Wisdom I gave gained through the years, that I want her to remember. As she is learning social skills and do's and don'ts, I want to start teaching her now. It's never too early. If you have young kids, start teaching them now.
Letters are a great thing to write our children one day when they may need some direction.
Please note that nobody, including myself, is perfect at following each of these. But enforcing them often is key. This is not meant to sound preachy, I promise! From the time Sunny starts school and beyond, I especially want her to know these 25 things:
1. Be kind to everyone. Be a friend to kids who are different then you.
2. Be a leader, not a follower.
3. Feel sad for the bullies. They are struggling with issues you may not understand. As hard as it may be, respond to them with kindness. They are the ones who need the most love and direction.
4. Always be polite and say please and thank you. Teachers especially will notice you more for your politeness.
5. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and are good examples to you.
6. Avoid those who are negative or bring you down. You may show love to those people, but you don't necessarily have to hang out with them.
7. Respect the elderly. Open the doors for them occasionally.
8. Always respect adults and authority including your teachers. If your peers are not listening or obeying, be the better example.
9. At 16 years old, you will be allowed to group date. Find a boy who respects you and your decisions.
10. Work hard for good grades. Study and homework first, play second.
11. Always eat a breakfast high in protein. You will learn better.
12. For every unkind person out there, there is 100 more kind. Don't lose faith in humanity because of those unkind souls.
13. Don't get caught up in wordly things or social media, including texting.
14. Don't get caught up in trends. Just because your friends dress in name brands, doesn't mean you have to. People will love you for what's inside if they are true friends.
15. Give each of your peers a compliment everyday, including your teacher. It will make you and others feel good.
16. Serve someone everyday. Even staying after school and helping your teacher clean up the floor when everyone else has left.
17. Know your divine worth. Don't allow bullies to determine how you feel about yourself. What matters is what God thinks of you and what YOU think of yourself.
18. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it. Everything makes sense with practice.
19. Eat healthy and take care of your body.
20. Never judge anyone! Unless you have
walked in their shoes a mile, you will never know what they are going through.
walked in their shoes a mile, you will never know what they are going through.
21. Never gossip! Gossiping only makes you look bad and is not polite.
22. Reach out to those who are shy or need a friend. Sit with someone at lunch, even if you don't know them.
23. Don't worry what others think of you. Who cares! It takes massive amounts of energy worrying about it and doesn't do you any good. As long as you are kind and polite, you will gain respect anywhere.
24. Always be humble, never prideful. Apologize when an apology is needed, and forgive and forget. Holding anger inside is not of God.
24. Always be humble, never prideful. Apologize when an apology is needed, and forgive and forget. Holding anger inside is not of God.
25. Always put God first and pray to him when you need help. And always remember to love yourself.
