Dear Daughter,
Oh, what a remarkable time you are growing up in! Today, women are achieving more than ever before. Together, we witnessed a woman run for president and feel that spark of possibility in your eyes as I told you, “You can be anything you want to be.” This is a pivotal moment in history.
Change is in the air. Opportunities that were once out of reach are now available to you. Glass ceilings are being shattered, and long-standing biases are finally being challenged. Men who have committed injustices against women are being held accountable. A new era is beginning to emerge, even if it’s at a gradual pace.
Women are stepping into the spotlight. However, we continue to grapple with old issues. Even though we may occupy the stage, acceptance remains a work in progress. Daily, I witness women facing criticism unrelated to their actual capabilities. We endure it ourselves, but worse still, we often inflict it upon one another. Yes, we can achieve anything, but society still seems to expect us to do so while maintaining perfect hair, an ideal waistline, and a soft, non-threatening demeanor.
I understand this must be bewildering for you, as it is for me. In a world that bombards us with false metrics of worth—our appearance, social media likes, relationship status, or even our financial success—it’s crucial for you to grasp something I am only beginning to internalize: none of these external validations truly define your value.
Ultimately, the only sanctuary you have is within yourself. While your father and I may have laid the groundwork for that sanctuary, it is you who has built it. You have decorated it with your choices, draped it with your dreams, and illuminated it with your unique spirit. We may visit, and I sincerely hope we do, but the true inhabitants of that space are you, my dear girl, and your inner self.
From this secure place, you will rise and make your mark on the world. So, when doubt, fear, or those misleading measures creep in, remember that I am proud of you for all you have achieved thus far, and excited for what lies ahead. But here’s a truth about my love for you: even if you never achieve another thing, I would love you just the same. I love you unconditionally. Always.
This is the kind of love I hope you embrace and use to reinforce the strength of your inner home. Let it be the warmth that fuels your spirit and keeps you thriving long after you have stepped out of my embrace. More importantly, I hope this love transforms into the profound, unwavering love you cultivate for yourself—one that disregards superficial judgments about your looks, social media presence, or even those little lines that form when you smile, lighting up the world around you.
It’s the kind of love I wished I had known myself, and it’s the most genuine gift I can offer you. I may not be a perfect mother—far from it—but I can provide this for you. Stand tall, my sweet girl, and claim your place on that stage. You truly belong there.
With endless love,
Mom
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Summary:
In an era of unprecedented opportunities for women, it’s crucial for young girls to understand that true worth comes from within. Despite external pressures and societal expectations, cultivating self-love and inner strength will empower them to rise and make a difference in the world.