In honour of International Women’s Day on 8 March, one writer shares these words of wisdom to her daughter
To my Daughter,
Your favourite story is the tale of the day that you were born. You love the part where I tell you that I looked down at you in my arms, and when I looked into your big, dark blue eyes, I knew that I would love you for all eternity. And it’s true, my love for you is profound and knows no bounds, no corners, no grey areas. What I didn’t realise was that my love would swell and surge each and every day as I watch you grow and as I get to know you. You make me laugh out loud every day. You surprise me, you make me proud, you make me cry, you break my heart. You’re smart, strong, brave, beautiful, kind and funny. You’re my little firecracker.
If I could wish anything for you it would be good health, wealth, love and happiness throughout your life. My wishes for you are simple enough, but not always so easy to achieve. This world in which we live is beautiful and awe-inspiring, and there are many amazing, kind and generous people living in it. But, the world can also be unkind, disappointing and sometimes frightening, and as a mother, I live with the knowledge that I cannot protect you from every pitfall in life. All I can do is instil in you the best virtues and common sense that I can and hope that your journey through life has more ups than downs.
I can’t tell you how best to live your life, but if I could give you just a few pieces of advice to live by it would be these:
In a world of over 7 billion people, there is only one you. So be yourself. Try your best, learn and grow, but remember that today you are good enough, today you are the best version of you that there is.
You are the most powerful person in your life, only you can decide what is right for you and what is best for you. It is you who decides where you go, what you do and how you do it. Believe in yourself and the decisions you make, whether they are right or wrong, those decisions are yours. If you trust your own judgement and you are satisfied with your choices, then you will face the world with confidence.
Set your sights and ambitions high, and follow your dreams. You may not achieve the things you set out to do, but trying is better than not trying. Your opportunities are endless, take them, don’t be afraid and follow life’s many adventures.
Surround yourself with people who are worth your time and effort. If people don’t act as though they care, then they usually don’t. Life is far too short to waste time on anyone who doesn’t appreciate you as you are and who doesn’t add a little something to your life.
As a girl in this world you’ll face all sorts of challenges and bias but keep in mind that women are strong, resilient and vital. There is nothing wrong with being a princess, but be independent, don’t wait to be rescued, and make your light shine the brightest.
All my love, Mummy
