Some words of advice to the child in the photograph...

I look into your eyes and see you haven't forgotten what came before this life.

Forget it.

This is a do-over.

Here's a list of things to do:

Dance

Swim

Sing

Paint

Write

and Roller Skate

before you know any of those can hurt you.

Develop a sense of humor and humility EARLY. Do this before you stumble upon insecurity, fear and self-consciousness.

Recognize your beauty, enjoy it, and then ignore it.

Your looks will change, but the look in your eyes will keep their attention.

Love often and with passion and take more lovers than husbands.

Discover food; use it as a pleasure not a vice, then you'll never have to diet.

Respect money, but don't let its pursuit become your focus.

Read books. Lots. All kinds.

Welcome friends into your life--from friends come energy, unusable advice, compassion, acceptance, ideas, and appreciation -- then practice those qualities in your friendships.

Explore all religions until you find the version of spirituality that fits this time around, then be subsumed regularly.

As time passes your life will fill up, most importantly, leave some room in your days for you.