Wouldn’t it be nice to get this letter …?

 Dear (friend, partner, child, parent),

I love how smart you are.  You never mind if someone shows you a new way.  Instead of seeing it as a threat, you see it as another learning opportunity.

I like how you can wear your pajamas until lunch and even out to the grocery store.  You don’t worry if someone might see you.  Your beauty comes from the inside first even though you are also beautiful on the outside.

I don’t mind the crazy hair you have when you (wake up, finish running, get rained on, etc).  I know you are good with who you are … even with your hair … the one thing people seem to want to change about themselves.

I appreciate that you are willing to admit your vulnerabilities. We all have them and we all hate to admit to them.  I like that you can say you are sorry – even when you know that you are not at fault.  You are not only ok being imperfect, but you are willing to allow it in others as well.

I enjoy your openness and willingness to share your scars (internal and external). You want us to know you and your story(ies) so that we can see that all we experience is more similar to one another than dissimilar.

I appreciate that you get angry as much as I appreciate your willingness to apologize afterward. I love your passion and how you can wear your emotions on your sleeve. That let’s me get closer to you.

I like how you love music … how you dance whenever and wherever.  You feel life through music (or whatever the avenue) and that’s a gift (no matter how bad you dance!).

I like that no matter how busy you are, you happily take my calls and I can hear the smile in your voice when you hear me.  Sometimes you are not happy when you answer the phone, but you are gracious in sharing the reason why.

I am so thankful that you put up with my flaws. They are sometimes overwhelmingly bad but you take them with a grain of salt.   Moreover, you see my flaws as a part of the individual me, that makes me unique. That’s a sign of true compassion.

Thanks for loving me for who I am, not who you want me to be.

Love ____________