Letters to DD - Don't

Dear DD

Don't sweat the small stuff.
Don't let a day go by without finding the silver lining.
Don't be afraid to travel, see the world, drink it in. Lift your roots and decide where to carefully replant them.
Don't think of exercise as a chore; celebrate that you can walk and run and push and pull, revel in the power and grace of your body.
Don't think that English is enough. Try new languages, roll them around your mouth, taste cultures and people through their words.
Don't forget to be polite and fair to everyone you meet. Also, cultivate a good left hook.
Don't take drugs. Please.
Don't restrict things from your life - live life to the full and enjoy every minute of it. Hearts were made to be broken, bodies made to be enjoyed, chocolate made to be eaten. (Caveat: see above)
Don't underestimate the power of a hug or a smile.
Don't forget to dance. Lots.
Don't read women's magazines. Their world is fictitious. Women have boobs and bums and not-perfect skin and cellulite and off-white teeth and that's all fine. That's all life.
Don't think you need to be anything other than you already are, perfectly you.

And whatever you do, say, think, or feel, don't forget that I love you, unconditionally.

Mummy x