I wrote this while I was in college before I even was a Mama, but now it holds even more meaning. I have it on the wall in my wee ones room.

My Dear Child,
I do not profess to you that I have all the answers
You will need in this life.
I do not profess to you,
That I have any faultless answers at all.

My Dear Child,
I do urge you to find love.
Build bridges,
Many strong and lasting bridges
Between your heart,
And the hearts of others.
Rely on people (thought sometimes this proves painful)
And let people rely on you.

My Dear Child,
I do urge you to create.
Invent, imagine,
Construct magnificent things.
Things that are your own.
Be proud of your creativity
And let it come from your very soul.

My Dear Child,
I do beg of you to find respect.
Value yourself
And all other living entities.
Consider others. Consider the world
And the impact you have on it.

My Dear Child,
I do urge you to recognize your freedoms.
Use your freedom of speech, of religion, of expression
Freedom to love, and so on.
Hold fast to your liberty,
And fight for the independence of others.

My Dear Child,
I urge you to use opportunity well.
Chose, chose wisely and never have regrets.
Remember you always have a choice,
Be thankful that
The path you follow is the path you make.

Take care of yourself, My Dear Child,
Your body is your temple.
There is only one of you
You are not replicable
You are special, you are loved
Never let anyone tell you otherwise.