From Mommy with love. The things I want you to know.

1. I love you
2. There are different kinds of family. You and I are a family. A cute little family, but a family nevertheless. Daddy would have been a bonus. Its not our fault. its his loss.
3. Very few things in life are black or white, the rest is a rainbow of choices. Make the choice that is right for you
4. Never be mean and hurtful. There is something to learn from everyone.
5. Never take crap from anyone.
6. Trust your gut instinct. If it says run, you run.. either towards or away. Listen to it.
7. Love hurts. Its ok, because you give your loved ones the right to hurt you. If its painful all the time, its not love
8. Just like now as a little kid, you fly off the table knowing I will catch you, spread your wings and fly, I will always be there to catch you.
9. Adjustments and compromises are a part of life because no two people are wired the same. That is what makes each of us special. But that does not mean you become a mute doll, ever.
10. Sometimes you will feel like nothing is going as planned, you will feel lost. Instead of losing hope, think of it as an adventure and have fun with the uncertainty.
11. There is a difference between pride and self respect. There will be times and people for who you will have to let go of the pride but never let go of your self respect.
12. You are beautiful. Period.
13. One bad choice does not mean your life is over.
14. Learn from your mistakes.
15. Cry. There is nothing wrong with it. It is just a way to let go. But decide how much of your tears that crap is worth and then let go.
16. Feelings are good. They are the difference between the living and the dead.
17. Be well read. Always be up to date with the news.
18. Travel and experience the world.
19. Boys are not better than girls, no matter who tells you what.
20. Cook and clean because you want to, not because someone says you have to.
21. Play a sport. Learn an art form. Its a stress buster and more fun than therapy.
22. Swimming is a life saver. And dancing makes anything fun.
23. In today's time and age, it is compulsory to learn self defense. Both verbal and physical.
24. Continue to be funny.
25. Laughter is attractive
26. Be with a man who is confident of himself, who respects you and has this need to keep you happy.
27. Dating is fun. Sex is fun. Dating does not mean sex. Remember its your body, its your call.
28. Do not do anything you are not comfortable with, do not wear anything you are not comfortable in.
29. Being smart and intelligent is cool. Playing dumb is "uncool".
30. Confidence is cooler.
31. You will always be stronger than you think you are.
32. You can be anything you want to be. Just strive to be the best in whatever you choose to be.
33. Make friends. Know the difference between a friend, and an acquaintance.
34. Either she/he is your friend or not. Enemy is too big a term.
35. You are from a family of over achievers, where education is revered. You will study but enjoy studying. Do not pressurize yourself. Have fun with learning.
36. Knowledge is more important than grades.
37. Education is the cushion you can always fall back on.
38. Your grandparents, your uncles and aunts, your cousins all of them adore you. You are a lucky girl with a wonderful family.
39. Love yourself, you know yourself the best and deserve your love.
40. I trust you. will always be proud of you and will love you forever.

You jump, I jump Jack

In one simple sentence. I trust people. I believe in the inane goodness of people. I cannot live my life second guessing and thinking what is the evil motive behind each and every action of another person. Yes there was a time I was borderline naive, ok fine I was naive when I believed my ex mother in law telling me "Oh you are so nice, I get along with you more than with my own daughter" Duh! But honestly I did not see a point in refuting her. Her daughter is a bitch, later I realized where those genes came from. A lot of people have told me that people are not good. Many people start off with "This person is bad" and then come around. But we are all those "people" I am not saying one should trust enough to get kidnapped. What  I mean is if someone tells me "your ear rings are nice" or "I love the movie Titanic" , why should I waste my time second guessing them? What difference does it make to my life if they are telling the truth or not. Why search for some inner deep evil meaning? So I chose to say "thank you" or :Yes, its a nice movie" Simple. There will also be people for whom "you jump, I jump" or "you fall I catch". Yes there are nice people.

Dear Mia, all I tell you is people are good, but their circumstances might be bad. Take care of yourself. Trust yourself for knowing when to be wary. But enjoy the sunshine, instead of constantly worrying where the darkness lurks.