Advice for My Teenage Daughter
I posted this about 4 years ago on the other blog. Since Reagan is now 13, I feel like this needs to recirculate. I stand by this advice for teenage boys and girls.
- Don’t knock it ’til you try it.
- Express gratitude for every act of kindness.
- Travel light through life. Keep only what you need.
4. It’s ok to cry when you’re hurt. It’s also ok to smash things; but, wash your face, clean up your mess and get up off the floor when you are finished. You do not belong down there.
5. Seek out the people and places that resonate with your soul.
6. Just because you can does not mean you should.
7. 5-second rule. It’s just dirt. There are worse things in a fast food cheeseburger.
8. Happiness is not a permanent state. Wholeness is. Do not confuse the two.
9. If you are staying more than one night, unpack your bag.
10. Never walk through an alley.
11. Have courage and be kind. Both take strength.
12. Can’t is a cop-out. Don’t want to is perfectly acceptable.
13. Hold your heroes to a high standard. And be your own hero.
14. Never lie to yourself.
15. If you can’t smile with your eyes, don’t smile. Insincerity is nothing to aspire to.
16. Your body, your rules. Own it.
17. If you have an opinion, you’d better know why.
18. Study your curiosities and practice your passions.
19. Ask for what you want.
20. Wish on stars and dandelions, then get to work.
21. Don’t be cheap on shoes or sheets.
22. Fall in love often… Particularly with ideas, art, music, literature, food and faraway intriguing places.
23. Fall in love hard and forever with yourself… first.
24. Be compassionate. Be empathetic. Everyone has a story.
25. Say Please, Thank You, and Pardon Me, whenever the situation warrants it.
26. Reserve I’m Sorry for when you truly are.
27. Naps are for grown ups too.
28. Question everything except your own intuition.
29. You have enough. You ARE enough.
Dad and I think you are amazing. We cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for you.
