Dear Darling,
I wanted to take a moment to share some wisdom with you. Though you may not be here yet, I often think about the life you might lead. I hope these insights will serve you well, whenever you come to be.
- Always find time for yourself; take yourself on solo adventures.
- Embrace your uniqueness—find a passion that is entirely yours.
- Be courageous; take risks that might lead you to extraordinary places.
- Cherish the simple moments—holding hands can be more profound than you realize.
- Share your favorite books and music; they deserve an audience.
- Attend concerts, even for bands you’ve never heard of; you might discover a new love.
- Fall in love frequently, but guard your heart. Balance is key.
- Make sure you wear a well-fitting bra—it can change how you feel.
- Avoid obsessively checking his social media; focus on your own journey.
- Identify something about yourself that you truly cherish.
- If life gets tough, remember: a road trip can work wonders.
- When checking out, flip items so the barcodes face out—the little things matter. This is a gem I learned from your Grandma Sarah.
- Choose your friends wisely; those without close friendships may not understand you.
- Celebrate every milestone, especially those that might feel different from your peers.
- Seek out someone you can depend on, and learn to say “no” when needed.
- As much as I love cats, they’re a no-go for you.
- Find a lipstick that expresses your inner self.
- Create your ideal nap environment; rest is vital.
- Remember, your story is yours to tell—make it a good one.
- You’re always more beautiful than you think.
- Be prepared: you will run into him again.
- Writing letters can be a therapeutic outlet.
- Patience is a valuable trait, as Grandma Sarah often reminded me.
- Travel well—find companions who enhance your experiences.
- Wear your scars with pride; they tell your story.
- One more text rarely ends well; sometimes, silence is golden.
- Dry your hair completely; it’s worth the extra time.
- Choose a female gynecologist; your comfort matters.
- Learn to be comfortable in your own company—it’s empowering.
- When in foreign lands, know key phrases: “Where’s the bathroom?” “How much?” “That’s too much.” “Don’t touch me.”
- Understand that not all friendships are meant to last.
- Love is messy—embrace the chaos. It’s part of the journey.
- Encourage your future children to experience camp; it builds character.
- Always lift with your knees to avoid injury.
- Treat yourself to flowers; buy tulips and place a penny in the vase for longevity.
- Have a go-to movie you can watch to unwind.
- Take care of your body and your car—both need regular maintenance.
- Always have an escape plan ready, just in case.
- Treasure the laughter and joy you hear on the phone.
- Gather experiences and friendships; the more, the merrier.
- Seriously—don’t check his house.
- Remember, bangs will grow out, so choose wisely.
- Shoes are often more forgiving than they seem.
- Be cautious with gin; it can lead to trouble.
- Learn every word to a powerful song; I recommend “Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen.
- Always overpack your medications—better safe than sorry.
- Recognize intent; sometimes people mean well, even if the execution fails.
- Master my grandma’s kugel recipe; it’s better the next day.
- Talk to strangers; you never know who might become a friend.
- Accept compliments graciously—simply say, “Thank you.”
- Watch “Friday Night Lights” for valuable life lessons.
- Listen carefully when others describe you; it may reveal parts of yourself you haven’t seen.
- Find a friend who provides tough love and another who will be there without questions.
- Never apologize for your identity; only for how you express it.
- Discover what makes you special—your superpower.
- When uncertain, it’s okay to pause before acting.
- Someone is always thinking of you.
- Know your best friend’s handwriting; it’s a bond.
- If you must drive past his house, do it discreetly—lights off and windows up.
- And please, duck down!
With all my love,
Mom