My mom and dad gave me a card for my 26th birthday and, as I do with most cards because I’m a little sentimental about those things, I’ve had it sitting on my dresser ever since. I re-read it recently and thought I’d share with all of you since I really find it to be beautifully inspiring for us women.

If you can value truth
above approval,
and friendship over bueaty,
wealth,or fame,
If you can share your gifts
and talents wisely,
leaving someone better off
than when you came…

If you find happiness
in simple pleasures
If you have faith to keep right on believing
in miracles that no one can explain,
If you look until you see the good in others
and keep your spirit honest, true, and free,
Then you’ll be, not just happy and successful,
but the woman only you
were meant yo be.

If you could see
all the flowers in the world,
if you could hear
all the laughter in the universe,
if you could make all the dreams
that ever were wished come true,
then you would know
a little part of the joy
of having and loving
a daughter like you..

Emily Matthews