Dear Daughters: 10 Things I Hope You’ll Always Remember

Dear Daughter,

Life is noisy. Girlfriends, boyfriends (ugh, yes, them), cell phones pinging nonstop, social media feeds pulling you in, hormones doing their thing—so many distractions shouting in your ears. In the middle of all that, I want you to carry these truths with you:

1. Decisions matter.

One choice can flip the script of your life. Sometimes it takes courage to say “not yet,” and sometimes it takes courage to risk trying. Either way—be brave.

2. Guard your digital privacy.

If you wouldn’t stand on a table in the cafeteria and scream it out loud, don’t post it, text it, or DM it. Screenshots travel faster than you think. And double-check the “To” field before hitting send—trust me, I’ve learned the hard way.

3. Measure the right things.

Likes, scales, grades, paychecks—none of these define you. Life is about impact, kindness, growth. Build your brain. Grow your heart. That’s the stuff that lasts.

4. Believe the best in people.

Yes, people can be mean. Words can sting. But nine times out of ten, it’s not about you. Their behavior says more about them. Offer grace and keep moving.

5. Use your voice.

If someone’s being treated badly, speak up. Don’t sit quiet. Not ever.

6. Don’t fake it.

Pretending to be someone else just to fit in is exhausting—and empty. And acting clueless to impress a boy? Don’t even try it. You’re smarter than that.

7. Own your happiness.

No person, no purchase, no shortcut can make you happy. That’s your job. Figure out what fills you up—and do more of it.

8. Stand by your sisters and girlfriends.

They’re your people. Don’t throw them under the bus. You’ll need each other more than you realize.

9. You are enough.

Every single day the world will try to tell you you’re not—your hair, your body, your voice, your clothes. Don’t buy into it. You’re already more than enough. And if you forget? Come ask me. I’ve got a list a mile long of why you’re amazing.

10. The best is still ahead.

High school is not the peak of life. The good stuff is waiting for you. And even when you need me less, even when you roll your eyes at me, I’ll still be here—letting you stumble when you need to, catching you when it counts.

So yes, the world is loud. But don’t lose yourself in the noise. Remember these things, hold them close, and you’ll be just fine.

With love (and a little tough love),