A Wish for My Daughter

"Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them"

Lady Bird Johnson

This week marks the end of my daughters' years in primary school. She is heading off to high school next. It has been wonderful to watch the emotions that she has experienced in the lead up to this event. Everything from fear and nervousness before her first interview with the school, the happiness and excitement after her orientation day. The more she learnt about her new school, the more knowledge she gained, the more people she met - the more comfortable she has become with the thought of leaving behind what she knew and heading into the future.

On the brink of this new stage of my baby's life, I began to reflect on my hopes for her. So Beautiful Girl it is my wish that you can see yourself as I do and embrace the following beliefs about yourself.

I am perfect exactly as I am

I do not have to prove to anyone or anything who I am

I am a stunning example of feminine strength

I blossom with joy and beauty

I now choose to eliminate from my life and mind every negative, destructive, fearful idea and thought that would keep me from being the magnificent woman I am meant to be

It is safe for me to grow

I now stand on my own two feet and think for myself

I am a blessing to the planet

My future is bright and beautiful

I am a kind-hearted and sensitive soul

Together we lovingly nourish an even more beautiful world

With joy, I recognise my perfection and the perfection of Life

So Little Miss Jess Lyn, I ask that you may take these beliefs with you throughout your life. To take on the challenges that you will encounter with determination, to cherish the friends that you will make, to enjoy the opportunities that come your way, to know that you can and do make a wonderful contribution to the world, to let yourself shine and inspire others and to never forget that you are a special, unique and amazing individual.

I love you, I am blessed to have you in my life and I am proud to be able to call you my daughter. So when you look in the mirror, remember that you may not always hear all the compliments that you sweetly deserve, but you are worthy of all the friendship, treasures, love and joy in the world

A Wish for My Daughter

The Ability to Cry

Sometimes it seems that those who frustrate and test us the most are the people we know that we can learn the most from. Therefore, Jessica, my 9 year old must be my greatest teacher, especially on day like today. She pushed the limits of my and her fathers patience beyond the norm. To have some time out I had a shower and cried. Now tonight I found some thoughts on tears.

Why were we given the ability to cry? Apparently we have this ability to cry tears because of the cleansing nature of water. What softens and revitalises a hard, dry sponge? What cleanses a wound and washes away the dirt? The cleansing power of water is well documented. It is necessary for life, and so I believe are tears.

I have see the soul destroying effects when emotions are held inside, as well as how those that are washed away with tears can actually restore a life. Think of that dried up old sponge left in the kitchen sink. If you didn't shed tears, that could be you. Now if you plunge that same sponge into warm water, it softens, just as we do when we are willing to cry tears of pain, of joy, of frustration, of love and acceptance.

So if you feel the need to cleanse yourself with a good cry and let others know that it is OK for them to do the same thing. Let your tears clear your vision so that you can see things in a new light.

The Ability to Cry