If I Could Write a Letter to Me You...

I've been trying to think about the perfect thing to say to you to as you start this journey. A journey that will take you through the next thirteen years of life.  I've started this letter several times, finding myself deleting paragraphs at a time because it wasn't quite what I wanted to say or how I wanted to say it.  I've highlighted certain words trying to emphasize their importance.  I've repeated myself over and over trying to get my point across. Instead of just writing and letting my letter unfold as it should, I've tried to craft the perfect words to let you know how proud I am of you and what I want you to truly learn as you live each day of your life. 

But, the truth is, what I've been doing to this letter is what I've been doing my whole life: trying to make everything perfect. Honestly, that is the lesson I should be teaching you. And I should probably start by teaching myself in the process. :) Life is not perfect, Lily Kate, but if you make the best of each day that you are given, you will realize that the lessons and memories will unfold in the perfect order. You may not know it at the time, but every person you meet, every encounter you have, every smile from a stranger...it will all change you, Lily Kate. The strangers sitting beside you in your kindergarten class on July 10 will soon become some of your very best friends. You will share secrets, hurt each others feelings, chase each other on the playground, watch each other grow up, and maybe even fall in love...and you will slowly learn that it's not where you are in life...it's who you are with. 

Your new friends will let you down. Forgive them. It will free you and allow you to move past the situation. People will be unkind to your friends for many reasons, but make sure you are there to pick them up. Show them that they are loved and appreciated. Stand up for them. Not everyone will like you or what you stand for, but be you anyway.  It's nice to want to please others, but in the end, you can't forget to please yourself.  Always remember that just because you don't like someone or something it doesn't mean you won't someday change your mind. So, don't speak harshly of others. I hope you never walk away from someone without feeling like you've said all you wanted to say.

You will make mistakes every single day. The mistakes you make will be just that. And you might know within seconds that you've made one, but others might take years to realize. When you do realize it, do something about it. Learn from it. Accept it. Change it if you can. Let go of it, if you can't.  Sometimes, life will give you second chances...take them. Other times you won't be so lucky. Remember that the choices you make today can (and will) affect you for the rest of your life. So make wise ones. Ones you can live with.  Choices that you will make your heart happy. 

My hope for you is that life continues to mold you into an exuberant, humble person.  Don't ever let someone else dull your sparkle and even when it rains, I hope you take your own sunshine wherever you go.  You will be glad you did and so will everyone else around you.  Continue to love others, even when they don't deserve it.  When you feel like you can't possibly go any further, follow your heart first and your head second. Over time you will change, embrace it. You will lose yourself (probably more than once) and will be oh-so-happy in that moment when you look in the mirror and can smile at yourself again.  Love yourself first and foremost. For you will never be able to love another until you do. When you love, do it wholeheartedly. Have compassion for others. Not only will the people you meet change you, but you will change them, as well. Your happy heart will keep them smiling, your generosity will renew their trust in others, and your high expectations will take them by surprise and make them strive to be better people.  I hope others see you as God does - a sinner, born on this Earth for a mighty purpose. A purpose you will continually fulfill every single day. I hope they also see your love for Him.

So, as you start this new chapter at the ripe age of five years old, I hope you never forget these things. Today and always, I hope you embrace each day and try to be the best Lily Kate you can be.  That is all I will ever ask of you. I love you, sweet girl, and am honored to share this journey with an amazing daughter like you.  May your heart always be full and you know that no matter where you go or what you do in this life, I'll be your biggest fan.