A Millennial's Letter To Her Future Teenage Daughter

Dear Future Daughter, The world will be much different when you read this letter, but in many ways it will be the same. People will always be people. I’m sure you’re beautiful (I mean c’mon, look at your mother) and highly intelligent. My wish to you is that you follow your heart and achieve your dreams, no matter what they may be. It may take time to figure out what you want and what you want to do. But remember, there is something and someone for everyone. Life is not linear. You may change directions abruptly without expecting it, or turn left instead of right. There is a reason for everything. Perhaps you haven’t learned yet, but the world can be cruel and unforgiving. If you let it, life will you knock you down again and again relentlessly. There will be times when you have to find your way in a forest of darkness and thorns. You’ll get stabbed, you’ll be hurt, your feet will bleed, you’ll want to break down and give up, but you have to keep going. You are my daughter; you don’t give up. Hold your head high, and keep walking in spite of the pain. Even on your worst days, try your best. You need to keep working and get your head in the game. And through these struggles, you will grow stronger and wiser. Your soul will evolve. In life, you’ll be presented with many choices. Sometimes you’ll have to make very tough decisions. You’ll make some decisions that hurt people (you can’t make everyone happy), and others that hurt yourself (everyone makes mistakes). Think things through and don’t be impulsive. Look at the larger picture, but consider the details at the same time. Also remember to listen to your heart and follow your intuition. Even though it can be painful at times, accept the consequences of your actions. Never let anyone tell you you’re not good enough or not capable of doing something. Humans are remarkable creatures. If you really work, you’ll be amazed to see how far it can take you. All you need is a drive, a dream, and a little bit of intelligence. In life, there’s no rules to follow, no boundaries to creativity, nothing is out of reach. Don't back down because something is hard. Sometimes (but definitely not all the time), it’s okay to be selfish. Remember, this is your life to live, and make of it what you want. As a woman, it is important to make yourself independent. If you are dependent on someone else, completely or partially, you won’t be free. Despite all the ugliness, the world can be beautiful too. You’ll fall in love with someone you can spend the rest of your life with. Love makes life worth all the pain. Cherish love. Don't throw it away, and don’t give it to just anyone. Give your love only to the people who deserve it. As I sit here and write this letter to you, I am weary of the future but excited for it. I look forward to watching you grow and guiding you as you enter adulthood. I’m only 22, but I’ve made many mistakes, some of which I just warned you to avoid. I let myself become fully dependent on someone else. I have lied and thrown people away. I’ve hurt family and people that really love me out of selfishness, thinking of only what I wanted. I’ve given up on my dreams because I didn't believe in myself. To be honest, I have just come out of a low point in my life. There were days I felt like giving everything up, times when I cursed God for things that happened in my life, and moments of utter despair. Even in my darkest hours, an undying flame of hope and love kept me going. Thanks to that fire, I’m still alive. Though I am telling you these things, you probably won’t understand them until you learn them on your own. No matter where life takes you, never forget how much I love you and that I only want what’s best for you. So follow your heart, follow your dreams…find your happiness. Love, Your Future Mom

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