Dear Daughters,
You are stronger than you know.
Within your veins pumps the lifeblood of generations of resilience. I see it in the way you never give up – never back down.
And although this strength will serve you well as you forge your own way in this world,
may you always remember that the ability to embrace your imperfections and to honour your humanness is your greatest power.
Dear Daughters,
You can be anything you set your mind to.
Whatever you can envision for your life is within reach, and I promise to be your biggest support and ally.
And although your future is yours for the making and for the shaping,
may you always know that no matter what you choose to become
– or not to become –
you are already enough, just as you are.
Dear Daughters,
You can accomplish your greatest dreams, regardless of how lofty or unattainable they may seem.
And although I pray that you find a passion that drives you to fulfill your purpose,
may you always understand that you are already worthy, regardless of what you do, or what you leave undone.
Dear Daughters,
You can do amazing things.
You already do! I know that there is so much more in store for you.
And although you have the ability to do anything that needs to be done,
may you always have a deep and abiding appreciation that you cannot do everything all at once…
and that sometimes, the most important thing that you can do is to rest.
Dear Daughters,
You’ll show the world just what you’re made of.
And although everyone can see your fervour, your courage and your resolve,
may you always be a beacon of humility, of honesty and of love.
In a world that praises grit, may you practice grace.
In a world that promotes status, may you seek meaning.
In a world that strives for perfection, may you encourage vulnerability.
Dear Daughters,
The world needs you to be you,
and I promise to teach you this by learning to be fully me.
May you never stop learning.
May you never stop growing.
And may you always embrace the beautiful and never-ending journey of becoming.
*****
Happy International Women’s Day!
As we grow and unfold into the women we want to become, may we be ever aware that our daughters are watching. Let’s strive to teach them what we wish we knew.
This is so beautiful!
Thank you, Li ❤️
I still get a kick out of the girl who was told she could be anything she wanted to be who then answered that she wanted to be a unicorn. Nowadays, I prefer to tell young girls that they will always be enough however they choose to live their lives. That answer allowed our daughter to decide she did not want to be a mother and I think that was the right answer for her. It’s good to feel free to be who we want to be.
That is precisely the lesson that we need to instill in the young (and not so young) women in our lives. Such beautiful gifts of unconditional acceptance and freedom you have given to your daughter!