It is easy to play the victim, point fingers at others, and blame situations. It is difficult, however, to point our finger inward, to ourselves, and take responsibility for the decision we have made. While we may be influenced by the people around us and our environment, we always have the ability and power to choose. You may feel as though you had no options, or that you were being forced to choose a particular fate. You may feel that this outcome was inevitable. Nonetheless, you are the one who shapes the course your life takes, each day, with the decisions you make. There will be times when you have poor judgement or make an unwise decision that leads to pain, disappointment, shame, or regret. But, with this misstep, you will grow, and gain the knowledge and confidence, to take steps forward in a different direction. It is only through the act of taking responsibility for our lives and our choices, accepting our imperfections, and allowing ourselves the opportunity to change, that we can find freedom.

Just promise me one thing, promise me that when you pick the boy you’re really going to be with, that he’ll be someone who respects you and treats you well. And, it’s someone who makes your heart race and that he’s someone you love because of what he is, not what he does. Because, that’s how I felt about your mother, and that’s how I want you to feel one day. Use your head and follow your heart.

Promise yourself to be strong, that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make optimism come true. Think of only the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side as long as you’re true to the best that is in you.