For Ava

As we are nearing the end of 2012 I thought about doing an obligatory new years resolutions post or a letter to my 16 year old self . Then I remembered how boring both could be and decided that I would write about advice. Pieces of advice I would like to give Ava. Some for now, some for later, some I whisper in her ear as she naps on my shoulder.....

Try and be kind. You won't always feel like it. You won't always want to. But you will be a happier person because of it.

Always remember how much you are loved by me. Because sometimes, it will seem as if I want to kill  you.

Fall madly in love. Every. Single. Time.

Cry when they go. But smile when you realise that you never really liked them that much anyway.

Slam doors. Scream. Rebel. But always come home.

Drink wine as often as you like. But get drunk as little as possible.

Don't base your life around numbers. It doesn't matter what weight you are. It doesn't matter that you feel like you are getting old. It doesn't matter because you are surrounded by love anyway.

Keep being a Daddy's girl. He's a strong ally.

Commit yourself fully to each and every decision you make - but don't ever do anything you don't truly want to do.

Smile. Because when you do, I need nothing else in this life.