To my daughter:

Things every girl should know.

You are a strong, beautiful, unique individual. 

Never measure yourself against other women, they aren’t your competition. 

Challenge yourself. Work to become the best version of you. 

Celebrate, support and uplift other women. 

Nurture your friendships and sisterhood. Never compare and tear each other down.

Be kind to yourself and to others. You’ll be happier that way.

Don’t judge, be judged or be a slave to opinion.

Integrity is everything.

Be true, to yourself and others.

You are enough. 

You have everything you need within you to be successful, happy and fulfilled.

Never try to shape yourself to fit the ideals of someone else.

One day you may be a mother, or you may choose not to. Both options are okay.

Own your decisions. Know that when you made them, they were made with all the consideration and wisdom you had at that moment. 

Sometimes you’ll make mistakes, that’s okay. Accept them and take responsibility for them. Lessons will be learned. Heed them.

Accept imperfection in yourself and others.

Live without regret. We grow through our mistakes.

Love openly, without fear or restraint. 

Sometimes you’ll get hurt, and it will be worth it. A life without love wouldn’t be fully lived.

Live. Take risks, be silly, be adventurous, live completely.

Follow your dreams. Do what you love, and what you’re good at. 

Learn. Develop your skills, your talents, your mind to be the best version of you, and create a life and a livelihood doing what you love.

Believe in yourself and know that you are the powerful architect of your own future.

Laugh at yourself! See the comedy in life. Live with joy, and don’t take yourself too seriously. 

Share your gifts, your love, friendship and your knowledge. 

Understand the power within you to attract and captivate, to protect and to influence. 

Use your powers well.

 Your body is amazing. It can create, grow and nurture life. Respect it.

You are so loved.