2. Here's a question to ask yourself when you feel like your emotions might be getting the best of you: what would Hermione do? Seriously, it works like a charm.
3. The world is full of lies. I know this sounds like a very cynical thing to say, but it can actually be incredibly freeing when you think about it. The truth is quiet and rarely self-promoting. Become adept at finding it and ignore everything else.
4. In matters of food and cooking, always ask your Aunt Laura. This is probably also true in matters of make-up and fashion. We're all good at some things, but those are not my things.
5. Every single person you will ever meet has been badly hurt at one time or another. Most of us spend a great deal of our lives in reaction to this. Be gentle.
6. "The expert at anything was once a beginner." I don't know who said this, but it's true. It's okay to not know what you are doing. Really. Don't give up. One day you'll be surprised at all the things you can do that once seemed impossible.
7. Your father is one of the smartest men I've ever met. Listen to him.
8. Read! Think critically about what you've read. Then read some more. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
9. Relationships are important. You were built to live in community with others. This is not always easy (especially if you're as introverted as I am), but it is worth the effort.
10. You are not what you do.
11. You are not what you feel.
12. Do not pay full price for jeans from the Gap. And while were on the topic, avoid being a walking advertisement for clothing brands. It does not make you cool, it just makes them rich.
13. Always treat your body with respect, as you would any precious gift. And never forget that neither your beauty nor your health is defined by a number on a scale.
14. Never marry a man until you've seen how he handles himself in a competitive sporting event.
15. There is so much beauty in our world. Make discovering it a habit.
16. At the end of the day, there's really nothing to be afraid of.
17. You have always been your own person, and I LOVE that about you. You have just one Creator - don't let anyone else (including me) tell you who you should be.
18. Learn how to let things go. Then please come home and teach me how to do the same. ;)
19. People say that you can have too much of a good thing, but this doesn't apply to everything. Namely: varieties of tea, really good ink pens, book bags, and, of course, s'mores.
20. Contentment is all about letting go of (what feels like) your right to decide what is enough.
21. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with blue.
22. Your grandma makes the best German chocolate cake in the whole world. Have her teach you how to make it, or just do like me, and have her bring it to every birthday party you ever throw.
23. The point of most technology is to make your life easier. In other words, it's a tool for you to use and not something that should be controlling your day or life.
24. God is always trustworthy even when He doesn't seem like it. There will absolutely come a day when you will feel like this can't possibly be true. It is true. It will never not be true. If you believe anything I've ever told you, believe this: God loves you perfectly and without interruption. You can trust Him completely.
25. Your father and I love you. Always, always. Nothing will ever change that.
The most beautiful little girl in the world, on her first day of preschool.
1 comment:
I made the top 5! I feel amazing and I like I should both cook something and buy something for my dearest Eden. Wonderful post Stephanie!
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