I recently had my sweet sixteenth. Being the go get it, independent spirit that I am, I always loved turning another year older. But this year was different. Don’t get me wrong, I’m elated to get my license, and have all the other privileges that go along with sixteen, but this year I didn’t have the month long anticipation for my birthday. I wasn’t counting down the days, or guessing what my presents would be or anything. But there is one thing that I did do prior to my sixteenth. I wrote myself a letter. Just a short two page one. I wrote it about eight months ago and hid it in a draw to be opened on my birthday. Reading it again, I was actually amazed at how much I needed what I had written to myself.

You see, among other things, I set a goal for myself in the letter. Not a crazy resolution, but more like a simple thought: sweetness. For the sixteenth year of my life, I’m going to focus on being sweet. Right now (and prior to the letter), I wouldn’t think of myself as sweet. I try to be tough — as tough as an 105 lb girl can be. I try to be self-assured and I succeed most of the time, too. To me, those are both very very good things, and I’ve worked to attain them. But sweetness is also a necessity. With decisions to be made about my future (i.e. job, college, carrior, etc.) I need to keep a serving mind. I want to think of others. I want to care for them. I want to make someone’s day. I want to say nice things to people. I want to be appreciative and show I much I care. Because the truth is I care a lot. I just wish I could show it more.

So this year let it be

as you wish.

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