Things I Want Sofia to Know

Life is full of pitfalls. Do your best to land on your feet and then keep walking. 

You will not want anything to do with me during your teenage years. This is OK and totally normal, don't beat yourself up about it. Just make sure you continue brushing your teeth and don't do anything stupid while you're taking a break from me. 

Don't spend too much time in front of the tv (or, erm, the computer). Every once in a while, take a break and go for a long walk outside. 

Whatever your chosen career path may be, never ever ever let anyone take advantage of you. Right or wrong, the world sees you as what you sell yourself as. 

Don't be afraid to speak your mind, but don't aim to hurt anyone's feelings. Be diplomatic.

There are always two sides, if not more, to every story.

Never trust a partner who has cheated on another partner to be with you.

Avoid food shopping on Friday evenings, unless you love angry crowds. 

Go with what you think fits you best, even if the person you're going against is me. 

Complain if you have to, but don't let the complaining go on too long. If you are systematically waking up unhappy, change is required.

Never go home with someone you just met at a bar.

Practice using your instincts, and learn to trust them.

Don't be mad at me when you figure out I'm not perfect.

Someone will always love you.

Take notes. There won't be an exam at the end, but you'll find pleasure and comfort in looking your diaries over one day (and don't write in code because you'll never remember).

You don't have to get married. You just have to be happy and feel appreciated.

Relationships of any kind are hard work. If you truly care for someone, work on letting them know it. 

Try to always look people in the eye when they're talking to you. 

Say Please and Thank You and smile as much as possible, even if you don't feel like it. (Edited many years later to say: this is actually wrong. Don't feel like you have to smile just because...being genuine is more important, so only smile if smiling feels right!) 

Ask questions. Ask for help. Be humble. 

Don't underestimate the power of a joke.

Remember where you came from, never lose sight of where you're going- even if the target changes daily (that's ok too!).

If you ever have a child one day, make sure you're ready for the responsibility first. I don't want to have to be there every day to babysit! (kidding! sorta...)

You have been blessed with the knowledge of 2 languages, don't give either of them up, ever.

Read lots of books and learn to cook.

Be careful, but don't lose yourself in paranoia.

Sometimes you're going to feel like throwing in the towel. Don't. Whatever it is will pass - if not today, soon.

Sometimes you have to withstand something painful for the good of the long-term.

Make sure you're doing things for the right reasons, and learn to say no when you really just can't. 

Appreciate what you have been blessed with.

Whatever religion you choose is fine, even if it's none. Be spiritual though.

Mommy and Papa' love you and will always be here for you. Even if you rob a bank or something stupid.