Do I tell her she will make mistakes?

I often wonder what I would tell the younger version of myself, if time travel were possible. How far back would I go? And what would I say, to the happy little girl that still feels like her childhood was idyllic.

Do I tell her she will make mistakes? I don't want her to be afraid or not trust her gut.

I could let her know that when she was in 2nd grade and that dark-haired boy that kept yanking her pigtails, was doing so because he liked her. I won't say boys are dumb. That's not true. But at *that* age, they often don't know how to show that they are fond of you. My mom set me straight on this, so maybe I won't have to tell her.

I think I should tell her that sunscreen is important. And that she is worthy of having herself surrounded by like-minded people, that truly care about her. I want her to know that real, true love, comes easily, and often without fanfare. It just *is*. That doesn't mean that relationships don't require work. It means the *right* relationship, is worth the required work.

I should probably mention that the circle of life can be hard to witness and accept at times. And that her grandma and 'Pap' are in a better place, until she sees them again. It's also really, really hard to lose a pet. She will learn to accept her new normal, but it's still hard.

Honestly, what I want her to know most of all, is that she has no reason to be hard on herself during anything *trying* that may be going on in her life. Don't freak out. Just breathe. You know what to do. You need to trust yourself and your decisions.

And finally, you will be lucky to grow up with a big, loving extended family that tries their best to keep in touch.
You'll fiercely support every single friend and family member, no matter what.
You will show up, and ask, 'what can I do?' when it's necessary. Because they do the same for you.

When you stand at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, you will be moved. Enough so to write about it.
Just like seeing the turquoise water in Cancun, and the view of Hawaii from the top of Diamond Head. That you just climbed! And you thought you were afraid of heights, ppsshh.

Okay you're still afraid of heights. But you will logically talk yourself out of the fear, should you find yourself zip-lining in Jamaica. Trust me. You won't die above the jungle. Also, don't pull on the pulley. Your glove will get stuck and then you'll have to be rescued.

Be present in the moments. Even the seemingly insignificant ones. Please. They will soon become memories and I want you to be able to remember them fondly.

Oh and write in a blog. Then you can look back and read what your thoughts were, from years past.

I'm thinking of these things because I'm gifted with another year wiser on March 30th.

Thank you for being here friend(s), I'm lucky to have you!
Tiffany

P.S. Breakfast at Tiffany's continues with fresh fruit, protein, and a hand-written, carefully thought out plan, for world changing ideas. Or maybe just a short list, I never know for sure. 😁

Oh and the birthdays? Embrace, celebrate, and enjoy every last second of the celebration of you.

*picture at top, on left, me on my third birthday

Do people come to you for advice?

I love to read. It's part of my daily routine. Sometimes I read in the morning, this usually happens only on the weekends. Through the week I read before I go to sleep. I've been reading more today because I woke up to pouring rain splattering against the windows. I so love these kinds of days. I stay quiet, and don't necessarily reach for a book right away. What better time to gather your thoughts than in the morning when it's silent, except for nature having a party outside your bedroom window?

But this morning I was reading a quote someone sent me, along with the question, "what do you think about this?"

"Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't.” Erica Jong (American writer and feminist, 1942)

The first thing I did before I pondered the quote was research who said it. From info I found online, I loved that the person who asked me what I thought about the quote was a guy. (A few of the male friends I have aren't into feminism, just sayin)

"Erica Jong-novelist, poet, and essayist-has consistently used her craft to help provide women with a powerful and rational voice in forging a feminist consciousness. She has published twenty books, including eight novels, six volumes of poetry,six books of non-fiction and numerous articles in magazines and newspapers such as the New York Times, the Sunday Times of London, Vogue, and the New York Times Book Review" (review taken from http://www.ericajong.com/abouterica.htm)




"Impressive" I mused to myself. At least I'm impressed. I like poetry, love reading books and short essays, articles...... and have to admit I don't mind a feminist opinion expressed with gumption. I'm not a soap box type of person, but I admire those that speak their minds, and aren't afraid to do so.

What do I think about the quote.....I pondered while laying there listening to the rain. There is probably some truth to it. I am sure that I've formed an idea of what I want to do, before I've asked someone for advice. Even if the idea was small, and undecided. I think we reach out to others for advice to see if they provide a perspective we haven't thought of.
I do agree that there are those that ask for advice because they're looking for one person to tell them an alternate version of reality, regarding the situation.

I have to say though, that sometimes we really don't know the answer. We seek others opinions because we don't know which way to turn. I've often wondered if I offer the wrong advice to someone, and it doesn't turn out well for them when they follow it, how will that make me feel in the end? With that thought in mind, instead of saying, "Do this", I say, "Let's look at all sides of the issue first".

Do people come to you for advice? I think it's a compliment in a way. Your opinion is valuable to them, and they trust your instincts. I'm grateful for anyone that comes to me with, "hey, what do YOU think?"

Here is my advice for this weekend:
Embrace everything great, let go of everything negative. Then hug those you love, and tell them that you do. That they're important in your life.

I think Monday will come with a smile.

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

P.S. I had brunch with friends this morning, I found that their company is what made the food so tasty. But the homemade bread? to.die.for. =)