Good Morning Princess!
Not only is this your first day as a legal adult but today
we are packed for the 1100 mile pilgrimage to Arizona State University, where
you will embark on what I hope is an adventure you will treasure your whole
life. I’m confident you already knew
that you wouldn’t slip out the front door without a handful of advice from the
Mothership.
So here we go – the sooner we get through this the sooner we
can hit the pool in Vegas (because of course it’s on the way to ASU) and
celebrate your birthday! It’s just a few
things I’ve learned along the way – take them, leave them, come back to them
when you need them. I love you little
one!
1)
Haters gonna hate, Likers gonna like, Lovers gonna love – The good
news is you get to choose which of these groups take up space in your head and
your heart. I highly recommend the
Likers and the Lovers. Keeping it short,
surround yourself with people that make you feel happy.
2)
It’s not
all about you – Before you get your feathers ruffled, hear me out on this
one. Everyone has their own “stuff” that
drives their decisions, behaviors and actions every day. We all have bad days. If someone upsets you try to spend a few
minutes understanding what might be happening in their world. If they are really just assholes, don’t spend
your precious moments plotting revenge.
(see bullet #1)
3)
Use your
powers for good - You are blessed to have beauty, brains and a giant family
that loves you. Find a way to pay it
forward when you can.
4)
Take a
back road once in awhile. I promise
you these next 4 years are going to fly by.
Don’t forget to take some quiet time to reflect on the good stuff and
figure out the not so good stuff when it shows up.
5)
Take care
of yourself - I’m not going to give you a lecture about your body being a
“temple” and all that crap. But I will
say, a strong body and a strong mind are the best gifts you can give
yourself. Plus spare body parts are
truly difficult to come by :)
6)
You will be a different person in 10 years –
It’s probably best if you don’t document EVERY detail of becoming an adult on the
Internet. **Remember I have eyes in the
back of my head so I can actually see you rolling your eyes right now.
7)
Be
fearless and avoid regret as much as possible - This doesn’t mean you should
go jump out of an airplane without a chute.
It does mean you shouldn’t be afraid to take chances to get what you
want. If it doesn’t work out it’s called
a lesson. Lessons are great if we can
learn from them.
8)
Love
yourself first so you can then love others - It’s the only way it really
works. Trust me on this one.
9)
Go Play!
- Being an adult isn’t optional any more, but being a grown up sure is!
10) Call your Mom - Yes, this one is a bit
shameless, but I love you and I’m going to miss you a lot.
Ok, I think that’s about it for now. I did write some similar advice to your
brother in 2011 – I think he secretly listened :)Here it is in case there are some nuggets in there for you too. http://momabird.blogspot.com/2011/05/things-i-would-say-to-my-just-graduated.html
My heart is bursting with pride at all you have already
accomplished Kelsie Ann. Get out there
and make yourself a happy, happy, happy life!
XOXO,
Mom
