Blessings to You, My Child

(Some Thoughts for Our Graduates. This is a shortened version of a father’s blessings given to his daughter on a special occasion. These are beautiful thoughts, no matter the occasion.)

Blessings to You, My Child

May you always believe in yourself. Never doubt your worthiness or your capacity for achievement, endurance and growth. In all that is important to you, persist with confidence that you are smart enough and strong enough to find a way through or around any obstacle. Never be without hope for within you is all you will ever need. And never doubt you are lovable. Don’t worry about the approval or affection of any who are unworthy of appreciating you.

May you feel and express gratitude. Appreciate people and the good things in life. Gratitude isn’t a debt to be paid but a key to a treasure chest filled with the fullness of life. Give without need or expectation of gratitude. Cherish every moment of happiness, and never let unkind or ungrateful people harden your heart or ruin your day.

May you be resilient. Resolve to bounce back from every setback, knowing your focused will is enough to overcome disappointments, frustrations and even great tragedies.

May you always love. Know that your heart may be wounded, but it will always heal if you love yourself. Safeguard the part of you that is loving, compassionate and generous. Be kind to those who don’t seem to deserve it. Don’t carry grudges. Forgive others, not only for them, but for you.

May you be happy. Remember, happiness is always within your grasp. Never underestimate the lasting joy of feeling worthy and finding meaning and purpose in love and service.