Ava,

As I continue to make my way through the colorful world of adulthood, I’ve realized that sometimes you’re forced to choose between your principles and your social or economic wealth. Though it may seem far off or something the people you call friends or peers would never do, trust me little girl one day they will. One day you’ll be out for the first time without me, exploring your new found freedom at the movies or at the beach and one of your friends will suggest something far outside your comfort zone. You’ll have 1,000 thoughts fly through your head and you might even hear my voice telling you not to think about it but then the fear of loosing out on friendships and future invitations flashes in red through your mind.

Fast forward 15 years and you’re sitting in the waiting room for a job interview fresh from college. The interview goes great but upon receiving the job offer you realize that this company has a lot of unfair business practices and you know you won’t be happy here for long. The salary however persuades you to consider it.

My point here Ava is be it 12 years old 27 years old or nearing 90 you will always be forced to choose between what is easy and what is right. Realistically, it seems obvious and cliché that as your mom I’m going to tell you to choose right from wrong, which may not necessarily be easy. Yes, as your mom, it is my job to teach you and tell you what’s right. However, I would be a hypocrite and I wouldn’t be doing you justice if I wasn’t honest in telling you I have not always succeeded in choosing right but I can tell you that having done both; right is always best.

Through my teenage years I suffered from your typical teen angst and rebellion but I was also searching for myself, searching for where I belonged and my purpose. I found that purpose when I became your mother. Albeit I was young and having you propelled my life forward 100mph, it took me some time to get my feet out of the mud but knowing you were watching me pushed me onward. So now when I’m faced with two options either that easy A or that hard earned B, I go for B.

I go for B because I have learned that money is not happiness, though it makes life easier, a job where you’re not happy is not an accomplishment. I have learned that friends, who put you down, mock or ridicule your dreams and ideas are not your friends, they are toxic to your life. Standing ground in who you are and what you stand for makes you stand that much taller, it validates any hardship you may weather and most of all it makes you authentic.

Authenticity is an endangered quality in today’s society so if I can give you one piece of advice it is to be who you are, to stand by the values you hold true because those same people who pressure you tend to leave you in times of trouble. Your “most authentic” you is who you see every morning in the mirror, never be ashamed of her, never be ashamed of your passions even if they push you to pursue a completely different paths than you’ve ever know before or set you apart from the rest. That is okay; the road less traveled has the most abundant fruit. That my dearest little girl is how I am here today, writing to you, writing for this blog. I took a leap of faith I pursued what I have always loved to do, write, create and envision. It has brought me great success and I know that one day the things you love and are passionate for will bring you the same if you always remember your guiding principles are yours and yours alone and not one soul on this earth has the power to reroute or alter them except you.

Love Mom