Dear Girl

This morning I was standing in the book aisle in Target. I picked up a children's book by one of my favorite authors, Amy Krouse Rosenthal.  She passed away last year and the book was published posthumously.  The title of the book is Dear Girl. It was written with her daughter and was clearly advice, thoughts, reminders, little nudges from a mother to a daughter. So I am standing in the middle of Target crying like a fool for two reasons. One, I can only imagine how hard that book was for them to write together. It was simple, beautiful and in my opinion perfect. Two, it hit home. I have had a constant, nagging thought that has been invading my brain for the past few weeks. Maybe it's because it's the start of the New Year and resolutions, goals, life changing ideas are in full swing. Maybe it is because 40 is approaching at lightening speed. Maybe I'm just insane and sappy, who knows?

What I do know is that I am constantly consumed with the thought that I need to make sure my girls are armed with confidence, knowledge (both of self and educational), that they feel beautiful both inside and out. The need to teach them to be brave, not afraid to take chances. To understand failure is OK, it's part of life, it's a good lesson and kick ass motivation. That not everyone will like you and that is OK too, its just part of life. To surround themselves with people (kids) they have fun with, laugh with, will have their backs and forget about the rest, its just noise. 

Then I had an epiphany a few weeks ago. I've spent 9 years thinking about those things, preaching those things, working to prefect those ideas so they sink in. Yet I do not listen to my own advice or apply those same thoughts to myself. What the actual hell?? At 39 why have I given up on those ideals for me? I may be off base here, but I think a lot of my peers are stuck in my same rut. We want these things for our daughters or children but for some reason we are not applying that same thought of worthiness to ourselves. This was a huge head slap for me. Here I am telling my girls don't be afraid to take chances. Yet when a risky idea pops into my head, it's quickly followed by, I'm getting too old, what if people think I'm dumb, what if I fail? Again I say to myself, what the hell? I tell the girls, surround yourself with people who make you feel good to be you, not everyone will like you and that's ok. Yet again not following my own advice,  I was still getting caught up in, what people think of me? Falling into the trap of wanting to make everyone happy. Again self, what the hell?

It seems that we put so much time, effort, focus and consideration into others that we forget the same ideals should apply to us as well. We need to remind ourselves, our moms, our sisters our best friends, you are amazing, inspiring, beautiful (inside and out) Be fearless, be proud, be funny, take chances, live your life the way you want. Surround yourself with people who, love, encourage and accept you for you. All the rest is just noise.