25 Things I Want My Daughter to Know

Dear Lennon,
Here is a list of 25 things I want you to know. Read them and hopefully someday you can pass them along to your daughter.

1. Enjoy the innocence of your childhood.

In a world full of superficial values, peer pressure, and bullying, as well as a pop culture that pushes materialism and consumerism – you are being leapfrogged through your childhood. There is a constant pressure for you to grow up way too fast. I mean, when did 5 become the new 10, anyway?
Grow slowly. Enjoy life... It really is too short.

2. Smart is the new cool.

Never be ashamed of being smart or nerdy, having freckles or glasses, or loving science and math. Smart never goes out of style, it stays with you as you grow, and it will lead you down the most successful paths. Become a lawyer, a doctor, or a scientist. Don't worry about being the head cheerleader and dating the captain of the football team, that will only get you so far in life.

3. No matter how many times you hear it, “Diamonds are NOT a girl’s best friend.”

Friends are irreplaceable. They are trusting and loyal. They stick with you through good times and bad, happy or sad. Some will come and go, but your true friends will be with you always. Always tell your best friends how much they mean to you... Meghan, my best friend in the world passed away suddenly and I never got the chance to tell her how much she meant to me, inspired me, supported me, and helped mold me into the woman I am today. Take the moments you have now to tell your best friend how much they mean to you - it's worth it.

4. Go for it, get dirty! It’s good for you.

Besides the fact that getting dirty actually does help support your immunity, it’s also a great way to express creativity! Sculpt, draw, and stomp. Better yet, go “classic” and make some mud pies. I will always support your creativity, and different ways of expressing yourself. I will hang your art work in our home and display it proudly! Be who you want to be, and what better way to show who you are than a little art?

5. Be proud to "Throw like a Girl"

Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something because you're a girl!! Play football with the guys, build Lego towers, make a fort in the living room and pretend you're a pirate! Mommy & Daddy will make you the toughest girl alive. You will learn how to kick some butt when you have to! Be a tough girl, and be proud of it. I will regret saying this but when someone tells you "you throw like a girl", throw a punch and see how they like it when you "throw like a girl"

6. Be spiritual & Give thanks.

Find the desire to understand the universe and your place in it. Take the time to notice the earth and all of its beauty. Take the extra time to smell the fresh cut grass, steal some flowers on your way home from school and lay in the grass to stare at the stars. I loved doing that when I was little... I miss those times. And always remember to give thanks to God. He created this world for us, gave us a beautiful baby girl and now it's your turn to thank Him for all he has done.

7. See the world.

Experience new cultures, religions, people, and places. Open your heart and mind to the tremendous wonders of the world. Explore new places, fulfill your dreams.

One of my dreams was always to live in NYC in a high rise apartment overlooking the city lights. When I was 21 I went to live in DC with your daddy and ended up moving back two months later. Truth is, I was scared to leave this small town. I was scared to leave my family, friends and everything I had ever known. A big city is intimidating, and unknown. The unknown is terrifying. I didnt fulfill my dream of NYC and the lights but I did experience moving away, and living in a big city and it wasn't for me. But if you don't try you will never know!

8. A strong hand shake leaves a lasting impression.

It represents self-confidence and ambition. A strong hand shake and eye contact exemplifies a mutual respect for one another and is a sign that you are friendly, trustworthy, and honest. Always leave a lasting impression - and not a bad one!

9. Choose your role models carefully.

Even though you are only 1 month old, I am so glad that right now you have absolutely no idea who Lady Gaga is!!

10. Read something everyday.

From the Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss to Junie B Jones, reading is exercise for your brain. It expands knowledge and vocabulary- and lets your imagination run wild. Just please don't let it be Fifty Shades of Grey!

11. When it comes to wearing make-up, there’s a general rule of thumb that applies – LESS is MORE! Oh, and don't expect to wear any makeup until you're 13!

12. When it comes to fashion, shorter does not always equal better. Fashion trends come and go and not all of it is fabulous. Half tops and mini skirts are great for an 85 degree day at the beach or if you’re an NFL cheerleader, but not for your high school yearbook photo.

13. DO NOT let yourself become someone else's property! Having a boyfriend, okay... Letting him dictate your every move and what you eat for lunch, not okay! No one owns you. Take pride in yourself.

14. Speaking of trends, I hope that by the time you are allowed to date, guys don’t wear their pants hanging half way down their butt like they do now. I really feel like this has been pretty popular for quite some time and I am praying that it finally goes away by 2030. Date a guy with class, not "swag". A suit > saggy pants and a cut off. Always!

15. Being an angel should not and does not mean wearing only your bra, underwear, and a set of wings for everyone to see on halloween, or ay time! Victoria's Secret is an amazing franchise to waste money on; smell good and look good, but keep it underneath your clothes.

16. Since you’re growing up in the technological age of iPad, iPod, iPhone, and texting, I have to address the horrendous lack of writing skills being used by today’s youth. This phenomenon of letters may very well be the Death of English (LOL). Bottom line, don’t use text lingo in your thesis.

17. Speaking of text lingo, verbal slang is just as unprofessional. OMG, ROFL, BFF, TMI, FYI, IDK… don't use it in your resume or in an interview. I don't want to say "I told ya so!"

18. Don’t let pop culture define you.

I don’t know why, but today we let pop culture manipulate us. It's hurting us emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. From the early on fascination with princesses, to the ‘need’ for a boyfriend and big boobs, popularity, teen moms, and all the other garbage being thrown in their face – be confident going against the grain.

Dress how YOU want to, not how Giuliana Rancic tells you to.

19. Accept yourself for who you are.

You’re one-of-a-kind and that’s what makes you beautiful. Tall, short, big, small, blonde, brunette, redhead, white, brown, blue, pink, yellow – we are all DIFFERENT.

20. Mainstream your health.

It’s life’s greatest asset. A positive approach to health encompasses physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well being. Healthy lifestyle choices in your youth will help lay a strong foundation for continued wellness throughout your adult life. Diet, exercise, stress management, chiropractic, self motivation, positiveness, and meditation, as well as a number of other approaches are guaranteed to make a huge impact on your quality of life, health, and happiness.

21. Have confidence in yourself.

A positive self image assures power, strength, ability, and value. It will enable you to conquer your goals and allow you to fearlessly pursue your biggest dreams.

22. Be a good student and a teachers pet. Be a friend and a shoulder to cry on. Be a protector of others and yourself, and stand up for yourself. Be a trustworthy person. Be your mothers best friend, and stay a Daddy's girl forever. Be a loyal girlfriend, and don't let other women have the opportunity to steal your man. If they do, "throw like a girl"!

23. Love with all your heart.

For where there is love there is life. Love is universal and felt by all living things. So strong is the feeling of love that it is said it makes the world go round.

24. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself.

Laughter is humbling. It inspires and motivates.

25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home. I will be here – always.

Love you always and forever,
Mommy