Fourteen years ago my goddaughter Sophia was born in small house deep in the redwood forest in Sonoma County, California. She came early in the morning. Today is her birthday.

Dearest Sophia,

Fourteen years ago your arrival into the world signaled for us all a beautiful and profound change in the world. You arrived with such brightness and joy that even in the deep dark of night I was convinced that the sun was full in the sky and the light was shining down.

All throughout your childhood you have been fiercely joyous. Your genuine love and care for those around you inspired me. Delicately woven through your innocence, curiosity and playfulness was a deep wisdom. You paid attention to things. You watched what was going on around you. You moved toward things that excited you with grace and delight.

You were never afraid to show how you felt. You shared your emotions with a fullness and honesty that both melted my heart and invited me to do the same, especially when I was able to come spend time with you.

Now you are fourteen. I can’t believe how quickly that happened. Visiting with you last week, and walking the streets of the city, was a particular joy and treasure for me. You are not a little girl any more. That is wonderful. You are still full of of that joy and curiosity. Your eyes show both the depth of your sweetness and care for the world as well as the power of your innate wisdom and understanding.

Sophia you are my teacher. You are becoming an incredible and talented young woman. Please never lose that spirit of becoming and that joy for life. We are always growing some new and different part of our selves. It’s simple, just not always easy. Our world gets bigger the more we open up to it. What we bring to the conversation of our lives is the only thing that the world can respond to. Keep bringing the treasures of your self.

Continue to see the beauty in the world. Continue to trust in yourself and your amazing ability to be kind and care for those you love, including yourself. Stay strong and and wise making choices that bring you more alive. As a famous poet once said, “anything that does not bring you alive is too small for you”. Don’t settle for less. The world can handle your biggest and best self. Give it with passion and purpose. Let your thoughts be secondary. Lead with your heart and continue to surround yourself with people who hold you in the highest esteem.

I wish this for you today on your birthday, as I wish this for you every day of your beautiful life. I am honored to share this with you as your godfather, and blessed that you have chosen to share it with me. Oh the places you will go, Sophia. I can’t wait to see.

I love you Principessa,

Your Nounos