Every year I make resolutions, but I rarely stick to them for a full 365 days. Gym memberships collect dust and my closet remains disorganized. This year, instead of making lukewarm promises to myself, I thought I’d make heartfelt wishes for my daughter in the new year.
1. Shine
We live in a competitive world and the competition begins sooner than you’d think. I want you to feel proud of what you do simply because it comes from you, not because you feel pressure to be better than everyone else. You have always had a fire in your eyes and you are driven to outrun everyone. I love that about you. Your little playdough cake is amazing. I love your finger-paintings. I hope you know you are perfect just the way you are.
2. Laugh
My favorite sound used to be champagne popping, but now it’s the sound of your laughter. I hope that you feel joy every single day and that you let it bubble out of you.
3. Say yes
Sometimes you are timid to reach out to a new friend at the playground or to taste something unfamiliar at dinner. I hope you do your best to say yes to all of the great opportunities you’ll be faced with. Try new things. Touch, feel and taste the world around you. It makes it so much more exciting!
4. See something wonderful
When I pick you up from school and we walk out onto the sidewalk, you always lift up your eyes and say, “Look at the clouds, Mommy! They’re so beautiful!” It could be a cloudless sunny day or filled with dreary rain, but you always look up and find beauty. I wish for you to hold onto that. I hope you see something beautiful in this world every day.
5. Make friends and hold them close.
Making and keeping friends gets harder as you get older. The friendships you have in childhood are unparalleled in their magic and innocence. There is a closeness that I hope you treasure. A playmate can easily become like a sister because you both like purple or fire trucks or rain boots. I hope that you make a great friend this year who sees you for the fabulous little person you are.
What do you wish for your child in this new year? Share with us in the comments!
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