You stand here on the verge of opportunity, of expansive and lifelong joy and fulfillment, not because you are heading out into the world to receive knowledge, gifts, and experiences from the world, but because you are ready to take responsibility for who you are and the contributions you make to your world.

You hold within you everything you need, all the knowledge, all the guidance, all the tools, all the wisdom, to be great and to be happy, to feel and share goodness and empowerment.  Everything you need is right there within you.

Your generous spirit and your ability to make others laugh and feel cared for goes way back to when you were little.  Your empathy, sympathy, and compassion for others is great.  You were always the first to pick up a friend who tumbled, to offer your spot if it helped someone feel better, to clean up a mess that wasn’t yours, or to share a smile when no one else could find theirs.

Just be sure you have as much compassion, love, and kindness for yourself.

We know your missteps, your stumbles and wobbly choices were never intended to harm and were what you needed to do to learn the power of you, to learn how to listen not to what you think or feel should be done to please others but to rely upon your inner wisdom, the tiny little voice of your heart, that knows what is right…what is really right for you.  Because when you do what is right for you, it ends up making everything right around you.

Trust yourself more.  Know that you don’t have to make a big splash.  Honor your divine spirit and let your natural state of being sparkle.  Know that your true purpose is simply to do your best…and that is enough.  It truly is enough.

I will try to remember that too, especially when I pass judgment, apply expectations, and forget that you are not here to fill my dreams.

Live with vision, intention, and determination.  Stay accountable for your actions – feel your freedom and self-respect grow.  Go confidently forward and remain present, bypassing what might, should, and could have happened, and instead focus your energy on building a life around you of peace and acceptance.

You will most certainly face many challenges, sadness, failures, and pain. Remember those experiences are only there to help you dig deeper into discovering who you are.  Surrender your decision-making to your inner wisdom, listen to your deepest self and know your greater purpose.

You are no small part of anything. Remember your greatness, your power, your love, and your joy, always…and that is what I will remember of you.