I started the daily advice to my daughters in January, but will now be posting it on my blog.  I thought it would be nice to have the old installments saved in one place, so here they are:

Being a strong, smart woman is a gift. Don’t ever let anyone convince you otherwise. (Jan. 23, 2012)

The most rewarding relationships in your life won’t always be easy, but they are worth the effort. (Jan 24. 2012)

 Two of the most important words in the English language are, “I’m sorry.” They get easier to say with practice. (Jan 25. 2012)

The gift of forgiveness isn’t earned.  That is why it’s a gift. (Jan 26, 2012)

Never assume that someone knows that you love them.  Say the words. (Jan 27, 2012)

Don’t sweat the small stuff. (The Ketchup Epiphany) (Jan 30, 2012)

Cherish every day with the people you love.  You don’t know when it will be the last. 10 years ago, I had the last day I would ever spend with your Papa. I didn’t know it at the time, it was just another day. The next day he was gone. The biggest lesson from that came from Uncle Jody. He was in Florida when Papa died. And when I asked him if he was upset because he didn’t get home in time, he said that there was nothing unsaid between his dad and him. There were no unspoken apologies or words of love. He had peace in knowing that his relationship with Papa was on solid ground, so he had no regrets. Love the people you love. Today. 10 years ago, I had the last day I would ever spend with your Papa. I didn’t know it at the time, it was just another day. The next day he was gone. The biggest lesson from that came from Uncle Jody. He was in Florida when Papa died. And when I asked him if he was upset because he didn’t get home in time, he said that there was nothing unsaid between his dad and him. There were no unspoken apologies or words of love. He had peace in knowing that his relationship with Papa was on solid ground, so he had no regrets. Love the people you love. Today.  (Jan 31, 2012)

(Keeping it light today…this one comes straight from Jim.)
“People may try to hand you a sack’a shit, but you don’t have to reach your hands out and take it.” This advice was given to me many times when I was lamenting some mean or unfair thing that someone had said or done to me. He was telling me that we all have the choice about what truth we are going to believe about ourselves. Allowing people to treat you badly is as much your choice as theirs. (Feb 1. 2012)

It isn’t courage if you aren’t afraid.  In the face of doubt and fear, take the first step.  That is courage. (Feb. 2, 2012)

When you are angry and irritable and self-righteous, count to 3 (or 300) before you speak. If it is the right thing to say, it will keep for an hour, or a day. (And if you are typing an email, DO NOT HIT THE SEND BUTTON….same rules.)  (Feb 6, 2012)

Two years ago, my beautiful friend Kristen Noe Dominique was given a terrible diagnosis…stage IV colon cancer. Most people I know would prepare for the worst…but not Kristen. She never gave up. She never stopped believing that she would beat the odds. She is my hero and is an example to all of us. Today, she got ANOTHER clean bill of health from her oncologist. She kicked cancer’s ass. If she can do that, YOU can do anything. (Feb 7, 2012)

Learn to keep a confidence. Trust is the most important part of any friendship. (Feb. 10, 2012)

Never ever forget where home is. I’m not talking about a house, but that place in your heart where you find rest, where your values live and where you come from. (Feb 12, 2012)

Learn to laugh at yourself. Sometimes the mistakes that we make are just funny. (Feb 13, 2012)

Remember that no matter what boys come into your life, the first heart you ever stole was your Mama’s. Nobody will ever love you like I do. Happy Valentine’s Day! (Feb 14, 2012)

Set a goal and go after it. It is much more difficult to make progress if you don’t have something tangible to work toward. (Feb. 21, 2012)

“Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.” (Sarah Kay) (Feb, 26, 2012)

Be patient.  The most meaningful successes won’t be free, they won’t be easy and they won’t be quick.  But they will be worth it. (Feb. 27, 2012)

Sometimes compassion is easier to practice on acquaintances and strangers than those closest to you, but it isn’t more important. When you are thinking about who you need to be more kind to, don’t forget to look in your own house. (April 13, 2012)

(A little twist):
Tonight’s advice to beautiful me:
Sometimes no is the right answer, even when it feels really crappy. SOMEDAY she might even thank you for it…but not tonight. 😦 (April 16, 2012)

The times that my decisions disappoint you most, are the times that my love for you is fiercest.  You may not see it now, but if I do my job well, when you remember my follow through, maybe you will have the strength to disappoint your kids too. (April 17, 2012) 

 When a challenge seems insurmountable, “I think I can?  I think I can.   I think I can!”  can get you over the mountain.  (April 20, 2012)

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