I’m from a mother who taught me effort trumps perfection,

who told me, “An F in the gradebook doesn’t define your intelligence”

and who told me, “Try your best and we will be proud no matter what.”

I’m from a father who taught me ambition leads to success,

who told me, “Placing second in your meet doesn’t mean you didn’t give your all”

and who told me, “Hard work can make anything happen.”

I’m from a mother who taught me to be gracious,   

who told me, “Look at all you have before you ask for something new”

and who told me, “Give to those who need it most.”

I’m from a father who taught me to live in the present,

who told me, “Put your phone away and enjoy time with those around you”

and who told me, “Never be afraid to laugh too much.”

I’m from a mother who taught me my happiness matters,

who told me, “Take time for yourself to do the things you love”

and who told me, “Happiness is a choice.”

I’m from a father who taught me self love,

who told me, “You cannot love another until you love yourself”

and who told me, “You are enough.”