The Letters to Eleanor collection (so far) is below. If you’re curious, here is the full scoop behind why I’m so invested in this project.
If the essays resonate with you, I hope you will share these Letters with the special children in your own life, be they young, old, or any age in between.
- Letters to Eleanor: No disrespect to Travis Tritt, but you already are somebody (and she’s wonderful)
Ambition, aspiration, and dreams are all very good things. But let me be very clear here – you already are something precious and special, as is every child of God. - Letters to Eleanor: When You Get a Summer Job
Bottom line sister girl, you will have bad days on the job – any job. You will have inconsiderate customers. Sometimes you’ll be the one who comes across as inconsiderate. Do your best (and these things). - Letters to Eleanor: When you over-commit, fix it
Just because an invite isn’t extended doesn’t mean you can’t un-do it. Be considerate, but don’t be apologetic about doing what you need to do. - Letters to Eleanor: When you outgrow relationships (and you will), please do it with class
You won’t jive with everyone. Handle it with a cool head and a calm heart. - Letters to Eleanor: When tryouts don’t go your way
Sometimes the 13-year-olds can teach the 45-year-olds a valuable lesson. Are you listening to pick up on their wisdom? - Letters to Eleanor: There are only 7 days in a week (so how many clothes do you actually need?)
Your dad is going to use this post against me next time he spies shopping bags, but for real, try to follow this advice. - Letters to Eleanor: ‘Be You’ is overused; here’s what I want you to know when you hear it.
So what of this merchandise-driven command that declares “Be YOU”? If we peel back the layers of intent, how on earth do you go about that? - Letters to Eleanor: Financial Sense When Gift Shopping
Here’s the bottom line, kiddo. Retailers are really, really good at their craft. Understand that going in, and every time you enter a store, do the best you can to stick to the list. - Letters to Eleanor: Love your people well (extraordinary gestures not required)
It doesn’t take a lot to make someone else feel special. - Bath ‘sheets’ are a bad idea, and other impulse buys to avoid
Get really good and comfortable saying no to stuff for stuff’s sake. - Being kind is not being a doormat
Know when to show your backbone. - The 7 types of friends every woman should have in her life.
These are the few friendship types worth cultivating – and keeping. - 10 facts of female life every woman should know: fashion edition
A few nuggets of wisdom from my many epic fashion fails! - When you’re confronted by negativity
Even when you’re not in an awesome mood yourself, you can still share a genuine smile and a kind word with others. - Physical flaws – accepting yours and handling uncouth opinions from others
As you see things you don’t like – and you will – let’s talk about it. - Mind your vibe (and your tone)
Never underestimate how tone of voice can influence the meaning of your words. - When a friendship ends
You can handle it gracefully (hard to do) or not (easy to do). Either way, the consequences are on you, boo. - When you don’t feel like being nice
Know when it really matters to be nice? When you’re emotional and sleep-deprived and stressed and sad and somebody comes at you with an attitude. - Handling unwanted attention (and peer pressure)
I will pull no punches here. I don’t want you blindsided. - To my future daughter-in-law and son-in-law
Outside of being entrusted with our own God-given children, I can think of no greater privilege than growing our brood by welcoming you into it, investing in your lives, and being present and purposeful in the future you create together. - Hurt people hurt people
Mean jabs are one of the harder facts of life. Understand its origin, and rise above it. - When academic subjects are hard for you
You got this, sis. - When you babysit and the kids are asleep
Your job isn’t done once the littles in your charge have fallen asleep.