Dear...

You have grown so much this past year.  Every year I say that, but this year I think you made great strides. 


You learned to love yourself more... Inside more than anywhere else... You stopped focusing on what you didn't want to become and worked on who you want to be and it's working...


You accepted the fact that life is what it is and that worrying about everyone and everything is all for not... You learned that if you do the best you can that is all you can do...


You beat some pretty tough stuff... The passing of your Aunt... A daughters broken leg... Supporting friends battling cancer...  All of this has left you feeling a little vulnerable and worried, but it will all be okay...


You became a better mother...  Slow to react, relaxed, carefree, able to sit back and enjoy all of the wonders that are happening around you... You're doing it and you are working your way through the hard parts... and really enjoying the breathtaking ones...


Your kids are getting older and more independent... That means a little more time to work on you... On your relationships with your husband, family, friends... On you and what you want to accomplish on your next step in this journey. 


You continue to keep yourself healthy and do the best that you can to set an example for your daughters...


You are starting to go with the flow instead of trying to swim upstream with certain areas in your life...


You have learned that comparisons are nonsense... and a total waste of time if you really are true to yourself...


You know that kindness matters... no matter what anyone else says... and it's contagious too.


You value family.   That will never change...


You have so much of your life ahead of you... Keep looking ahead and not behind... Stay confident, love hard, be helpful and kind.  Look beyond what is in front of you...Believe it when people say it goes way too fast... 


Keep dreaming even if it seems out of reach...


God made you, you for a reason... Accept that and cherish it always...


Love,
Me