To My Daughter - These are the Important Things in Life That I Wish For You From the Bottom of My Heart

By Jackie White

When I began to write this blog, I was going to write about life skills high school seniors need to survive in college, but when I think about what I really want for my daughter to leave home with, it is far beyond skills to survive. Not that cooking and budgeting are not important, but what I want is something much deeper. I want her to live her life to the fullest with meaning and joy.

I know when she was born, I scribbled a bunch of skills, qualities and attributes on a slip of paper that I wanted all my children to possess. The condensed version of that list is in my prayers every night that she and her brothers are healthy, safe, happy, strong and feel loved.

Further than that, I see a long list of things I want her to live out in her life, and that’s what I am going to share with you today. I think most of us have these desires for our children and whether you have one leaving the nest as I do or are just starting out, it’s important to think through what exactly is going to give your child the best possible experience in life. Your list may vary from mine, but either way, I challenge you to think about this question and start teaching your kids now how to navigate life with the ultimate goal to be able to have the foundation to live a life of meaning.

To My Daughter,

I want you to feel confident in yourself. Know that you are strong enough to handle tough things in life.

I want you to ask for help if life feels like it’s too much. You never need to go it alone.

I want you to believe that life can be all that you dream of and even more! 

I want you to face your fears. Know that those fears are trying to block you from your happiness and that you won’t stand for that.

I want you to be kind to others. I want you to have empathy and consideration of others feelings, needs and place in life. 

I want you to never forget that helping others not only helps them but will come back with a huge return by filling your heart to the brim.

I want you to know you are inherently good. I want you to feel that from the core of your existence.

I want you to have a relationship with God, and, when times are good or times are tough, know that you can rely on your faith in Him to pull you through.

I want you to not be entitled. Life doesn’t owe you anything, except for giving you the ability to make choices that will shape your life. 

I want you to choose wisely.

I want you to be practical and live within your means sprinkled with a few special gifts once and awhile. I want those gifts to be precious and meaningful.

I want you to know the value in waiting for things. Life is not about instant gratification. The good stuff is always worth waiting for.

I want you to know the importance of good friends. They can lift you up when you are down and can bring laughter, support, connection and companionship.

I want you to not let life pass you by. That means don’t miss opportunities because you don’t want to step out of your comfort zone. 

I want you to know that life outside the comfort zone is where the real living begins.

I want you to live a life of extraordinary. Choose to elevate above mediocrity in all that you do. When you go the extra mile and choose to be exceptional, life will be too.

I want you to live safely, but not risk free. The balance can be difficult, but when struck, it will allow for living a life of breadth and care.

I want you to know that life isn’t always easy. Know that during these times you will grow stronger and braver.

I want you to never forget to be grateful. Being in gratitude will be your ticket to happiness.

I want you to laugh and live a life of joy. Know that life was meant to be fully enjoyed!

I want you to love. Surround yourself with people and things you love. Life will be most fulfilling when love is in abundance.

I want you to follow your rainbow. Follow your dreams in life because that is where meaning can be found.

I want this and so much more for you. Never forget that you are special and loved beyond measure.

Love,

Mom

I hope this list of life skills may have stimulated some ideas in your mind of what you want for your children. It’s an amazing gift to have children and providing them the love that they need and the foundation to live a life of meaning and happiness is probably the best gift you can give them.

Shine On.