I begin this letter today with gratitude - I appreciate it very much when you tell me you enjoyed the day's letter to you. It fills me with happiness and a sense of accomplishment. The word for today just jumped out at me:
Grow.
This applies to everyone, every day. We don't just grow physically; we also experience personal growth. We grow into things, we grow out of situations. How apt this word is, at this particular time in our lives! I am marveling at the time gone by, as I've watched you grow from that little toddler getting ready to go to playschool, then kindergarten and then, Grade 1. I hug the memory of the day you first wore your school uniform.
I cried when I let your little hand go as you sedately walked into your class-room. I wonder if you remember how your Grandma and I would hang around the school playground to pick you up again, since you had half-working days for the first couple of weeks before summer vacation began - which meant only a couple of hours. It was this time that year, April 2003. I have such fond memories of you, in the following years, refusing to leave school even after most of the children had gone home because you loved playing there with your friends.
As the years have passed, we watched you grow into someone who is loved by your classmates and teachers alike. I want you to know that I am proud of you for conducting yourself with calm during times that were less than perfect. My heart bursts with love when I think of how you stayed committed with activities you did not really enjoy because you thought quitting was wrong.
Today, as you stand tall, you probably understand by now that growth involves risk - and almost always begins at the end of your comfort zone. It means facing your fears and never being afraid to try something for the first time. Mistakes can be fun, you know! I remember being so apprehensive - when you had that accident as a 1st grader and broke your collar bone while playing at the slippery slide. You had to take a month off from school. We thought you would be afraid of getting back on that slide. But you stunned us by heading for it at soon as you saw it, even with your arm in a sling! We admired you then, for not letting fear come in the way of your happiness.
At this point when you are uncertain about what's next, being nervous is normal. But you know what? You have the inner strength and courage to excel. You've always been self-motivated and it only took a gentle nudge from us to urge you take that extra step. Know that your sincerity will take you a long way. Never lose your sense of curiosity as you explore and attempt new things.
Approach everything you do with a positive frame of mind. Be aware of your strengths and values and leverage them to help you grow.
Know yourself, grow yourself
Begin your day with focus and determination. If you do not achieve an expected outcome, take the learning and experience and use them as stepping stones to grow. Persistence will take you to your goal.
"I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that don't work!" Thomas Alva Edison
Develop a sense of accountability to yourself and those you care about - this will help you stay focused. Personal growth is a beautiful process - enjoy it, enjoy the journey.
Above all, grow with love and gratitude.
All good things await you. Embrace them. Don't forget to celebrate the little victories!
Love and Hugs, Blessed to be your Mom
G for Grow
G for Glycemic Index at Life Hacks for Diabetics
G for Gratitude at Life Hacks for Happiness
