Dear daughter:
Someday you’ll understand why I write this letter for you. Maybe because I only have my words to give you and because I know that words matter. From the moment I knew I was going to have a daughter, my heart was filled with indescribable joy and visualized dreams. To have you in my arms, to hear you cry for the first time was nevertheless an experience that I never came to think possible, so sweet, so wild and even surreal, that words can’t explain it.
Little by little I saw that you began to imitate me, that I was your mirror. And I understood why my example will be one of your greatest influences. For this, thanks to you I have become stronger, I have found a new value and a motivation to be the best woman I can be, someone you can imitate. It’s a constant struggle every day and I want to tell you that I am sorry for my mistakes and weak moments. And even though you’re still little, I want to explain why I’m so hard on you, more than I am with your brother, I admit it. Maybe because I have in my head the idea that things will be easier for him.
Let me tell you something. I grew up in a sexist and misogynist world. And although things have changed a lot since I was born, today almost 38 years later, women continue to be victims of tremendous injustice and inequality. That’s why I want to make you a strong woman, able to face that world that despite of being beautiful can also be unfair and cruel. But in spite of all this, I want you to know that being a woman is wonderful, it’s a privilege and a blessing. We are the beings that move the life in the world. It seems that we are made of porcelain but in fact we are made of iron. We don’t stop persevering however adverse are the circumstances. We are able to forgive, endure, nourish, create and feel wonderful things.
I want to ask you a few things. As a woman always value your body, your mind and especially your spirit. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are not beautiful inside and out. Never hurt yourself, neither with words nor with deeds. Don’t let yourself be alienated by a mirror or a scale in your bedroom. I want you to never stop dreaming, no matter how old you are, and believe in your strength and be confident that whatever you dream you can accomplish it because you are able to do whatever you want to do. And please, dream big! Nourish yourself from life and everything that the universe offers. Don’t limit yourself. Read, travel, investigate, ask, be curious, experience, make mistakes, love, cry and laugh freely. Here I will be at your side in any decisions of life that you’ll make, good or bad, I will support you.
Always value the women who are by your side, because friendships will be very important in all the stages of your life. