Important rules to teach our daughters:

1. Travel light through life, keep only what you need. Let go of what no longer serves you.
2. Every thought you have is not a fact. Know the difference.
3. Not everything you think should be shared.
4. It’s okay to cry when you’re hurt. It is also okay to smash (some) things; but, wash your face, clean up your mess and get up off the floor. You don’t belong down there.
5. If you are going to curse, be clever. If you’re going to curse in public, know your audience.
6. Seek out the people and places that resonate with your soul.
7. People will leave your life. It’s okay to let them go. Yes, it will hurt. Yes, you will heal.
8. New people will enter your life. Be selective about who you let in.
9. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
10. 5-second rule. It’s just dirt. There are worse things in a fast food cheeseburger.
11. You are a woman, you do not need a man, but you can absolutely enjoy your life with a good one.
12. Happiness is not a permanent state. Wholeness is. Don’t confuse these.
13. Never measure how strong you are by how much pain you can endure.
14. Ruts are a part of life, don’t stay stuck in one.
15. A soak in a hot bath and a good night’s sleep are a cure for many things.
16. Never walk through an alley alone.
17. Be less sugar, more spice, and only as nice as you’re able to without, compromising yourself.
18. Can’t is a cop-out. Totally unacceptable and doesn’t belong in your vocabulary.
19. Hold your heroes to a high standard. Be your own hero.
20. Face your fears and do not be held hostage by them.
21. If you can’t smile with your eyes, don’t smile. Insincerity is nothing to aspire to.
22. Never lie to yourself.
23. Your body, your rules.
24. If you have an opinion, you better know why.
25. Practice your passions.
26. Ask for what you want. The worst thing they can say is no.
27. Wish on stars and dandelions, then get to work to make them happen.
28. Stay as sweet as you are.
29. Fall in love often. Particularly with ideas, art, music, literature, food and far-off places.
30. Say Please, Thank You, and Pardon Me, whenever the situation warrants it.
31. Reserve “I’m sorry” for when you truly are.
32. Naps are for grown-ups, too.
33. Question everything, except your own intuition.
34. You have enough. You are enough.
35. You are amazing! Don’t let anyone ever make you feel you are not. If someone does…walk away. You deserve better.
36. No matter where you are, you can always come home.
37. Be happy and remember your roots, family is EVERYTHING!
38. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
39. Know what you value. Value yourself too.
40. Be kind; treat others how you would like them to treat you.
41. If in doubt, remember whose daughter and grand-daughter you are. Comb your hair, put on your lipstick, and straighten your crown!

I believe this was originally written by Pam Van Patton, my husband’s 1st ex-wife and mother of his daughter, Angie. This version includes a few of my own enhancements. Copy and post and credit Pam please.