A Letter To My Daughters On Valentine’s Day

I have never really taken the time to write a letter to my daughters. Well, besides in birthday cards or short little notes around holidays. So today I want to do something a little different. There is so much out there on love and life and all of these crazy expectations. So I want to write this letter to my daughters on what I have learned so far.

Dear Aria + Amelia,

In this crazy world there are so many things coming at you. Creating so much pressure to be a certain way. It’s not hard to start second guessing yourself, what you’re doing, how you look and are you doing enough “cool things” to be in the “In Crowd”. The pressures of life are endless. But what I have learned is it starts from within. It starts with what you think and how you treat yourself.

As your mom, I am constantly wanting you to believe in yourself, and most importantly Love Yourself. This can sometimes be challenging when you start comparing yourself to others around you. Especially with the constant 24 hours of social media that is and will be around you. And as you get older this kind of pressure will continue to grow stronger.

But, I want you to remember that everything starts with YOU. Loving yourself first, before anything else, is so important. Remember that life is constantly changing. You are constantly growing and changing. Accepting those changes and imperfection is when you start to build your self worth and confidence. I can remember, I was 16 when Papa Rick died and there was a sense of helplessness and feeling I wasn’t deserving of anything good in my life. I went through some pretty dark moments. But, I continued to work hard and stayed disciplined on the things in my life I knew I was good at, things that made me happy. I also tried to surround myself with people who genuinely cared about and supported me. These helped build strength, confidence and taught me a little about perseverance.

I am seeing so often these young girls trying to be like someone else. Setting these expectations for themselves and their lives that aren’t healthy. They are constantly trying to be like someone else and end up losing themselves in the process. Instead, love yourself for who you are today. Understand there will be challenges and taking those with strides. You will get through them and you will learn a lot about yourself in the process.

Having a great relationship with yourself will impact the relationship you have with others, like your family, friends and eventually a partner. I cannot stress enough to remember to love and respect yourself and expect the same when looking for a partner in life. Nana always told me not to date someone you couldn’t see yourself marrying. This is so true. Sure you want to be with someone who is fun, makes you laugh and likes some of the same things you do. But more importantly be with someone who loves you, treats you with respects and knows your worth.

You girls are smart, you are beautiful and most importantly you are special. You are individuals who have such wonderful spirits. So many wonderful qualities to offer this world and I want you to remember that. There are people out there that will try to bring you down, break your spirit and they will challenge you. But if you start with loving yourself you will be successful, despite their efforts.

I want you to know that I love you. I love you for who you are right now and I love you for who you will become. Know that I will always be by your side; believing in and supporting you.

Follow your hearts, believe in your dreams and always do the right thing!

Love you tons of bunches,

Mommy

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Have you taken the time to write a letter to your daughter(s)? I’d love to hear what lessons you have shared with them. I hope you enjoy your Valentine’s Day with those special to you! Thanks for stopping by!