Dare to Soar
To my daughter(s) - yet unborn,
Many times I have pondered what lessons to share with you to help make lighter and wiser the incredible journey that lies ahead of you in this life. Time and space may not permit me to say it all but I do hope that by my lifestyle you will at least learn these key principles and values by which I myself have learned to live.
1) I hope to help you know and be confident in who you are. You are created different, everyone is! So, never try to be like someone else, for every one has their God-given abilities and place to occupy in the world - find yours and own it. The world seeks to shape you into what they think you ought to be but when you find you, you will always soar on the storm.
2) Embrace knowledge, get understanding and open your mind to always ‘think’ not just ‘tick’. I love proverbs/ wise sayings - you will probably hear me say many of these; not just as a repetition of what others have said but as a repetition of words put together from many experiences and ones that I have pondered their meaning from many angles in order to take advantage of the lessons/ truth they hold.
One of my guiding principles is that ‘no man is an island of knowledge’ - therefore, you must humble yourself to learn from everyone that crosses your path and everything that comes your way. “Experience is the best teacher” they say but I like to emphasise that it doesn’t all have to be your personal experience ‘think’ and seek to comprehend depths of what can be possible in every situation. The only ‘thinking’ I am quick to recognise and consciously step out of is ‘group thinking’. When everyone starts to sing from the same song sheet then somebody is not thinking what other lyrics could be written. Be that one who dares to see things from many perspectives.
3) People like labels and trash talk but I encourage you to stand alone, if need be, when it comes to how you speak. Words are like fresh eggs, when they are broken you can never reclaim the whole. You will find that many believe being tough is to speak rough but again my dear, you are different and must be comfortable with that. The expression of authority isn’t in how many words you speak (and certainly not by swearing!) but in the words spoken that are backed up with action. Mean what you say and do what you say you will do. It not only makes you dependable for others, it develops in you a resolve that helps you focus on what is most important for each day and in turn, your confidence in you.
4) Above all, keep God at the centre of everything you do. He knows it all, loves you deeply and wants to architect + engineer your life with you. Everything in your life has been carefully orchestrated in such detail that it takes a wise heart to seek and walk in them fully. Life will certainly hurl stones at you but with His eyes, you can see challenges and do life from a whole new perspective - and from the position of peace, strength and mentality of a victor! You can be the best among the best, doing things excellently can be a way of life, limits are designed to be broken, minds are made to explore, you are beautiful, God knows you by name, being different is your norm - celebrate it. Wherever you are, whatever you may face, in all that you choose to do, I hope you will always remember that I love you deeply and will enjoy watching you mature into your own person. The world is your stage - now, go on and play.
Love always, Mom