via Daily Prompt: Commit

Today is an extremely important (and emotional) day in our house. Our oldest daughter is about to close one chapter of her life and venture on to the next.

She is graduating elementary school.

These are my words to her.

Dear Daughter,

One chapter is set to close and a new one to begin.

Your strength and dedication to your education from the time you entered junior kindergarten has shown in your report cards, in the way you speak, the way you think and the way you make decisions. You are sometimes entirely too bright for your own good.  It is clear to so many of us that you are an old soul.

When you were born, I had one wish for you.

I didn’t want you to turn out like me. I wanted you to succeed more then I ever had. I wanted you to be a better person, a nicer person. I wanted to encourage you to not be afraid to go for things that scare you. I wanted to be the best mom I could and raise you in a way that lifts you up and inspires you. 

You, in turn, have taught me that perhaps I am not so bad. It shows in who you and your sister are as people. You both will forever be my greatest accomplishments. Just by being my daughter, you have helped me grow into the person that I am today. You are my angel.

Teachers and principals are always singing your praises. You are kind, intelligent, funny, witty, extremely thoughtful and helpful. At times you are wise beyond your years and I love that about you. They love that about you. Sometimes I have to remind myself that you aren’t even fourteen yet. You are so grown up!

I know that you have your moments, we all do. Life isn’t an easy task- but life is a blessing. I want you to always remember that when things get you down, it is just a blip and there will be brighter days ahead. Know that I am always there to lift you back up (especially with one of those pep talks that always has you groaning and rolling your eyes at me!)

In High School you will find that some things are no different then they were in elementary school. You will hate certain subjects, have drama with friends, be annoyed by people disrupting class… You will have rules that make no sense to you **cough** Dress Codes**cough** and from time to time you may have a teacher that just isn’t the right fit for you. You may come across bullies. It happens. It is all part of the growing up process..

Some advice to help you succeed:

  1. Always use critical thinking when approaching everything from schoolwork to relationships.
  2. Stay committed to your goals and education.
  3. Try walking away in the heat of the moment and regrouping if you need to. 
  4. Remember that bullies are insecure and there is a reason they are acting like assholes- Just don’t sink to their level and while it can hurt, always remember that they don’t matter and their opinions don’t matter. 
  5. Advocate for what you think is right.
  6. Help others in need.
  7. If someone makes you uncomfortable- tell me. We’ll discuss our options.
  8. Never try to fit in someones box. Strive to be your unique self and don’t try to conform or try too hard to fit in. 
  9. Real friends lift you up- not tear you down.
  10. Never let friends pressure you into things- If you ever find yourself at a party, social event or situation that becomes too much or uncomfortable- CALL ME- Even if you have decided to do something ridiculously stupid like drink underage or get stoned- You will gain my trust by being honest when you mess up. Your dad and I will always come get you. NEVER get into a vehicle with someone who has been drinking. Your safety is more important to me and will trump my anger (Though there will be lectures and consequences) Calling me and being honest in these times will help diffuse the situation slightly.
  11. Remember Dad and I were teenagers once too- we know the shenanigans. Been there, done that, wrote the book. 

There is so much fun in high-school, assemblies, dances, extra curricular’s, fun days, sports, drama, music…..You are going to have a lot of laughs- It isn’t ALL just about being serious and taking classes. Don’t be afraid to sign up for things and try something new and outside the box! 

It is a bigger school, a different structure, and can seem overwhelming at first but do not let that scare you. Let it empower you! Embrace the years ahead! 

While I always teach you to be kind and think of others- I want you to also be a bit selfish with your time in High School. Do what is right for you and your future- and not what you think is right for your friends. 

Your friends will always be there for the fun stuff!

Homework sucks but it is preparing you for life.

You will have plenty of time for both! 

Keep being kind.

Keep being funny.

Keep being sarcastic and stubborn.

Keep learning and seeking out new opportunities to expand your skills and mind.

Keep your chin up and know that you have got this.

Before you know it these next four years of your life will pass by and we will be attending your High School graduation. (I can not believe I actually admitted that…)

Your dad and I love and support you in everything you do. We will continue to be along side you every single step of the way – Gently guiding, helping and occasionally putting our foot down. Never be afraid to come to us about anything. Never be afraid to let us down. Never be afraid to be honest. Never be afraid to reach for the stars and accomplish what YOU want out of life.

I love you and I am so proud of the little girl you were and the woman you are becoming.

Mom

Featured Image is of my daughter and I the day she was born. ©TheyOnceCalledHerPumpkin

Daily Word Prompt:Commit