Letters to My Daughter, April 2015

Letters to My Daughter, April 2015

26 April 2015

My dear little munchkin,

A colleague shared this poem at a staff meeting. It really sums up the many things I'd like to share with you.

This poem is just not about being thankful, but also about being a positive person. One of the things that I learned and has helped me in so many difficult times is staying positive. During those difficult times, I did cry. I did curse. I did feel angry and demotivated. But staying positive has helped me to move forward.

So, when you are in a difficult time, do cry if you must. Let go of your emotion, but then come back with positive energy. So here you go...


Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times,
during those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes,
therein are valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
it means you've given your all.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

~Author unknown

I am always thankful for you.
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Letters to My Daughter, March 2015

Letters to My Daughter, March 2015

21 April 2015

Dear my sunshine,

I was so happy that you wanted  your own blog. I supported you all the way!

Please always remember to write from the heart. Write the topics that interest you, in your own words, in your own way. Because I think, beautiful art works are those who are born from inner self.

Don't get easily discourage if people don't show their support publicly. Write because you want to write, because you want to share, not because you are looking for an acknowledgement of what you're doing.

Be open to positive critique and don't be afraid to listen to constructive feedback. Take them in and use them as a guidance to get better, without loosing yourself in the process.

I'm so proud of you, my little girl. You are at a stage where you try different things to see which one you'll love. You'll stick to some, and loose interest in some....and that's completely one. Just know that I'll behind you, to support you and to be with you in your journey. Always.

Oceans of love,
Bunda

If you're interested in reading several of Jo's blog posts, please click here.
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Letters to My Daughter, February 2015

Letters to My Daughter, February 2015

15 April 2015

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying." ~Michael Jordan


My dear kimchi,

I wanted you to love music and when you were younger, I encouraged you several times to sign up for a piano class. But you said you were not into it. I didn't push you because I don't want you to do something that you don't like just to make me happy.

But I was so happy when you signed up for a band class at school and you chose trumpet because you said, "It makes a much louder noise than flute and because everyone else chose flute!"

So we were all so excited about your winter concert and I was so happy seeing your radiant face on the stage. Everyone did a great job (because I know for a fact that blowing a trumpet is not an easy job!), but of course I was so proud of you in particular.

I heard you practice from day one, when you just started to learn how to blow the trumpet (yeah, there were moments when I just wanted to cover my ears). Then you progress into learning to read the notes, then short tones followed, and then complete short songs. And I've noticed that you take initiatives to learn longer songs by yourself. You told me that Mr. Drelles complimented you on your progress. You see, progress is an essential part of every learning curve.

Sometimes the learning curve is short and easy. Other times, it could be long and steep (remember when I first started to make the flower blanket?). When you experience the second, it would be very easy to give up and move on to something else that is easier.

When that happens, I want you to remember that every progress, no matter how small is an accomplishment. Every step, even though small, will lead you to something bigger. Challenge yourself, not to proof to everyone else how good you are, but challenge yourself so that you can be a better, more resourceful you.

So, always take initiatives, always learn new things, always challenge yourself, and you'll go far.

Love you,
Bunda











One of a kind dress by CourtneyCourtney.
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Letters to My Daughter, January 2015

Letters to My Daughter, January 2015

14 April 2015

My little one,

I was thinking about what I should write to you this month, and then I remembered a quote that I like from Albert Einstein, "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

I tried to come up with explanations of what it actually means. But since I'm not that wise (hahaha...), I found an article by Bracha Kurtzer that beautifully explains what the quote means and how you can apply it in life. So this month, I'm not writing my own letter, but sharing this words of wisdom. I know these would be useful someday. 

1. You need balance. If you lean too far to one side, you'll fall off. It's important to always pay attention to where you're leaning.

2. Get back up again! It's not falling down that determines your worth; it's whether or not you get back up.

3. In the beginning you stumble, but with more experience you can really get far! Life is a series of learning from your mistakes. That's how you learned to walk and talk. And it's how you grow in life.

