Letters to Vivien

Dearest Vivien,

I already feel so thankful and blessed to have you in my life.  You've filled these last few months with so much happiness for your dad and I.  There are so many things I want to do for you as a mother and I feel honored to watch you grow. 


I am constantly thinking about the kind of Mother I will be and what I want to teach you.  There will be so many things I can't teach you because you have to learn on your own and I understand.  There will be lessons in life that I won't even know how to teach you but will do my best to try.  I've listed advice that was either passed to me by my own mother or sister, or advice I wish I had listened to or learned, and some advice I learned later in life (and sometimes too late at the expense of close relationships).  So here it goes:


First and foremost, don't be afraid to put your trust and faith in God.
I want you to know that beauty starts in the heart, mind and soul.
You aren't defined by the clothes you wear or what you own.
Don't underestimate your Dad's ability to understand you or what you're going through.
It's never too late to say "I'm Sorry".
It is more important to be accountable for your mistakes than to point blame.
The only way to grow is through trial and error.
Don't ever be afraid to ask questions.
Pursue more than just the things you are good at. You might uncover skills you didn't know you possessed.
You can accomplish anything you put your mind to, so dream big.
Taking risks is rewarding; even when you fail.
If you're questioning whether or not someone loves you, the answer is right in front of you.
The world is your playground and the only way to experience it is to travel.
Wanting to change the world isn't naive.
Always send thank you notes.
Be a woman of your word.  Your integrity is the source of your self-esteem and the esteem others hold you in.
Sometimes you will feel alone.
Not everyone will like you and that's their loss.
If you've inherited my inability to sing..that's okay.  Keep singing and have one good Karaoke song in your back pocket.
Have a firm handshake.
Don't be afraid to sing and clap at church.  God loves to watch you smile.
Honor your Grandparents.  They love you in a way no one else can.
And lastly, if you don't retain any of this, just remember I love you.