This is wonderful advice for all of us for writing, for living.  Thank you for sharing this New Year message.  Anne

Dear Precious Grandchildren,
 
A new year begins, I write goals and by looking at them frequently I achieve the things that are important to me.  I hope you have each written goals for yourself as your parents did every New Year’s Eve when they were young.  One of this year’s goals for me is to write you often during the year.   I was trying to think of advice I could give each of you and decided that the best advice would be for me to speak to the little girl Barbara who turned out to be your grandmother.  Picturing myself as a child I write……

•    You are lucky, little girl - there are so many loving people in your life.
•    You will have fun, learn life’s lessons and enjoy good health, a loving family, and good friends in your lifetime.
•    Meet lots of people – go to parties, classes, volunteer – these people will support you, teach you, become your friend and make you laugh your life long.
•    Don’t be afraid of the unknown – for it is there your happiness lies.  Make decisions for yourself – don’t follow others.   
•    Take chances – failure is an event, not a person.  You’ll be surprised at the success you will have by just saying to yourself and others “I’ll try that!”
•    Be strong in everything you do, but allow your softness to help you care for others.  Forgive others quickly, because there will be times when you need forgiveness yourself.  Avoid anger as it gets you nowhere and takes you away from the NOW.
•    Always have daydreams – no matter what your age.  There are a million dreams for everyone and they are often exactly what happens.  Dreams help you make good decisions.  Visualize yourself succeeding.
•    Don’t worry what others have – no one will ever have all you have.
•    Try to stay in the NOW – don’t live in the past or think only of the future.
•    It is not the things you own, but who you are that is important.  Make certain you have personal power, not power of position.
•    Celebrate everything – make traditions, cherish even the smallest moments.
•    Treat everyone with dignity – appreciate the people who influence your life’s path.  They are teachers, parents, friends - and the person you least expect who will make that difference.  
•    Work hard, play hard.  Make a difference.  
•    Never lose your sense of humor – and always – laugh at yourself.
•    Don’t be afraid to move away from home or across the county – the opportunities for you and your family are huge.
•    What will matter most in your life is your integrity, compassion and courage.  Be principled and a role model.
•    You get your looks from God – what you do with them will make you beautiful.
•    Thank God often for the life you have been given.  Enjoy your life – you are blessed.
•    And above all, live it up and write it down.

Some of you will understand every word of this letter…others will need a few years.  But know that whatever you need in life there is a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or cousin who will help.  That is the greatest of gifts.

Love you,  Grandma Goldy

Barbara Goldy, January 2009
www.WriteYourLifeStory.org