109 Things I Want My Daughter to Know.

Baby Girl,

I want nothing more than to be there for you, to teach you, to learn from you, to hold you when you cry, and lift you when you're flying high. Unfortunately, thats not possible right now. So, for that reason, here are a few things I want you to know, things that I've learned in my life that I think will be of benefit to you.



1. Look people in the eye when you talk to them.
2. Have a firm handshake.
3. Before judging a situation, look at it from both sides.
4. Never stop being creative. It's in your blood, Baby Girl. Always be creating.
5. Times will get bad. You may feel overwhelmed, but remember, all things pass. Stay the course and trust better things are coming.
6. Know the difference between wanting someone and needing someone. All you NEED is you.
7. Sex feels good, but remember you are in charge. Make a boy earn it. Don't give it away.
8. Know who you are and be unapologetic about it.
9. Find your passion. Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.
10. Learn to forgive others. Do it for your own peace. Hate is debilitating.
11. Forgive others, but don't forget.
12. Be accountable for your mistakes. We all make mistakes, but the one who embraces their mistakes and owns their mistakes will ensure nobody has a reason to argue with you.
13. Sometimes you have to play the game. It doesn't mean you are weak, it means you are smart enough to know how to get to where you want to go.
14. Listen more than you speak.
15. Learn how to give a genuine hug. It may change a persons day around.
16. Never speak ill of someone else to another person. Let them decide on that person on their own.
17. Hateful speech of another is a sign of insecurity in yourself.
18. If you have an issue with someone, invite them out for coffee. It's much harder for people to be angry when you're looking them in the eyes.
19. Not every relationship you're in will work out. Learn from the experience and move on.
20. Make sure your car has a first aid kit, a blanket, and a gallon of water.
21. Learn how to change a tire.
22. Learn how to use tools.
23. Never depend on a man for anything. You're a strong woman. Do it yourself.
24. Set goals for yourself.
25. Never allow yourself to be controlled by another. This is the only life you get. You do you!
26. Always dress nice.
27. Always practice good manners.
28. Never show up to a party empty handed.
29. Teenage boys are dicks and will say anything to get laid. See through the bullshit.
30. Never yell at someone. Your words get lost in their own resentment.
31. People that try to bring you down to their level only do so because they lack the ability to rise to yours.
32. Never stop exercising.
33. Wear sunscreen
34. Smile at people. A smile can, and will, change a persons approach.
35. Never loan your car to anyone.
36. Be content in what you have.
37. Pet every dog that comes your way.
38. Get to nature often and find peace.
39. Brush hour teeth before bed and in the morning.
40. If someone speaks ill of you, smile and say nothing. They're only looking for a response.
41. Class is infinitely more attractive than anything else.
42. Always tip AT LEAST 20%.
43. If you complain, have a solution in mind.
44. Learn to love wholly. You will get hurt, but I'd rather love wholly and know it didnt work than give half and wonder if it could have worked if I have more.
45. Life isnt all about you. Dont be narcissistic.
46. Bad things happen in life. Dont let it define you. Let how you respond be what defines you.
47. Hold the door for others.
48. If someone's blinker is on, let them in. You'll still get there in time.
49. Wear sandals to the airport.
50. Drink a glass of water between every drink.
51. Never mention your "gay friends." They're simply called "friends."
52. Have good posture.
53. Love yourself!
54. Be confortable with telling people 'no.' Otherwise you may get walked over.
55. Check your blind spots.
56. Facebook is for entertainment, its not life.
57. Travel as much as you can.
58. Learn to cook.
59. Touch people. It warms their heart.
60. Be quick with compliments and short with criticism.
61. Never use baby talk to get what you want. It's demeaning to everyone involved.
62. Stand up for what you believe in. Never back down
63. It's okay to be wrong. Thats how you learn.
64. Be honest. Lies have a way of controlling your life. You'll spend the rest of your life trying to cover up your lies. Just be honest.
65. In life you have two options...the right thing and the wrong thing. You already know the right thing.
66. Learn to write in cursive. It's classy as shit.
67. Always trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it usually is.
68. Know how to spell. Nuthin wers den dis crap.
69. Always have an updated resume.
70. Dont say anything to yourself that you wouldnt say to your best friend in the same situation. Negative self talk gets you nowhere.
71. After a breakup, give yourself time to mourn and reflect before seeking out another.
72. Learn how to handle a gun.
73. Let most things go, but pick your battles, and when you do, fight like hell.
74. 99% of the situations in which we find ourselves are a result of our own decisions. Don't blame others, but rather, figure out what you can do the next time.
75. Thank the flight attendants as you disembark.
76. Do good things because its right. Tell nobody.
77. Make your expectations known. You cant hold somebody to expectations they dont know exist.
78. Hold yourself to the same expectations you have of others.
79. If you're the smartest one in the room, you're in the wrong room. Challenge yourself! ALWAYS!
80. Learn to take a compliment.
81. Learn to be proud of yourself.
82. Sit and talk to old people. They know more than you and you will learn a lot.
83. Learn HOW to drink. Its more than just pouring shit down your throat.
84. Be patient.
85. Respect the military.
86. Don't believe what the media tells you. Do your own research.
87. Know how to grill.
88. Never waste a steak.
89. You're not entitled to respect, you earn it.
90. Trust until given a reason not to trust.
91. If in the middle of an argument you realize you're wrong, just stop and admit it.
92. Don't argue just to win, but rather, argue to learn.
93. Know HOW to curse. Don't just use random curse words...use it for emphasis.
94. Sex is never an expectation. It's a conscious decision YOU make. If anyone pressures you, kick their ass and bail.
95. Sex with love is a million times better than random sex.
96. Nobody gets a cold from being out in the cold. Its a virus. You get it from someone else.
97. Notice the people that support you and are happy when you're happy. Do the same for them.
98. Don't fucking use people. That's a dick move.
99. If someone that isnt family offers you money for no reason, its a scam.
100. Never chase people who never have time for you. "Too busy" is a myth. People make time for people that are important to them.
101. Get Netflix, cable is a scam.
102. Better yet, read a book.
103. Learn to knit. I hear its calming. Me? I write. Point being, find something that brings you peace.
104. Eat with your hands sometimes. Shit tastes better.
105. Don't just text all the time. Call and talk to people.
106. Talk to your grandparents before its too late.
107. In fact, ask your grandparents about your parents. You'll learn some things.
108. Learn different accents and use them in random situations.
109. Find the fun in everything.

Baby Girl, this list is far from complete. Most of the things on here are things that I've learned from my own mistakes. I wish I could tell you these things in person, but for now, this will have to suffice. One day, we will talk at length. Until then, I love you!

Daddy