How to Make a Beautiful Life

I found a birthday card from my parents from several years ago in the cleaning and purging of my room, and though it's kind of simple, I think it's worth sharing. Yay, Hallmark!

How to Make a Beautiful Life - Reflections for a Daughter on Her Birthday (or everyday)

Love yourself.
Make peace with who you are
and where you are
at this moment in time.

Listen to your heart.
If you can't hear what it's saying
in this noisy world,
make time for yourself.
Enjoy your own company.
Let your mind wander among the stars.

Try.
Take chances.
Make mistakes.
Life can be messy
and confusing at times,
but it's also full of surprises.
The next rock in your path
might be a stepping-stone.

Be happy.
When you don't have what you want,
want what you have.
Make do.
That's a well-kept secret of contentment.

There aren't any shortcuts to tomorrow.
You have to make your own way.
To where you're going
is only part of it.
You need to know where you've been, too.
And if you ever get lost, don't worry.
The people who love you will find you. 
Count on it.

Life isn't days and years.
It's what you do with time
and with all the goodness and grace
that's inside you.
Make a beautiful life...
The kind of life you deserve.

Love,
Mom & Dad