A mother's heartfelt letter shares wisdom, support, and encouragement for her daughter who is about to enter University.

My dearest Andie,

I can still picture you as a little girl, looking up at me with those curious eyes.

Now, here you are, just a few months away from your high school graduation. The thought of seeing you walk across that stage fills me with so much pride already. It feels like everything—every scraped knee, every late-night talk, every triumph, and every tear—has led up to this beautiful moment.

You're about to start university, and I want you to know that I'll be here, cheering you on through every challenge and triumph.

As I think about what’s ahead for you, I've been reflecting on some of the lessons that have helped me along the way.

I recently read this book called 12 Rules for Life (by Jordan Peterson), and it struck me how many of its lessons seem perfect for you right now. I thought it might be meaningful for both of us if I shared some of these insights so we can grow and learn together.

So today, let's start with RULE #1: "STAND UP STRAIGHT WITH YOUR SHOULDERS BACK."

"Stand up straight" doesn’t just mean good posture. It means standing tall in your life, no matter what comes your way.

How we carry ourselves can change how we feel about ourselves and how the world sees us.

When you stand tall, you’re telling the world, "I deserve to be here."

And even more importantly, you're reminding yourself of that truth.

It means respecting yourself enough to take up space and facing the world with confidence.

I know that entering college can feel overwhelming. With new people and challenges, it can be a lot.

But I want you to remember that standing tall doesn’t mean you have all the answers. It means you trust yourself enough to know that you can figure it out, even when things are uncertain.

It’s about showing up, even when it feels scary.

I remember you telling me how some of your friends were trying things that didn’t feel right. They asked if you wanted to join, but you chose not to. You told me it felt wrong, and I could see the strength it took to make that choice. It made me incredibly proud of you (even if I failed to say so then).

That moment showed me that I don't need to worry even though you’ll soon be studying far from home. You've proven that you can make tough decisions and that others won’t easily sway you. You stood your ground, fierce and steady, just like always.

And that, my love, is what it means to stand tall—knowing your worth and not letting anyone take that away from you.

As you enter this new experience, I want you to remember that same spirit. Sometimes, you might feel small, unsure, or even scared.

In those moments, I want you to push your shoulders back, lift your head, and remember who you are.

You are capable. You are worthy. You are loved.

Here’s a little secret: how you carry yourself can change how you feel. Science even backs this up! When you stand tall, your brain gets the message, "I am strong." It’s your body giving your mind a little boost.

So, when life gets tough (and it will sometimes), remember to take a moment to roll your shoulders back, breathe in deep, and tell yourself, "I’ve got this!"

I hope you always remember how much I love you. You deserve every opportunity, every dream, and every bit of happiness. And I want you to know that I believe in you with my whole heart.

We’re both still learning—me as your mom, you as my incredible daughter—and I am so grateful that we learn and grow together.

There will be ups and downs, but I know you’ll meet each with courage and strength.

And when those moments come, keep standing tall, my love.

Remember, whenever you need a reminder of who you are, know I'm right here. When celebrating a win or needing comfort during a tough time, I will always be with you, cheering you on and loving you endlessly.

With all my love, always,

Mom

P.S. This week, whenever you find a quiet moment—maybe when brushing your teeth or right before bed—stand in front of the mirror. Look yourself in the eyes, take a deep breath, shoulders back, and say, "I’m ready." Because you indeed are, my love, and I believe in you with all my heart.

Confidence isn’t always something we feel right away. And that’s okay.

Sometimes, it starts with a simple action—a deep breath, a steady stance, a reminder to ourselves that we are enough.

Ella is the chief hu-mom at LastMomStanding.com. Once a chronic starter, she’s now finishing what she begins and rewriting her story. When she’s not creating content, Ella is exploring new challenges, enjoying good books, or planning her next adventure. Come say hi—she’d love to connect!

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