Nineteen Things I want you to know…on your 19th Birthday…
- It’s okay to fail! That’s right! Failing at things does not make you a failure. Learning from our mistakes is the quickest way that humans adapt and get better. So if you “fail” assess what you can learn from the situation, and then don’t make that mistake again. You don’t have to be perfect!
- Being you is not always easy, but it is the BEST option. Some people won’t like you. And you know what…that is OKAY! You don’t like everyone you meet either. The best way to weed out the people that are your true friends versus the ones who just make noise in your head is to “BE YOURSELF!!” That way the people you attract are getting to know the real you and the ones you repel weren’t worth your time anyway.
- Never apologize for having an opinion or for voicing it! What you think and feel about a situation is as important as what others think. Never allow your voice to be silenced.
- Take time for yourself. Life gets so busy! There are so many different directions you are being pulled on a daily basis. Find something that you like to do, that is only for you, and put it on your schedule. It could be a long bubble bath, binge watching a series on Netflix or dancing in the kitchen with the music up loud. Whatever it is, do not give this time up to others. Connecting with YOU is as necessary as studying for a test or hanging out with friends.
- Sometimes you have to get so far outside of your comfort zone that you can no longer even see where that zone began. The things you will discover about yourself during these times are absolutely priceless. It may be terrifying but once you realize you can do it, you will know you can do literally anything!
- I want you to know that you always have a choice. The world will sometimes make you feel like there is just “nothing you can do!” But that is never actually true! You always can choose. Sometimes the choices are not always fun or pretty…but they are there…and when in need I am ALWAYS here to help anyway that I can!
- Traveling broadens your horizons. Get out there. Experience new cultures, meet new people. Try to speak a new language…even if you butcher it. Absorb yourself in a new country, or just find a new restaurant in your part of the world and eat something new. Never let fear hold you back from finding out that MOST people are kind, caring and giving.
- I know you are pretty good at this, but never be afraid to say “FUCK OFF” when it needs to be said! And don’t just say it with your mouth. Say it with your body language, say it with your eyes, say it when you are being marginalized, disrespected or just plain ignored! Say it when someone touches you in a way you don’t wish to be touched. Say it when someone judges a choice you have made and STAND UP STRONG while you say it. Make sure the person you are saying it to hears you! You are POWERFUL and STRONG and should never let anyone make you feel less than!
- Love yourself. Even when you look in the mirror and don’t always like what you see. Remember that you are the only YOU on the entire planet. There is NO ONE like you in the whole wide world. That makes you SUPER special. You are beautiful! But you are SO MUCH MORE than just beautiful. You are brilliant, hysterical, fun, easy going, and passionate! LOVE YOURSELF! This is so important!
- Don’t compare yourself to anyone. We are all on our own journeys and paths in life. Comparing your weaknesses to someone else’s strengths is not only unfair but it is just a morale killer. When you find yourself doing this, try to switch your thinking to what are they doing that you can learn from. How can you do better? We don’t all get the same gifts…we use what we have differently. Make sure you know what yours are and use them!
- Never stop learning and investing in yourself! Whether that is to read a book, write in a journal, learn a new trade, learn how to use a drill, learn to cook a special dinner…whatever it is, never stop! You have to keep learning all the time. Every new thing you learn will empower you to believe you can learn more. And you can! You are never too old to try new things! I promise!
- Always treat everyone with respect. You already do this, but I feel this is so important. We all deserve to feel respected. To be heard. Never look down on someone and think they do not matter because of the choices they have made. We are all important. Treat the world this way and it will come back to you!
- Always trust your gut. She knows you better than anyone and RARELY steers you wrong. If you don’t feel good about something, even if everyone else is doing it…DO NOT DO IT! In reality, you only ever have to answer to Morgan. Trusting your gut ensures you will feel good about her at the end of the day!
- When you look back at your life, the things you will feel the worst about at the things you never tried but wanted to. So make sure you have no regrets! Try the things! Push the red button! Don’t let yourself have too many things you miss out on because of fear, or self-consciousness. DO ALL THE THINGS!
- Learn to say NO!! SHOUT it if need be! But NEVER apologize for saying it! Because you are allowed to say NO!
- Know that you amaze me every single day with your strength. I wish I were half of the Woman you are at your age. I love how you handle yourself. I love how you argue with facts and without emotion. I love how you know what the line is and you don’t let ANYONE cross it. You keep doing this and you can’t go wrong, baby!
- Don’t feel pressure to have kids… If you decide you don’t want them, don’t have them! This does NOT make you less of a Woman! And if someone keeps asking you about this…refer to number 15.
- Always wear sunscreen! Before you leave the house. This one is VERY IMPORTANT and will keep you looking young for a LONG time!
- You are a STRONG, INDEPENDENT Woman! Rely on Morgan. She will always be there for you. She is so freaking smart! She knows what is right and wrong. And once she decides what she is passionate about, she will set the world on fire! She will be unstoppable. I have now and always will BELIEVE in you with all my heart!
Oh, and one last thing…if you are going through it, I probably already have, too! So never feel like you can’t talk to me about all the things! I am always here for you! And I love you with literally every ounce of my being! Happy 19th birthday baby! XOXO! Happy Birthday to my Dad, too! Morgan hijacked your Birthday 19 years ago and life hasn’t been the same since! But we LOVE you too!!! XOXO!
