Sweet child,

I know you want to grow up. You want to get older and do more and more. I see you changing day after day. You are no longer a little girl, but you’re turning into a young lady. You’re becoming this wonderful person who leads and cares for others. It’s a beautiful thing to watch. But don’t rush out of your childhood.

It’s this beautiful season where wonder and discovery live. It’s this beautiful time when you don’t have to carry the weight of adulthood. It’s this beautiful time. Savor it. Slow down and enjoy it. Breathe in all that it has to offer because it’s stunning.

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I’m going to protect your childhood. I’m going to let it last and linger as long as possible because it will set the stage for everything to follow.

Your childhood doesn’t need to be made of big, shiny moments. The most beautiful childhoods are created in simplicity. They are created from climbing trees, muddy puddles, late-night giggles with sisters, water balloon fights, snacks by a campfire, playing with favorite toys, and snuggling up on the couch for a family movie.

Childhood is not a race to finish first, sweet child. The goal is not to be the first one to get out of there.

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I hope you continue in this beautiful dance even after the music stops and those around you have moved on. If you still feel the music within you, keep dancing. It doesn’t matter what others think because you’re embracing beauty and living life with such wonder.

I hope that wonder never fades even after childhood has ended. You can keep that beauty alive—no matter your age.