Letter to my daughter

Today marked the beginning of a brand new journey for our entire family; a chapter that is sure to be filled with countless memories. After weeks of anticipation, our oldest daughter eagerly took her place in the Kindergarten line, full sized backpack in tow and a smile that stretched for miles. As the bell rang and the crowd of tearful parents waved their final goodbyes, I couldn’t help but reflect on the true meaning of education.

Knowing that my daughter will read this blog someday, I’ve written her a letter below that contains my “two cents” of fatherly advice.

Dear Emerson,

Words cannot express the tremendous amount of pride I felt as I watched you confidently follow your new classmates into the building. What will you learn today? Where will you play at recess? Who will you sit by at lunch? I’m sure many of these same questions were racing through your mind as well.

As you know, Daddy is always looking for opportunities to share various insights and coaching tips in hopes of empowering you to be a “driver” in your life. Before you begin to write this new chapter called “school”, I want to share with you three very important messages that will hopefully shape your experience.

1. There is no need to be perfect. There may be times when you feel pressured to always have “the answer” or “the perfect grade”. Please know that the idea of perfect is an illusion and that progress is the true sign of success. If you are doing your very best, that’s all that matters.
2. Your character matters. I will always be more concerned with WHO you are than WHAT you know. In order to be a driver in your life, it’s important that you concentrate on your steering skills. Remember that your IQ serves as a foundation, but your EQ is what allows you manage your thoughts and emotions.
3. Tap into your talents. It’s easy to get bogged down in the pursuit of fitting in or doing what is popular. You have unique talents that God placed in your heart, so do what you can to nurture those talents, even if they are unpopular. Follow your passion and you will never work a day in your life.

With love,
Daddy