Thoughts to my Daughter as she Raises My First Granddaughter

My daughter is now almost 40 years old. Actually, she’s my brothers’ daughter and I raised her as my own. As a young child, I had great anticipation of our relationship when she became an adult. Unfortunately, she took a few detours to learn about life and is now back on path and very excited about her future.

It’s interesting how so many of us get off path as we mature through life. The important thing is that we get back on path and keep on growing. One of the things that I have learned on my journey is the importance of learning from your mistakes and leveraging your past. These are not easy lessons to learn but are very valuable as we live out our life

For me I had to learn how to leverage my experience as the first black woman to own a speaker Bureau In my life I generally just keep moving and doing something new but I'm learning how important it is to use the knowledge, experience, lessons, and everything else from my past including people that I've met to move forward.

This is what I want to say to my daughter. You have become such a beautiful woman and my gosh, the wisdom you've learned along the way it is really impressive. What also impresses me is the great strength you have gained.

Your past is your past and let it stay there but let the lessons be lessons that help you to raise your daughter to the kind of lady you would like her to be. We all make mistakes, no one is perfect. What is important is that you do not continue to repeat your mistakes and you learn from them. When you learn, you elevate.

I would also help her recognize her natural gifts and talents. God gave her lots of gifts including beauty, brains, and a beautiful singing voice. During her challenges she used her voice to comfort her and share her story. Now, with a clear head, she can do the same and take it to another level if she so chooses.

Finally, I will share what I have learned about money – how to get it, how to use it, invest it, grow it and let it work for you. This is a lesson I didn’t learn. My parents taught us well about saving money but not about using money as a tool. What I learned without that lesson is to be confident that by following your God-given path, you will be given all the things you need to ease your journey. You just have to believe it then work toward it.

All of these thoughts were learned the hard way which may be the best way to learn. If my daughter can embrace them then role model and teach to her daughter, their future will be very bright. The real good thing about this time of life with her is that she is anxious to listen. As the phrase goes, when the student is ready the teacher will appear. I’m so glad she is ready and that I am willing and able to be her teacher.

What thoughts will you share with your child(ren)?