What I wish for Mother’s Day, and everyday, this year and every year. The things that are most valuable, and money cannot buy.

I want you to be a decent, kind, respectful, loving human being.

I want you to be who you are, but don’t be an asshole and don’t be selfish. Unless it’s taking care of you, mind, body and spirit, and that is not selfish!

I want you to pour your own love into yourself, unconditionally. It’s the only way to peace, and it is the only thing that will give you the ability to fully love another.

I want you to give 100% and be 100% present with everything you do, because life is too short not to give it everything you’ve got.

I want you to ask for help when you need it.

I want you to help others when they need it.

I want you to know that the most important and valuable things cannot be bought.

I want you to realize how temporary everything is, how temporary life is, and treat it accordingly. Give your energy to what makes it meaningful, every moment.

I want you to trust your instincts. That little voice in your head. Not the one of fear, the other one. It’s your soul speaking.

I want you to watch your influences. The things you consume, food, media, the people you choose to be around you, including your job. It’s important. It shapes your life.

I want you to learn how to take care of yourself independent of anyone else. Learn how to cook, do your laundry, pay your own bills and know how to clean a bathroom.

When you screw up, and you will, more than once, I want you to take responsibility for it, own it, because it’s the screw-ups that allow change, allow better. Apologize, if needed, but don’t hold it. Love yourself in spite of the fuck-ups, they are only lessons to help you be a better human. Choose the lesson, not the self-hatred.

I want you to travel, because the world is huge and you are one part of it. Seeing and learning different places, people and cultures will help you realize a lot.

I want you to know that even when we don’t like each other, I will never stop loving you. We all have our moments/days.

I want you to feed your curiosity. Life is endless learning, and there are so many things to learn. Choose the things that interest you, that light you up.

I want you to feed your spirit. Do the things that give you joy. Creative things. The possibilities are endless. Be brave.

I want you to love your body, treat it with rest, good food and drink, and healthy movement.

I want you to know that you are not your thoughts. Be aware, and do not own the ones that make you feel bad.

I want you to find a way to do what you love, and realize that that might look completely different than you originally thought.

I want you to not hide from your suffering. Everyone suffers to some degree because we were given these big brains that aren’t necessarily the wisest or most aware all of the time. Being true to yourself and how you express it is liberating.

I want you to respect every human being’s right to be who they are. Love all, some maybe from a distance, if they are out of alignment with your morals and values. Hatred hurts the hater more than anyone else.

I want you to respect and care for all sentient beings and the earth itself.

I want you to know that you are imperfectly perfect, and you are extraordinary. There is no one else like you. The recognition and awareness of this is a gift.

I want you to realize how lucky you are every once in awhile even if only for an instant. We have so much to be grateful for, that needs to be the focus, not lack.

I want you to know love, be it, and allow it in. Keep your heart open, even through pain.

I want you to relax and not feel guilty or bad about any of it. Your own peace sets the tone for everything in your life.

I want you to know life can be brutally difficult sometimes. I want you to breathe. And trust that the breakdowns are the darkness before the light, the falling apart before you come back together in a better, more whole and holy way.

I want you to know that you can choose happiness and love even when the darkness seems to be overwhelming and unrelenting.

I want you to say no, without hesitation, to anything that insults your soul. By doing so, you say yes to yourself and yes to living your best life.

I want you to know that I love you, always.

Love,
Mom