10 Things I want my daughter Athena to know!

Your name means " Goddess of Wisdom & War " and that is exactly what you are. Your smile brings me overwhelming joy.  Your sweetness melts my heart.  And your beauty lights my world.

Never let anyone dull your flame.  Never let the world harden you, touch the world with your gentle heart.  And what ever life has in store for you, it is my hope that you remember these things:

Love your body.  

Take care of your body, it is the only one you have. Give your body the proper fitness and nutrition that will fuel you for success.  And remember no matter the shape or size, you are perfect the way you are.

Believe in yourself.  Follow your dreams.

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt

Have dreams for yourself and work hard to make those dreams come true.  If hard work is not enough, then fight for it.

Laugh often.  Cry when needed.  Love much.

Laughter warms the heart, a good cry releases the pain and love heals all.

Value your brain and your heart.

Think before you speak, you will gain more respect with a well thought out opinion.  Speak from your heart, what you say will be forgotten but the way you make someone feel never will.

Don't judge others.

Never put your energy into judging another but rather into being a good example for them to be.

Stand up for what is Right.

The greatest things were not achieved by following the crowd but from leading one.  Do what you believe is right and never falter to the pressures of others beliefs.  

Always lend a helping hand.

Live your life with purpose and give purpose to your life.  Never turn a blind eye to someone in need.  Always offer your seat to an elderly person.  Go out of your way to make a child smile.  For doing good deeds will reap the greatest benefits.

Never break a promise.

Never give your word if you can't keep it.  Breaking ones trust is the hardest thing to rebuild.

See the world, take care of it.

See the world.  Savor in it's beauty.  Preserve it for generations to come.

You will always be my baby.

Spread your wings, take the world head on and be the strong, independent woman you were born to be but never feel alone in this world.  You will always have me, you will always be my baby and you will always have a home.

Love your Daddy Pream Anand Tharmalingam