Great Grandmother’s Chicken and Rice, your Grammie’s French Silk Pie and your Mimi’s Linguini and Clam Sauce. Teach your husband the art of “take-out” at least once a weekend.
Treat your husband like your boyfriend. When you need to spice it up, treat him like an affair.
Celebrate everything. Go big or go home.
Don’t get married over any SEC Football weekend.
Sing your children “Amazing Grace” when you put them to bed.
Learn to pay impeccable compliments.
Practice yoga. It will change your life.
Try to limit the photos of you holding a cocktail and NEVER take a photo holding a cigarette (and never smoke).
If you get a tattoo in high school you are paying for college yourself. If you get a tattoo in college make sure you are 21 years old, sober and absolutely committed to having that image on your body until you are 95 (which is about the age I will forgive you for tampering with the perfect body God gave you).
Don’t walk and chew gum. Ever.
Don’t lick your fingers at a meal. Ever.
Learn to write the perfect thank you note.
Look people in the eye when you talk to them.
Love yourself. It takes a long time to learn to do this gracefully. Work at it hourly.
Admire other people, don’t be jealous of them.
Learn to appreciate good music. Simon and Garfunkel, Jim Croce, The Beatles, Van Morrison are good starts.
Birds of a Feather Flock Together. Make amazing friends. They can be closer to you than your family.
It is okay to “let go” and not stress about everything in life. Dull woman have tidy gardens.
Your 20’s will be better than your teens. Your 30’s will be better than your 20’s and your preteen years will be horrific.
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Life is one funny, big, hot mess.
Don’t put that stuff on Facebook.
Eat clean. Your body is your instrument.
Give back.
Make everyone’s day better. Be creative in how you do so.
Pamper your kids teachers. They have an impossible job.
Honor Thy Mother and Father.
