I originally wrote this as a letter to my future daughter, one I may never have. Instead, I think it’s fitting for every daughter.

Be brave when others have faulted. Fight when you know you have nothing left. Get back up when you think you can’t. Do what they never expect

You will be challenged in so many ways. Broken, torn down and tossed to the cold harsh world and meant to stay there but you must always live with kindness.

Forgive where you can but fight like hell when can’t.

Always know you are loved and find the strength within you to fill the world with grace, as we could all use a little more of it, regardless of who we are and where we come from.

The world will change and you with it — but always strive for compassion even when it seems utterly impossible because it will save you in the end. Make this promise to yourself: The person in the mirror is the one you have to answer to and if the two of you are at odds then your soul always will be.

The universe has its own story of creation and yours will be unique, filled with chapters of light and dark. Remember the light, keep it in your heart for it will guide you in the dark.

Time has a plan for us all but time did not plan on you.