An Open Letter to my Daughter


   


The first thing we ever know in this world is love.  We are taken care of from the moment we are born, and greeted with cuddles, kisses and hugs from so many people, the love is endless.  When is it that we become corrupted by the outside world and learn how much greed and dislike there is...where does all of the love go?  I refuse to get political, but it breaks my heart that many people view others by titles: democrats, republicans, gay, straight, etc.  Why does it matter?  We are all human beings who want to see the world grow and prosper and live life to the fullest...I've never seen so much hate and I worry about the future for my daughter.

Dearest Giuliana,
Be YOU-tiful
Everyday I tell you, 'You are smart, you are strong and you are beautiful.  Do not ever let anyone convince you otherwise.'  I sit with you each day and talk about our daily plans, latest news, or just life.  Now that you can intentionally smile and coo, I feel like you get me.  Just yesterday as I was talking to you I started to cry just thinking about how perfect you are and how I never want you to suffer in any way shape or form. I know that this isn't fair, because we all suffer loss, heartache and pain at some point, but there are ways to stay strong in the world.

 When I was growing up, we didn't have social media...my generation was the original Facebook generation (created for college kids, you could only have a valid college email for access).  I was 18 when I first had a social media account...crazy, I know!  Despite not having social media until college, I still learned to compare myself to others.  I never liked how I looked.  I was never thin enough, smart enough, good enough.  I truly believed that everybody around me had everything, their lives were perfect and I was a failure.  

 --- Enter the whirlwind of social media; Tumblr, Snapchat, Instagram (do any of these still exist?). 

 Whatever social media currently exists, I promise you will see your 'friends' highlight reels.  For the most part, no one shares the crappy parts of their lives. They want to gloat about how great their vacation was with their best friend, or how their baby sleeps through the night, or how many sit-ups they did while eating a sandwich, or watching an entire season of the latest show to binge on, and having a conference call for work...you get the idea.  Basically, you are not going to be able to escape the 'realities' of social media (I can't imagine it's going away by the time you read this), but you can choose what you will take away from it.  Everyone has their highs and lows.  Respect that everyone has their own fight they are fighting and know that you are traveling on the path that's right for you and only you.  Don't get caught up in how great someone else's life looks.

 Photoshop and filters, (a few things I hope are gone when you are grown, but I highly doubt it), are programs and enhancements that everyone has access to....remember that when you pick up a magazine or look at posts on social media, because NO ONE looks as good as the magazines and other photos appear.  Everyone has flaws, and many people wish to fix the flaws that appear on their body.  Something that I learned late in life but early enough to practice it daily is to love your body for what it does and not what it looks like.  This is true for all beings and I believe that, being a woman, you will learn this quickly.  If you choose to one day have children (your dad is going to cringe at this one) you will see how incredible women are; there's nothing like growing a human inside of you.  Even if you choose not to have children or if for some reason are not able to, do not fret because your path is designed just for you and there is a reason for everything.  Do not take your body for granted.  I struggled for years to treat my body right and now that I know what I know, I will never go back.  You are an incredible being just the way you are.
Be YOU-nique

 Unfortunately, there are people in this world that will try to tear you down.  These people haven't learned some of the secrets.  People often find that by belittling someone or treating them like dirt, they will somehow feel better about themselves...I don't know if they do feel better, but just remember that they are struggling with their own demons.  Be assertive and stand up for yourself.  Confidence is beautiful and I guarantee if you stand up for yourself, they will probably back off.

 Love with all of your heart.  Love everyone, despite their differences.  Love the life that you live.  Love knowing that you are loved more than anything in the world, especially by me.

 With all my heart,
Mom



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