Advice To My Daughter

My little girl turned 18 today. I'm not a mushy, sentimental kind of guy, but today has been tough. I don't care how old she is, she will always be that little girl who ran to me for comfort when she scraped her knee, or turned to me for help with her homework. She will always need my assistance and protection, whether she realizes it -- and wants it -- or not.

That said, here's my advice for her as she goes forward.

High school is not real life. Neither is college. But they are great opportunities to learn new things, try new things, and practice for later.

Some people are just plain mean and/or stupid. Learn to deal with them.

Don’t judge anyone, but expect to be judged - usually by mean/stupid people. Ignore them.

People will disappoint you. That's just human nature. But the ones who apologize and never do it again are worth their weight in gold.

Things (including shoes!) will not make you happy. Good people in your life will.

Don't let anyone push you around. Stand up for yourself and for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

Don't be afraid to say “NO.” Don't feel guilty when you say it. But don't be afraid to say "YES" once in a while.

Honesty really is the best policy.

Read everything you can get your hands on. Knowledge is power.

Never put anything into digital format that you wouldn't want your mother to see.

Don't be afraid to trust your gut instinct. If it feels wrong, don't do it/get out of there.

Not every problem is the end of the world. Pick your battles. Life is too short to be worrying or fighting about trivial matters.

Being the first person to apologize doesn't make you weak.

A smile, especially a smile at the right time, will go a long way.

Don’t be a bystander. Get involved.

Be a leader, not a follower.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It's a sign of maturity.

If someone gives you constructive criticism, don’t assume they’re being critical. Take it for what it's worth, smile, and say "Thank you."

Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up. Yes, you’re now officially an adult, but there's plenty of time ahead of you for adult things. Enjoy being young.

Don’t make the same mistakes I’ve made. Make your own.

You are now old enough to vote. For God's sake, choose carefully.

Forget Prince Charming. Marry your best friend. That's what Mom and I did, and as a result we got something priceless - you!

Remember, you are loved, and always will be.