In case it is not painfully obvious by now, I will point it out… I like to share my pseudo wisdom. My niece graciously accepted a handwritten notebook of advice for her high school graduation. Most of my “advice” comes from an aging woman and is directed toward mostly women, but specifically my two intelligent, talented, beautiful daughters. Even though we live in the same place, our views are worlds apart. I will make a deal with you… if you promise to read this, you don’t have to tell me. Deal?
Even though there is a subconscious and dreaded countdown calendar in my head of how much longer you live here permanently, you are currently still here and so much I want you to know. Your experiences will be different than mine, but hopefully some of my rambling drivel will be useful.
- You are enough. Do not change who you are or what you believe for anyone.
- Do not be afraid to speak up. If you have a passion or conviction, share it.
- Your gender does not exclude you from anything… Well except maybe male dancer.
- Respect the battles that were fought to get you where you are.
- Your education and the ability to care for yourself is essential. Do not let anything stand in your way.
- Tell people “no” when necessary.
- You do not have a bigger fan than your mother.
- Take the time to listen to the story you’ve heard a million times before.
- Learn to relax.
- Mistakes will help you succeed farther than doing it perfect the first time.
- Do not, NOT speak softer, sugarcoat, apologize, or back down because you are female.
- Likewise, the world owes you nothing for being a woman. Do not walk around with a chip on shoulder. Know what you know and speak well to explain it.
- Be silly.
- Your body. Your rules. I don’t care if you walk down the street naked. No means no.
- Don’t walk down the street naked.
- Respect everyone.
- Listen to every idea. Just because a person does not have a series of letters behind their name does not mean they aren’t as smart as you.
- Find the good in the world. If you cannot find the good, be the good.
- Smile.
- Dance in the rain at least once.
- As long as your parents are alive, you can go home again.
- Be kind to your siblings. They are truly the only ones that know how you think. They were exposed to the same weirdness you were.
- Laugh often. The world can be a dark, cold place. Laughing provides light for you and for others.
- Always wear your seatbelt. I learned this one the hard way.
- Sometimes, momma and daddy do know best.
- Be stubborn when needed.
- Don’t be so stubborn all the time.
- Life can be contradictory. Learn to realize that.
- Your voice matters.
- You are beautiful.
- Be nice to your mom. You will always be her little girl and she loves you more than life itself.
- Sometimes the cheap mascara works just as good.
- You will have to one day admit your mom was at least goofy, if not down right hilarious.
- Live everyday to the fullest.
- Let your life be your story. Do not write it for someone else.
- Do not let the fear of failure stop you from doing anything. Not starting will result in failure 100% of the time.
- Being rough around the edges is not a flaw. The quiet and demure rarely make history.
- There will be a day when you open your mouth and your mother will come flying out. This maybe disturbing at first, but just go with it. With enough luck you too will have your own blog that dozens, a dozen, ok 5 people will read.
- It’s your life. Live it on your terms, but do realize, you do not have to reinvent the wheel. You are from a long line of strong women. You are fighters and survivors and I have no doubt the world is a better place with your influence.
- Kick ass everyday and never apologize for it.
Well that is it for today’s ramblings. Have a great weekend.
