Some words for my future daughter

and some reminders for myself. Inspired by Regina Brett.

• Read good books.
• Keep in close touch with people you love, even when they're not so good at keeping in touch with you. 
• Get out into the woods, swim in the ocean, climb a tree. Develop interests outside of electronics.
• Similarly, be responsible with the earth. 
• You will probably go through a period of hating me. Try to be nice anyway.
• Don't carry credit card debt. Ever.
• You're going to have to date some people who aren't a good fit for you so that you learn what you want. It might be painful at times, but it will be totally worth it.
• If a significant other makes you feel small, dump that person. Immediately.
• Make travel a priority. Save a little each month for the purpose of seeing a new place.
• Minimum requirements of a healthy relationship: easy laughter, mutual respect and trust, the ability to argue productively, and encouragement to pursue your individual and common dreams.
• You will lose people you love, and it's going to be hard. Grieve however you need to and then move on. You owe it to that person to enjoy your life. 
• Be gentle with yourself. You aren't meant to be perfect.
• People will say things about you when you aren't present. Use what they say as constructive criticism if you want. If it's not constructive, let it go. 
• Don't make a habit of talking about other people when they're not present.
• Find a career that gives you the lifestyle you're after. Understand the long-term implications of majoring in Philosophy or going to medical school. 
• Unless you have a very specific and feasible alternative plan, you will go to college. It's one thing I'm not going to be too flexible about.
• Develop your own beliefs, but always be respectful other people's beliefs. 
• Make friends. Friends are very important.

And most importantly...

• Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, remember to wring the nectar from life.