(NOTE: You are probably not my son, but please read on!)

August 12, 2007

Josh,

I’ve attempted to summarize the guideposts I use to live the most glorious life I can. I have worked hard to be true—to have my actions and my words match. One of my many goals as your mom has been to be a person who practices what she preaches, demonstrate my imperfections, and continue to grow as a woman, a wife, and especially, as your mom.

* Find your own voice
* Sift through what you hear and create your own thoughts and beliefs
* Learn about a person by watching their actions—not listening to their words.
* Grow—always, always, grow!
* Be present in life every day
* History may explain how you got to where you are; you are now the author of where you’re going.
*To build self esteem, do esteem-able acts.
*You will learn much about yourself when you examine your motives behind your motives.
*Helping another person will help both of you.
*Intentions are interesting; your actions speak your truth.

Enjoy this chapter of your life! I see you are creating a best seller! I love you very, very much and I honor the man you are becoming!

XOXOXO,

MOM