Hey y’all, HEYYYY!
It’s Monday and that means, well, it’s time to crank out another week of excellence, obvs.
Today I’m struggling a little with my big mama emotions, though, y’all. My sweet little girl is 4 this month, and I’m absolutely reeling in devastation over how quickly it all happened.
I know, I KNOW, I know. Everyone told me that would happen, but between the diapers and boogers and colicky nights, I might not have put enough stock in what they were saying.
But the truth is that sweet bald baby girl of mine grew up in a flash, and now she’s a smart, kind, and sassy preschooler with a huge appetite for learning and an insatiable love of books, dinosaurs, and pink drinks from Starbucks.
She’s her mama’s child, y’all.
I started a diary/never ending letter to her when she was a newborn, and the memories of those early days that flood into my heart when I look at them are as sharp and poignant as if they were today. I struggled with postpartum anxiety and depression as a new mommy to this sweet angel, and writing to her was therapy for me.
I recently saw a viral post from a mama to a daughter that made its way around the internets, and it inspired me to write something similar for my girl. I wish I could give proper credit to the author for the inspiration, but the versions I found have all been cropped.
Anyway, in honor of my EV, here are some things I hope she holds onto for all of her life:
• When you get hurt (and darling, you will), know that it’s okay to cry. It’s even okay to smash (some) things – but wash your face, clean your mess, and get up off the floor when you’re done. You don’t belong down there.
• Keep your words kind. There is power in your words, to either build or destroy.
• Seek out the people, places, and experiences that resonate in your soul.
• Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
• 5-second rule is totally a thing. It’s just dirt. There are worse things in fast food.
• You are created to be loved by your Savior. You do not, and will not ever need the love of another person to be fulfilled.
• Happiness is not a permanent state. Wholeness is. Don’t confuse these.
• Be vigilant with your safety. Don’t drink if you don’t trust the pourer. Don’t walk through an alley alone. And know that you always have the right to say no.
• Be less sugar, more spice, and only as nice as you’re able to without compromising yourself.
• Can’t is a cop-out.
• Hold your heroes to a high standard. And be your own hero.
• If you can’t smile with your eyes, don’t smile. Insincerity is nothing to aspire to.
• Never lie to yourself.
• Your body, your rules. You always have the right to say no.
• If you have an opinion, state it gracefully. Let your opinions be born of conviction and backed with facts.
• Practice your passions. Talent with no effort is a wasted opportunity.
• Ask for what you want. The worst thing they can say is no.
• Wish on stars and dandelions, then get to work to make them happen.
• Stay as sweet as you are. Never let the world steal your sunshine.
• Fall in love often. Particularly with ideas, art, music, literature, food and far-off places.
• Fall hard and forever in love with Jesus.
• Say Please, Thank You, and Pardon Me whenever the situation warrants it.
• Reserve “I’m sorry” for when you truly are.
• Naps are for grown-ups, too.
• Question everything. Never stop seeking.
• You have enough. You are enough.
• You are amazing! Don’t let anyone ever make you feel you are not. If someone does – walk away. You deserve better.
• No matter where you are, you can always come home.
• Be happy and remember your roots. Family is EVERYTHING.
• Say what you mean and mean what you say.
• No one but Jesus will ever love you more than I do.
• Treat others how you would like them to treat you, not only in words but in actions.
• When you sink into low places in life (and darling, you will), never forget whose daughter you are. Straighten your crown and walk confidently, because you are never forsaken.
Happy four years, sweet girl. Mama loves you forever plus a day.
xoxo, alohilana 