If I could write a letter to me...

It's already October 20th...I am gettin closer and closer to turning the big 3-0.
If I could write a letter to me this is what it would say...today.

Dear Royal,

Let me just start by saying you are GREAT! I don't think you hear this enough, because it seems you spend most of your time worrying about how you look in your clothes. What you should and shouldn't eat. How others view you. And telling yourself you can't do something as well as someone else.

Maybe if you told yourself more often how great you really are those things I just mentioned wouldn't be all consuming.

You are a great mom. Friend. Sister. Co-worker. Aunt. Cousin. Neighbor. Room parent. Volunteer. God mother. Niece. Grand daughter and daughter. You are true. Your spirit is real. Your smile fills a room. Your heart beats strong and your feelings are vibrant. You are compassionate. You are funny. You make great meals that fill your family with nourishement and love and memories all at the same time. You are crafty. You are talented. You are just as smart as the next person. You are strong.

You hold friendships that are beyond ordinary. Long time, deep, whole self friendships. Three amazing friendships with women you've known over half your life now. Hold on tight to those frienships. Don't let work, kids, busy schedules and life get in the way of clinging to those amazing ladies and the bond you share with the.

Love your husband. Appreciate ALL that he does for you and your three kids. He is solid. He is a hard worker that puts in hours of extra work to make sure you all have everything you need. He loves you. He may not buy you shiny things, or be spontaneous and creative with showing his love to you, but it's there. It's been there for 15 years now. He is an honest, caring, sweet man that has loved you for a long time and will love you for the rest of his life. That is AWESOME!

Hug your kids more often. I know you hug them a lot. Hug them more. Don't be afraid to tell them every day how much you love them and cherish them. Remind them they are special. Give them the confidence to go into this world and do great things! Always say I Love You! They are growing fast, as they get older they'll need you less and less, but they'll always need your guidence, your support, your check book, and your love!

Spend lots of time with your mom and dad. They are who made you who you are today, and they too are getting older. Cherish all the memories you've already made with them and make more, keep on making more memories with them. Again, always say I love you. Sure they know, but don't be afraid to say it. Not just at the end of a phone call, but in person when you see them. Hug them too, just like you hug your babies. Someday they won't be here in a physical form where you can smell them, touch them, hold them and see them. Soak that up while you can!

Most of all just be YOU!