4. If you look at the ground instead of looking up ahead, you'll lose your balance and crash. In life, it's easy to live in your own little bubble, consumed with yourself. You not only disconnect from the world, you ultimately disconnect from yourself. Look up and outside yourself. Connect to the world outside of you. Only then can you flourish.

5. When the road throws you a curve, go with it! When a turn is coming up, you lean with the curve. You don't fight it and go the other way. Life sometimes throws you curves too, and in order to remain on top, you need to go with the flow. If a tragedy happens, accept its pain, and go with God's larger plan which is for the ultimate good!

6. A bike helps you get to where you need to go. Some people ride bikes just for the thrill of it. And some people believe that life just for the thrills. They don't realize they have places to get to. A bike is a tool – it's not the end goal. You're supposed to get to someplace with your life. Be clear on your destination, and if you use it well, you can really get far!

7. A bike doesn't move on its own. Life and bicycles need people to operate them. Without a person behind the handlebar, guiding and making choices, it just won't go anywhere!

8. When you get really good, you can do wheelies! After you've been riding a bike for so long, you can start doing the special stuff. Life is like that also. Once you get the hang of who you are and where you're going, you can pop some big miracles too!

9. Bicycling gives you muscles. Life toughens you up, especially if you ride up hills. Riding down a hill may be fun and exciting, but only riding up the hill strengthens your muscles.

10. You can't do it forever. Some people wish they could live forever. Some people believe it. But just like riding a bike, your body eventually wears out, and you need to go home. The important thing is that you enjoy the ride, and you get to where you need to go!

Love you,
Bunda

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One of a kind dress by CourtneyCourtney.

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Letters to My Daughter, December 2014

Letters to My Daughter, December 2014

My dear Jo,

I pushed you a lot this month and I am sure you probably hate me for that.

I hope you understand that I am doing this not to punish you, or because I under appreciate what you've been able to accomplish so far. I push you because I want you to constantly aim higher and dream bigger. More importantly, I push you because I know you can.

I want you to put all efforts, focus, and hard work into every projects or tasks that you are undertaking. Because if you do that, even if you fail (although I hope you won't hehehe), you'll know that you've tried your best.

I hope you understand that I am doing this because I love you. Because I want you to grow your skills and be the best person that you can be. But as I'm writing this, I also realized that it sounds like it's all about "I" and "me" and what I know is best for you, which is not my intention at all. I want this journey to be two ways and make sure that you have every opportunity to voice your opinions. So, whenever you think I'm out of the line, I want you to tap me on the shoulder and say, "Hey, wait a minute. Slow down and let's talk about this."  :)  OK, munchkin?

And like you always say, words can not describe how much I love you.
Bunda

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Letters to My Daughter, November 2014

Letters to My Daughter, November 2014

I haven't posted for a while, especially for Letters to Our Daughters series. The beautiful thing is that Jo loves to read the letters and she's been nagging me with the fact that she hasn't seen or read any letters in the last few months. Eek!

So, I'm catching up.

Dear my little peanut,

Happy 9th birthday! I was planning on complaining about how fast you grow and all that, but there's no point, right? You are growing and that's the fact. So, I packed away your stockings that no longer fit, the skirts that now too short, but keep the full length legging because now you can wear them as Capri. Ha!

Since the last nine years, I've been trying to get really to know you. More than just what you like to eat, what you like to play, your favorite colors, or your favorite music. I try to really get to know you through our conversations. I listen to the words you use and say. I listen to your opinions and how you view things. I ask questions to understand your thought process and where you come from. It's been truly a beautiful journey and I'm in awe.

I found a little girl with a big heart, who is confident with herself and her ability. I found a little girl who is pure and innocence, but also sensitive to others' needs and feelings. I found a little girl who has dreams, who set goals and hold herself accountable for them. I found a little girl who is funny, but very articulate in sharing her thoughts and ideas.

You are my perfect girl. Happy birthday, my little muffin. As your mother, I hope for the best for you and will continue to support you.

Jars of stars and oceans of love,
Bunda

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