18.

my darling Adriana,

I love you. Happy birthday. 18. Wow. I wish you all good things this year. I wish all good things, always. Being your mom is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You astound, delight, and amaze me. Plus you crack me up. I can’t imagine anyone better to share this life journey with than you, my beautiful daughter, (and of course Dad and Lucy, but today is about you). We love your stories, your view of the world, your intelligence, your silliness, your confidence… We are so very proud of you each and every day for the choices you make, and the path you lead.

My baby is now an adult. This brings much opportunity and much responsibility. I can’t believe how quickly 18 years have flown by. I have some thoughts I’d like to share with you as you begin your journey as an adult.

I love your strength. Of body. Of mind. Of character. Always be yourself, and let your voice be heard. Keep believing in justice and fairness, and require it. Hold people accountable to their word, and be accountable to yours. Take responsibility for your actions, both good and bad.

Love with all of your heart. Share that amazing person that is you. Let people know you, because trust me, they’ll love you. Love them back. Choose kindness as often as you can. (Maybe a little more often than that, lol).

Sometimes the road ahead will have obstacles, but sometimes they’re just sheep. So remember to go with the flow, be able to change, be flexible, keep your sense of humour, all while staying true to yourself and your goals. Enjoy the journey as often as you can. (I think the delighted ‘Mama!!!!’ that came just before this photo, was perhaps my favorite ever use of my name from you, except for maybe the first time you said it.)

Sometimes done is better than perfect.

You can vote now. Please do. Every chance you get. Voting is a right, a responsibility  and a privilege. Sometimes our candidate wins, and sometimes they don’t, but you can’t complain about the state of your school, your town, your state, your country, your world, if you don’t take an active part in voting for who you think will make a difference, and make it better. Complacency or thinking someone else will get it done is when the trouble happens. 

Attitude really is everything. We all have to do things we don’t want to, it’s your response that matters. It’s not what happens to us, it’s our reaction to it. (I am so good at misquoting Stephen Covey, but I’m sure he would appreciate that I misquote him often!). 

Continue to travel the world, exploring inspires us, makes us see the world as one place, because we truly all are in this together. Travel is good for the soul. It energizes and excites, it connects you to humanity. It allows you to push yourself outside of your comfort zone sometimes. Plus, you just need to take time off once in a while to rejuvenate yourself and have fun.

Remember the little girl inside you with all of the big dreams. Fight for her. Be strong for her. Try not to ever let her down. She’s counting on you. Love her, take care of her, always be on her side.

Tread lightly on our planet. Be aware of the choices you make and the impacts they have on our environment. (I mean, I’m me, what did you expect? lol) Be gentle on our beautiful Mother Earth, and she will reward you with beauty and amazing things. Allow yourself to be filled with wonder once in a while. (I’ll throw all my me-ism’s into this one line!)

Keep volunteering and doing service to your community, local and global. Give back. Give of yourself. The world needs people who care. And it is proven that giving back makes us happier too. Who doesn’t need to be a little happier?

Don’t let anyone put you in a box. You get to make your own choices for your life, if it’s not the right fit, change it. It’s your life, stay strong in your convictions and have faith in yourself. 

Share yourself with the world. Show them your silly side. Your serious side. Your intelligent side. Your athletic side. Share all of you. You are amazing, and you are the only you. And dang, the world is lucky to have you in it.

Sometimes the wind is at your back, sometimes it isn’t, adjust your sails, stay on course, draw on your knowledge and strength to see you through.

We are always here for you, if you need a shoulder to lean on, (or climb on, though that might not work so well these days!)

Leave your mark on the world. Be it through your research, your family, your love, your kindness, your work, make a difference out there.

I love you with all my heart, and even more. That’s the most important thing I need to share, always remember you are so incredibly loved. And I am always here for you, because no matter how old you get, you will always be my baby.

Welcome to adulthood, kid. I can’t wait to see what you do with it. The world is yours.

xo Mom