I Want Your Version of Success

Scarlette,

As I write to you my almost three-year-old, it is hard to quantify ALL of the things I want for you in a letter. Here are the main ones:

I want you to believe: in God, yourself, your future, and all the possibilities. When you doubt yourself, believe in God. When you doubt your future, believe in yourself. When you doubt the future, believe in the unlimited possibilities life has to offer you. Always believe.

I want you to have grit: The dictionary defines grit as “firmness of mind or spirit: unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger”. Life will be full of unknowns, it will be full of love, heartbreak, flying high, and feeling low; let no circumstance define you, have courage to move forward and not lose hope.

I want you to define your own success: I have no planned path for your life. If you choose college, I hope it leads you to a career you are passionate about. If you make a lot of money, I hope you always help others. When you fall in love, I hope they support each-and-every dream. If you become a mommy, I hope you understand just how much I love you. Always remember, success isn’t about money or jobs, it is the legacy of our heart and character that we leave behind.

Most importantly, I want your version of success. Like the book we read, I’d Know You Anywhere, My Love, “There are things about you quite unlike any other… things always known by your father or mother. So if you decide to be different one day, no worries… I’d know you anyway.” I cannot wait to see what you become! I am your BIGGEST fan!

Love, Mom!