Lessons I’d Pass Down to Every Little Girl

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Now in my 70s, if I could sit beside a little girl — maybe my younger self, maybe my granddaughters — and whisper truths about what lies ahead, I’d tell her these five things.

I’d be brutally honest. Life will be full of joy, challenge, wonder, and lessons. AND, Life will bring you pain, hurt, hardships, challenges.

What will move you along this path of life will be your healthy positive mindset and mental toughness.

These five points are my heart’s way of passing along what time and experience have taught me.

Believe in Your Worth — Always

I know this lesson will be really hard, but no matter what happens, you are enough. And, believe me, there will be times that you question your worth, who you are, why this or that happened, where you’re going, and is it really  ‘me’?

The world will try to shape you, label you, and sometimes make you question your value. Others are so good at trying to steer you ship of life. Sure you want constructive and helpful guidance, but only from those that you know have your best interest in their heart.

Don’t fall into that trap of being who you aren’t. Know that those that you’re probably admiring or want to emulate are the most likely the most insecure of all. They’re the ones who need a scapegoat and a prey to land upon to make themselves feel better. 

Always remember that your worth doesn’t come from achievements or appearance — it’s built into who you are. Carry that confidence gently but firmly.

Be Curious, Not Perfect

Perfection is an illusion that steals your joy. Each small step along a path of accomplishment is a victory, whether you win or lose. You’re learning something. 

I encourage my granddaughters to try new things like auditioning for children’s theater. And, when those announcements come out as to who got what role, there’s no sad faces or disappointments. Just stepping on stage, being part of something bigger than yourself, even if you’re just a secondary or third role person with no speaking lines, is a testament to a big accomplishment! There will be a next time and maybe you’ll be right for a speaking or leading role, maybe not. It’s the curiousity of the journey.

Curiosity is your magic — it keeps you learning, growing, and living with wonder. That’s why life is to be explored and embraced. You don’t have to be boxed in to what is expected. Sometimes you must separate yourself from the pack and be the lone ‘wolf’ leading the way. Others will follow! 

Ask questions, try things, fail boldly, and know that every stumble teaches something you’ll need later.

Protect Your Kindness — It’s a Superpower

There will be times when being kind feels too hard or too risky. You can be kind but you also must be firm and not let others run over you. You must stand your ground. Believe in something. Yet, be open to learning and growing.

Kindness — especially when the world isn’t kind back — is your quiet strength. And never forget that you can always be kind and tough at the same time. You stand by your convictions in a gracious manner. 

Don’t let anyone make you believe softness and strength can’t live in the same heart. You are a warrior. You have those powers that you can tap into and walk the path with grace, grit and guts.

Choose People Who Make You Feel Safe and Seen

Here’s a big lesson I learned rather late in life.

The right people don’t demand that you shrink to fit. They help you grow taller. You’ll have just a handful or less of people in your entire life who’re like this.

The right people don’t make you feel ‘bad’ about yourself. They make you feel positive and confident. They rejoice and find happiness in your sucessesses.

Jealousy is a bitter pill. Don’t allow others to let you fall into that trap. You must keep your outlook and mindset clear and focused and positive. Others will try to steer you the wrong way. Those are the people you need to let go of in life.

Be with those who listen, laugh with you, and make you feel seen. Life’s too short to walk beside anyone who dims your light.

Dream Boldly — and Start Small

Oh, this lesson resonates with me because even at 76, I’m still dreaming! 

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just dream big and begin with one small, brave step.

And, never forget, that ‘dreams have no expiration date’. Even as you enter your young adult life, mid life and senior life, keep dreaming. It keeps you vibrant and alive. It keeps you interesting and makes every cell in your body sparkle.

The magic is in the doing — not the waiting for the perfect time. There is no perfect time. Most of the tie, it’s a jump of faith and a heck of a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Every step of the way, you’ll learn more. Become wiser. Figure out the next turn on the roadtrip towards your dream.

Your future unfolds with every choice you make in courage.

The Wisdom I’d Leave with You

If I could whisper one thing to you, little one, it would be this: trust yourself, be gentle with your heart, and never stop chasing the sparks that make you feel alive. Find those flames that nurture your soul, your family, your trusted friends, your unwavering faith in God’s divine plan for you. 

Surround yourself with those who lift you higher, laugh often, and let curiosity guide your steps. Spend time with your grandparents! 

They love you UNCONDITIONALLY. They’ can be your superpower of strength to navigate through rocky roads and tumultuous waters. Their only ‘skin in the game’ is that YOU become even greater and stronger than you even think you can be. 

Dream boldly, even when it feels scary. These simple truths have carried me through seven decades, and I hope they give you steady ground as you figure out your own path.