Things I hope I teach my daughter

I'm a believer in "you reap what you sow," when it comes to children. There is an idea in my head of how I want my daughter to be. She may have a completely different idea, but I hope that I instill lessons into her life that at least give her a good foundation to be a strong, healthy, productive person..

Ambition- I hope my daughter is self motivated and inherits my type a personality. I hope she always strives to be the best version of herself, but does so with integrity and virtue. I do believe you can be successful without stepping on others along the way. There may be sacrifices and hard decisions, but sacrificing herself and her values should never be part of the equation.

Charity- I want to teach my daughter the value of helping others. This doesn't mean giving a dollar to every bum on the corner, but may include some volunteer time, or heading up a committee that gathers food for needy families. I believe we all have it in us to work hard for our survival and no one is entitled to a free ride, but sometimes we all need a little help. And it's okay to help those who cannot help themselves (like children, the elderly, and animals).

Love- I hope I teach her that the greatest love she will ever feel is the love she gives to herself. This means caring about her appearance without being vain. Staying healthy. And not compromising her true self for someone else. She will sometimes love more and sometimes be loved more, but at the end of the day you will never receive more than you are willing to give. She should love with her heart, but think with her head as well. No man is ever worth giving up her personal sense of purpose. If he loves her and it is true, he will love her for who she is. And true love is worth waiting for, but it doesn't happen over night, with just one kiss and some butterflies.

Integrity- to be true to herself. To be able to sleep at night with the decisions she has made. That no one is so insignificant they can be stepped on to advance her own agenda.

Entitlement- no one any where is ever entitled to anything. We get as much in life as we give and are willing to work for.

Fun- all work and no play makes anyone grumpy. Take time to rejuvenate your soul everyday. Whether its reading a funny blog, taking a vacation, or laughing at your kids. Laugh often, and laugh more than you cry.