Dear Chelsea

My niece Chelsea is graduating high school today.

She is walking across the same stage I did twenty- nine years ago.

What an amazing young lady she has turned out to be. Her parents did a wonderful job in raising her.

Where has the time gone?

She has always seemed so wise beyond her years. She has such poise and presence that you notice immediately after meeting her in person.

I am so anxious to see what wonderful things she has waiting for her in the future.

There is something magical about your college years that you don’t realize and appreciate until later on in life. Like when you are up late at night for what seems like the millionth time rocking fussy babies.

I have no regrets at all, other than going back and appreciating those experiences a little more.

There will never be another time in life when you learn more about yourself and meet so many people with different experiences that will become lifelong friends.

Here are some bits of advice that I couldn’t fit into the card I just mailed her:

My wish for you is that you always remember to stay true to your dreams. It is so easy to change your dreams to suit someone else. Don’t do it.

Dream Big!

My wish for you is that you find a profession that you also consider a passion. Your Grandma always told us to choose something that you would do for free and figure out a way to earn a living at it. Listen. Mama Ott is a very smart woman.

My wish for you is that you pursue whatever finds you happiness. No one else can make you truly happy until you are happy within yourself.

I learned this the hard way.

My wish for you is that you find ways to use your many talents as a positive force for change; whether it is something as simple as giving someone a compliment or writing and recording an inspirational song. Your beautiful smile and voice are gifts. You have unlimited potential to discover amazing ways in which to inspire.

My wish for you is that you always feel like you are good enough. I have found that women no matter what level of education or socioeconomic level are made to feel that they are never good enough.

You will always be good enough because you are a child of God.

Congratulations sweet Chelsea.

I loved the quote that you used on your graduation announcements.

For Beautiful Eyes, look for the good in others.

For Beautiful Lips, speak only words of kindness;

And for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. ~Audrey Hepburn

 

 

Now may you go and experience the wonderful things that this world has to offer and live your life with no regrets.

You have plenty of people back home that love you more than you will ever know.

 

 

Stay Sassy Y’all.

 

 

Senior photo provided by e.g. Photography