Somethings for the future, Claudia....

100 Things I Want to Teach My Daughter

1. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of body.
2. The benefit of the doubt is sometimes the best gift we can give our friends.
3. There will always be ugliness that doesn’t mean we find a tower and Rapunzel ourselves away from the world.
4. Your daddy has loved you better and longer than any boy ever will.
5. Your brother will teach you how boys should treat you.
6. You’re always welcome in my wardrobe.
7. The world needs your point of view.
8. Food is a joy.
9. Your body is strong and capable of more than you can imagine right now.

10. Ice cream is a love language.

11. Cook, decorate, clean, organize because you love to, not because someone tells you you’re meant to.
12. Music makes everything better.
13. Dance – especially when you’re doing the laundry.
14. You’ll never be too old for me to rock you.
15. Nothing you tell me will ever make me want to stop hearing from you.
16. We need your story.
17. No prayer request is ever too small, too silly or too embarrassing to share.
18. Washing your face every night is the best kind of beauty routine.
19. Sunscreen – even though you have your daddy's genes.

20. Harry Potter and popcorn make for a perfect evening.

21. A good movie can change how you understand someone else.
22. Words can build bridges between people.
23. Home is not where we live but who we love.
24. Your name holds a special meaning for us.
25. Inevitably I will splinter your heart. But we will tweeze it out together.
26. You have taught me so much, even how to feel beautiful.

27. Staying up late to read a good book is never time wasted.

28. Good girls aren’t boring.
29. A great mascara is a great investment.
30. The “mommy wars” are a myth; we should all be in this together.
31. The best way never to worry about anyone gossiping about you is never to gossip about anybody.
32. Saying sorry first is a sign of strength not a weakness.
33. I’m on your side; especially on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.
34. Your body is not just yours. It’s a gift for your husband. I promise it’s worth waiting to unwrap together.
35. Sex for the first time will require a beautiful sense of humor and a partner who’s in it for life.

36. The movies lie. Passion isn’t a contorted exercise on a marble staircase, it’s doing the dishes together and lying with your feet touching in bed at the end of a long day. Passion is friendship extended.

37. Marriage is an act of courage, commitment and sacrifice. It’s also the most fun you’ll ever have with your best friend.
38. Always fight fair. But don’t be afraid to fight.
39. Long hair requires a really good conditioner.
40. God says He has made all things beautiful– that includes you, my love – no matter how you feel about your body
41. Fashion is not my forte; I look forward to learning from you.
42. I love the curves you and your brother added to my body.
43. A good cry is great therapy.
44. Christian women aren't immune from cliques. Love on regardless.
45. Bad hair days are inevitable. Put on a ball cap and rock it!

46. A strong man is never threatened by a strong woman.

47. Go big even if it means failing big. Especially then.
48. Be the friend you wish you had.
49. Travel.
50. You can’t control what others think about you. Let it go.
51. A first kiss should be toasted, treasured, savored.
52. I will be your best friend. But I will be your mother more.
53. Your dad will teach you about music. He has the best eclectic taste.
54. You can’t go wrong with The Beatles
55. Stop for sunsets.
56. Prince Charming isn't a fairy tale. He's a myth.
57. Daughters teach us about our mothers. You made me appreciate the women in our family.
    
58. Jesus loves you for you. Not for your ability to bear children.
59. Husbands need a wife. Not another mother. 
60. It’s all true what they say about childbirth, but it's worth it.
    
61. Love waits.
62. Patience is never wasted.
63. Don’t just Instagram your life. Live it.
64. Dad won't be the one helping you with math homework, and I'll do my best.
65. Don’t be afraid of a broken heart. It'll happen, but it will make you stronger.

66. The only thing holding you back from making a difference in the world will be yourself.

67. Girlfriends are the best kind of free therapy there is.
68. Don’t be afraid to be foolish.
69. Real life is always better than online.
70. A good friend loves at all times. Period.
71. Read everything!
    
72. Eating too much candy will be something your teeth make you regret in your thirties.
73. I’m more interested in your growth than your happiness.
74. I will earthquake wide open when you hurt. And I will always come when you call.

75. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t do it, wear it or say it.

76. Challenge yourself!
77. Learn at least one other language.
78. Cross-cultural marriage is much harder than you can ever imagine when you first fall in love. But worth it.
79. Homesickness never gets easier.
80. But Dramamine is the perfect cure for motion sickness on 18 hour flights.
81. We need each other.
82. Bad haircuts grow out eventually.
83. You will love again.

84. The painful truth is always easier than a messy lie.

85. Jesus loves you, this I know. In my heart, my bones, my soul.
86. There’s no such thing as perfect. Stop trying to be perfect, be you!
87. You can always come home.
88. Nothing will make me love you less.
89. The mirror is not the boss of you.
90. You’re the most brave when you’re the most scared and keep going anyway.
91. Womanhood is a gift.
92. I’m never tired of being your mother.
93. You will always be my baby girl.
94.  Striking out is a part of softball and a big part of life- go up there and take another at bat. 
    95. Cherish your family, their quirks, annoying habits, things they do to make you crazy- someday they will all be gone.
    96.  Take some time for yourself. 
    97. Puppies = antidepressant
    98. Go through life with a zest and a zeal for living. Be positive! 
    99. Call me, whenever, wherever, for what ever reason. I want to hear it all!
    100. I love you!  
    
    I wrote and edited some of these, but many of them came from this site: 
    http://lisajobaker.com/2012/07/raising-a-girl-100-things-i-want-to-teach-my-daughter/