For my Children

My sweet children,

Sometimes I speak too quickly. Or too loudly. Or not well enough. Often I mean to express things but don't know how or am not brave enough to. I want you to read this when the sky seems too gray, the days too long or you've forgotten how much you are wanted and loved and cherished.

Lead the life you were born to live.

Dream while you're awake. You cannot live without dreams.

You are a human being, not a human doing. Be great. Be marvelous. Be your best.

You know all the things that make you happy. Focus on these things. Don't get caught in the busy-ness trap where you think you are pursuing happiness. You're not. 

There is a difference between surviving and thriving. Thrive! If you simply survive, you are no different than the simplest of God's creatures.

Do not allow our culture's crisis of commitment disable your life's purpose. If you're going to say it, do it, promise it, want it, believe it--then dedicate yourself to it and complete it. 

You are beautiful. Beautiful. Your eyelashes are perfect. You matter. You come from God and to Him you are going. Do what is right. Be what is good.

Be the best version of yourself. Because we are our habits, make it a habit to be the best You everyday. Not the ideal parent or friend or spouse or employee. Just the best You.

Find a companion. Know that this choice is your most important. Find someone who cherishes you, wants to watch you sleep, challenges you, shares your joy, anticipates your pain and comforts you when you are sad.

Follow your dreams. Your dreams are real. They are real. (Write this down and read it everyday!) A comfort zone is an illusion.

Dedicate yourself to things that deserve your dedication. That is all.

Life is not a dress rehearsal. Living with regret over things said or done is tolerable. Regret for things never said or done is heartbreaking.

Nothing will influence you more than your friends. Choose them well, for you will become like them.

Waste time with those you love. Don't box them into a schedule. Real relationships don't fit into time.

Be quiet and still. Learn to seek out these moments. They will feed your sweet soul.

Find your genius, your passion and live it.

Always works towards a clear conscience. There is great joy in knowing you did the right thing for the right reason.

Be a good decision maker. Be guided by your life's purpose and make your own choices.

Know that I love you. With a depth you do not understand but a brokenness you do. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. You. Carry this worth with you always and remember you are a child of God and a creature of Heaven.  

(Some of these ideas were influenced by Matthew Kelly's The Rhythm of Life.)