100 Things I Want To Teach My Daughter

I saw a list a while back of 100 things the author wanted to teach her children.  After thinking on it, I thought I'd make my own. 

100 Things I Want to Teach My Daughter

1. You will always be my baby girl.
2. I will never tire of being your mother.
3. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of body.
4. The mirror is not the boss of you.
5. You are perfect exactly as you are, flaws and all.
6. The benefit of the doubt is sometimes the best gift we can give our friends.
7. There will always be mean girls – that doesn’t mean we find a tower and Rapunzel ourselves away from the world.
8. Your daddy has loved you better and longer than any boy ever will.
9. The way a boy treats his mama is a surefire way of how he will treat his wife.  Pay attention.
10. Set goals. 
11. You don't need to be everything to everyone. 
12. In a strong relationship, both people motivate each other to go further in life.
13. Food is a joy.
14. Your body is strong and capable of more than you can imagine right now.
15. Find a hobby you love.   
16. Cleaning is overrated.
17. Music makes everything better.
18. Dance and Sing – especially when you’re cleaning.
19. Drive with the windows down.
20. Nothing you tell me will ever make me want to stop hearing from you.
21. Be with someone who won't stay mad at you, who can't stand not talking to you and who's afraid of losing you.
22. Don't be afraid to make mistakes... but don't make the same ones twice.
23. Washing your face every night is the best kind of beauty routine.
24. Sunscreen – your father is a redhead.
25. You are NOT a backup plan and definitely not a second choice.  Don't let anyone treat you that way.
26. A good movie can change how you understand someone else.
27. A good song can change your mood.
28. Words can build bridges between people.
29. Home is not where we live but who we love.
30. Staying up late to read a good book is never time wasted.
31. Boys and girls can be just friends. 
32. The best way never to worry about anyone gossiping about you is never to gossip about anybody.
33. Good girls aren’t boring.
34. Don't do drugs.  They are bad and ruin lives.
35. Don't smoke.  It's an expensive, unhealthy, disgusting habit that is hard to break.
36. The movies lie.  Passion isn't a contorted exercise on a marble staircase, it's doing the dishes together and lying with your feet touching in bed at the end of a long day.
37. Sometimes it's okay to eat ice cream for supper.
38. Saying sorry first is a sign of strength not a weakness.
39. I’m on your side; especially on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.
40. Marriage is an act of courage, commitment and sacrifice. It’s also the most fun you’ll ever have with your best friend.
41. Always fight fair. But don’t be afraid to fight.
42. Long hair requires a really good conditioner.
43. Bad hair days happen.  Hats are your friend.
44. A good cry is great therapy, but don't cry over spilt milk.
45. A strong man is never threatened by a strong woman.
46. The world needs your point of view.
47. Love waits.
48. Go big even if it means failing big. Especially then.
49. Be the friend you wish you had.
50. Travel.
51. You can’t control what others think about you. Let it go.
52. Your first kiss should be toasted, treasured, savored.  Not something to be forgotten.  Choose wisely.
53. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t do it, wear it or say it.
54. Don't think too much, go with your gut.
55. Your dad will teach you how to defend yourself.  Listen and learn.
56. You can’t go wrong with a good country song.  
57. Stop for sunsets.
58. Think before you speak.
59. Instead of focusing on your problems, focus on your joys.
60. Take time to enjoy nature.
61. Read books. Not just one author or genre either. Explore.
62. Husbands need a wife. Not another mom.
63. A good friend loves at all times. Period.
64. Always stay in control of yourself. If you do get drunk, do it with people you know and trust.
65. Patience is never wasted.
66. Don’t just Instagram your life. Live it.  Real life is always better than online.
67. I will gladly help you with your homework... but don't expect me to know all the answers.
68. Don’t be afraid of a broken heart.
69. The only thing holding you back from making a difference in the world will be yourself.
70. The painful truth is always easier than a messy lie.
71. Don't give up your girlfriends when you enter into a relationship.  They will be the ones there for you when it doesn't work out.
72. Don’t be afraid to be foolish.
73. Respect your elders.
74. Ask questions.
75. You’re the most brave when you’re the most scared and keep going anyway.
76. Bad haircuts grow out eventually.  It's just hair, not the end of the world.
77. Don't covet what your friends or neighbors have... you don't know what goes on behind closed doors.
78. Nothing will make me love you less.
79. You can always come home.
80. You will love again.
81. Challenge yourself.
82. If you ever have a sibling, be there for them, look out and protect them.  They will be your best friend when you are older.
83. Friends may come and go, but family will always be by your side.  Always.
84. Take responsibility for your actions.
85. Be positive.
86. Everyone makes mistakes.  Even Mom and Dad.
87. Be unique.
88. Spend as much time with your grandparents as you can.
89. Being happy is a choice.
90. Be a saver, not a spender.
91. If something looks too good to be true, it likely is.
92. Do little things for other people.
93. Follow your heart, but take your brain with you. 
94. Be active.  Play sports, exercise... but most importantly, have fun.
95. Be grateful for what you have.  The things you take for granted, someone else is praying for.
96. Don't be afraid to pee outside.
97. Don't let someone who gave up on their dreams talk you out of yours.
98. Take a deep breath, it's just a bad day, not a bad life.
99. Everyone you will ever meet knows something that you don't.  Learn from them.
100. I will be your best friend. But I will be your mother more.

I think this list could have 100 more things on it, but I'll stop here.