A letter to my daughters

Things I want my daughters to know:

Plan for the future but enjoy each day and live it for all its worth.

High school is nothing like the real world. Sure, there are always going to be "popular" people, but in reality, you all get thrown to the sharks. The trick is not to know how to BE a shark or to avoid being eaten by a shark but to know how to swim with them

Be yourself. Who cares about what everyone else is doing. Be who makes you happy.

Take your education seriously. I don't mean for you not to have any fun, but how you do in high school counts. If you intend to go on to higher education, be prepared. Make them WANT you.

Don't let the boys get you down. If a boy can't appreciate who you are and value you as a human being, show him the door.

Stand tall and proud. Look people in the eye. Make them remember you.

Explore everything. Try acting and dancing and sports and school clubs. Listen to opera and swing music. Read biographies and historical fiction and classics. This is how you find your niche.

Keep a journal. You don't ever have to read it but it's therapeutic to write stuff down. Your hopes and dreams and fears and frustrations. Write it down and walk away. It's the journal's problem now.

Keep your friends close. While it's important to have a wide circle of people you are friendly with, it's even more important to have a tiny circle of people you are friends with. These are your "people". Keep them close.

If you don't know "who you are", don't worry. Your purpose will reveal itself with time. And when it does, you are going to change the world.

Don't be afraid to look foolish or to make mistakes...this is how we learn.

Drama bullshit is just that. Bullshit. That's all I have to say about that.

Rock your own style. Set your own trends. You are not a sheep.

Put your family first. Your family will be the ones cheering you on, wiping your tears, tending your wounds. Your family is in your corner, watching your back. We can't fight your battles for you, but you can be damn sure we can be your war council.

Smile. Smile often and without abandon. Not only is it good for you, it makes people wonder what you're up to.

Learn how to say no. Being the "Go To Girl" isn't a bad thing but people can and will suck you dry. Learn your limits and stick to them.

Look for the beauty in people, chances are you'll find it. If you can't find beauty, walk away. Don't let someone else's ugliness drag you down.

Be self reliant. Know how to take care of your car and use power tools. Be financially savvy and business smart.

Be responsible for your actions. Don't pass the buck.

Make people want to model your work ethic. Work quickly, efficiently and with the highest quality possible.

Respect yourself and others.

Never, ever give up.

And most important...Always remember that you are loved.