advice to my little ballerina on growing up in life.

To be little ballerina:

Did you know that I’ve been writing letters to you and praying for you years before you were born? Did you know that when the ultrasound technician first said we were having a girl, I wondered if one day I would get to take you all dressed up in your tutu and ballet slippers to ballet lessons. When did time go by so fast?

I peak in the curtains during your lesson and I see you listening intently to the teacher. Keep listening. You are so proud to show Dad when he comes home from work that you learned how to do a plie and curtsy. You still trip over your own feet when you do it but you keep practicing. I hope your desire to learn from others never ceases. Don't give up, you'll get it one day.

When you look into the mirror, I wonder what are you thinking. Do you know you are beautiful? Do you know you are fearfully and wonderfully made? When you grow up, the world is going to tell you otherwise, I pray that when you see your reflection you will see God's beauty and flawless design. So many people on a daily basis compliment you on your outward beauty. I pray that you learn that a gentle spirit, faithful heart and genuine love for others are marks of true beauty. I pray that your beautiful smile will draw people towards you so you can show them kindness.

 

 I love your laugh and joy in the simplest things like your funny face in a reflection. Keep laughing. Don't take yourself too seriously. Life is too short to be brought down by the small things. Don't let the small things rob your joy. Trust God with the big things and find humor in the small things. 

 You can't wait to see your friends at ballet. It melts my heart to see your eyes light up and squeal with delight as you hug your friends. I pray that you will learn to treasure your friends. A true friend is one of life's greatest blessings. Be a good friend. Be a friend that is quick to listen, support and encourage.

You can't wait til the teacher turns on the music and lets you run free. You run on your tippy-toes, waving your sash and I hope you never stop dancing. At home, even if there's no music, you sing and you twirl and you dance. I pray you will always be able to hear the music even if there's none playing.

At the end of class, you run out to hug me. I wish I could freeze that moment. I will always be there to hug you. You can always come running to me.

It feels like a rite of passage. Taking you to ballet. I am so proud of the girl you are becoming. And when its comes to the year end show, you bet I will be front row cheering for you. Even if you make a mistake and forget all the steps, I love you unconditionally. I hope you know that as long as I am your mama, I will never stop cheering for you in everything you do. 

I love you to the moon and back. 

Keep dancing. Keep smiling. Keep being you.