Dear Daughters,
Where to begin? I have to admit that I was a bit terrified when I found out that I was having girls. It wasn’t that long ago when I was a little girl. Yes, I was once your age. I remember how mean girls could be and I know that hasn’t changed. The whispering, the gossiping, the fair weather friends, the picture perfect girls in the magazines. I remember it all so well. I wanted to right this letter to all of you and give you some advice on growing up in this crazy world, a world that is so different, yet so similar to the one I grew up in .
First of all, BE KIND! I want you to have a good heart and be kind to others, even when they aren’t so kind to you. It can be so easy to stoop to the level of the mean ones, but keep your heads up. People will probably say unkind things to you. Often it is out of jealousy and insecurities. The things people say about you say more about them than it does you. I know that doesn’t make it hurt any less, but never return their negativity with negativity.
You are BEAUTIFUL! Not just on the outside, but the inside as well. Stay that way. You will be bombarded with images. You and your friends will probably want to grow up way too fast. You are only young for so long, please enjoy it and don’t rush it. Your looks do not determine your self worth. I remember looking through magazines and wishing I was tan like this girl, thin like that girl, pretty like the other. Comparison is a dangerous game. I had so many issues with insecurities growing up, well into my late 20’s. It took me so long to truly love myself and with that came a lot of mistakes that I know could have been avoided if I only loved and respected myself. Trust me. Keep your kind hearts and know that your empathy is a wonderful thing.
RESPECT yourself. If you don’t respect yourself, it’s hard to ask someone else to respect you.
USE YOUR MANNERS. Say please and thank you. Sounds simple? Well, it is.
Know that you will make mistakes. It’s okay. Learn from them, move on, and know that your Dad and I will always love you and be there for you.
And lastly, THANK YOU for being YOU! It is such a blessing to be your mom and to see the world through your eyes. You bring so much sunshine to our lives and I can not imagine a world without your little smiles and giggles.
Love,
Mommy
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. Do not complain. Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new resolution.”
~ Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter
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This should a rite of passage for every girl to receive a letter from their mom like this one.
Thank you! I totally agree!