The top 5 things I want my daughter to know.

5. The beauty of compassion.

No matter what you look like, some people will find you beautiful and some won't. Outer beauty is subjective and because of that, doesn't really matter. Compassion is beautiful in so many ways. By thinking and feeling what others may feel you will show beauty of the heart. You will see beauty in every day situations and you will bring beauty to others. Compassion will let you see that the world isn't as scary as it seems. When we get down to it, thinking how others are feeling will show you that the bad things in the world are rarely ever done to cause pain to you, but as a cry for help from a wounded human being.

Compassion is the beauty of the heart, of the mind and of the soul, and the best thing is, it is all in your control.

4. You are strong.

You might be physically strong. You might be strong in academics. You might be strong enough to speak for others, or strong enough to speak for what is right. You might simply be strong enough to know your weaknesses but you are strong. Whatever your strength is, find it and cherish it. It will help you through many tough times and multiply immensely.

3. It is not "old-fashioned" to act like a lady.

Maybe the term is old fashioned, because men should be carrying themselves better as well. Carry yourself with class and dignity. Watch your language and your manners. Make choices that you are happy with and you would be proud to stand behind. Treat men and women with respect. Do not get pulled into petty arguments and never, under any circumstances personally attack someone, no matter what they have done to you. There is a huge difference between standing up and tearing down.

2. There is nothing wrong with traditional gender roles.

It is not a "slap in the face" to feminism if you chose to stay at home with your children, or you enjoy cooking a meal for your partner every night. It is also just fine if you want a career, to reach certain financial goals that single income families may not be able to reach, or even to be the sole breadwinner in the family. Women throughout history have fought for us to have rights - an one of those rights should be what sort of role we want to take within our own lives and our own families.

1. I love you.

This is by far the most important because even if you don't listen to anything else I've said, know that I love you. I'll love you even if you are acting without compassion, even when you think you are weak, even when you are unsure of the role you wish to play; through it all - I will love you. If you are sure about anything from now until forever, be sure of that.