As a mother to (almost) three young girls, I’m beginning to see just how often they are looking to me for the directions + rules on how to live.
What I have realized, through observing them, is that they are bold, honest + unafraid; they entered the world this way. But over time, the world + those in it will continue to give them directions on how to dress, speak, fit in + act. They will be reminded often of what is appropriate, polite + kind. They will be told how to use their manners + be a lady. They will get shoved to the back + quickly learn to shrink. This is how we lose ourselves. This is how we forget who we are. 💓But not my girls.
I laughed to my husband last night, as I have just recently begun working on my book again… and I told him this: it’s as if young women spend the first half of their lives looking for ways to fit in + be accepted, and the second half of their lives returning to their true selves, only to realize that acceptance starts within. ✨
The basis of my parenting style is empowering my babies. I never want them to blend in. I never want them to lose their voice. I never want them to mold or conform or scramble to edit their thoughts or feelings for the comfort of others. I never want them to fear conflict or to crumble under the weight of outside opinion. I know the work it takes to find yourself again, and if I can simply offer them directions not on how to live in this world, but to love + accept who they truly are… then I’ve done my job.
Less energy losing ourselves,
More energy loving ourselves.
