The truths I want H to know.

Sometimes, when I think about all the things I know and realize now, I wish I'd been told or shown them before I got this far in life.

And I truly hope that I am able to show my own sweet H the truths I wish I'd known.

Such as...

Prince Charming doesn't exist. He's not even a fairy tale. He's a flat out myth. BUT the man (or woman) who she loves so deeply enough to give her whole heart to will be a thousand times better than any story book prince anyway.

Child birth isn't as scary or painful as most people freak you out to be. It's a state of mind, and you'll do beautifully if that's the path you choose. You are strong and capable, and it's your right to have the experience that you want for yourself and your child. No need to fear anything.

Your first kiss shouldn't be under a Sponge Bob blanket on a bus going to a track meet. Let it be something special. Something treasured.

If it makes you feel uncomfortable or sets off those little warning signals in your head - just don't. Don't wear it. Don't say it. Don't do it. You have a conscience for a reason.

Beauty is a state of mind, my love. Not a state of body. And anyone who tells you differently is in a terrible state of mind. God made all things beautiful, which includes you. Always.

Words can build bridges, but they can also bring them crashing down. Choose them wisely. And when you carelessly hurt someone else, be compassionate enough to apologize.

Weakness is not saying you're sorry first - that's strength. Weakness is being too cowardly to never say you're sorry.

You are not responsible for how other people feel. But you have the power to put a smile on their face and lighten their load a wee bit if you care to - and I hope my sweet H, you will care to.

Sex really is worth waiting for. I know it's old school, but it's true. And you need a partner with a fantastic sense of humor for that first time.

It's okay to cry. It's okay to cry in the shower so no one ever knows. But it's also okay to cry in front of people, too.

Travel. See the world. It will teach you more than even good books could - and that's so much.

Give everything your all. Do your best. Even if you fail at something, it's better to be able to say you worked your hardest.

Don't be afraid to fight. Stick up for everything you believe in. But do fight fair.

Forgive. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Holding on to angry and hurt feelings is too draining. Forgiving is so hard sometimes, especially when the pain is deep, but you have to. Because you have a beautiful life to live.

Watching something unjust before you and doing nothing makes you just as bad as the perpetrator.

Marriage is beautiful. It's the most fun you'll ever have with your best friend. But it's also an act of commitment and courage. If you can not confidently say "I do" and know without a doubt it's forever, then don't do it. Marriage is sacred. 

Movies lie. Passion is not your matching bra and panty set (who has those?) lying on the stair case while you perform contorted aerobics on a desk. It's snuggled on the couch next to your partner while a sprawled toddler is on your laps, snoring rhythmically while you watch a television show before passing out cold from the beautiful exhaustion of family.

Home is not an edifice. It is not a tangible place. Home is the people you love. And if you remember that, you are always home.

Your crazy and bizarre questions are not so crazy and bizarre. Your friends all have them too. Don't be afraid to talk to them about it. They'll be relieved you brought the subject up first.

Always make time for yourself. Whether you are 3 or 83, everyone needs some space.

Do the things you love. Those will bring you happiness and success. Just remember that your happiness and success will not always even be remotely similar to someone else's.

Don't compare yourself to others. And don't bother worrying yourself about how they are or are not judging you. Focus on you, and everything else will fall into line.

You may not always have what you want, but you'll always have what you need. Don't lose sight of what is important.

No one is perfect. No matter how things may appear, something always has to give. There is no such thing as perfection.