Today my youngest daughter will be married. As I tried to think of sentiments that I could share with her on this special day I came across this lovely poem. If you know who wrote these heartfelt words please let me know. I would like to give credit to the person who surely spoke as a mother to her daughter. This sentiment applies to both my daughters, but seems especially relevant for my sweet “Beckazoid,” on this her special day.

“Be strong. Be intelligent. Smile.
Know that beauty has everything to do with how you feel about yourself
and nothing to do with looks or other people’s opinions.
Never do anything just because everyone else is if you believe it’s wrong.
Always be true to yourself.

Expect the best from life and that’s what you’ll get.
Learn from your mistakes and failures.
Believe in magic and wish on stars.
Love and trust and be compassionate.

Make faces. Play in mud puddles. Take bubble baths.
Turn off all the lights and watch lightening storms.
Dance, laugh, cry, and sing when you want to.
Read everything you can get your hands on.
Stand up for what is right especially if you stand alone.
Don’t allow yourself or people around you to tolerate prejudices of any kind.

Don’t be afraid to try something new.
Do something daring at least once a week.
Run through snow drifts.
Spin in circles and roll down hills.

Pet puppies, hold kittens, and talk to babies.
Take afternoon naps. Stay up to watch the sunrise.
Never apologize for being a woman or for being yourself.
Never forget that I love you more than any other person in the world,
no matter how far apart we are you will always be my daughter.”

I also created a poster that features the poem. Click on the image to see an enlarged version that you might like to print for your daughter(s).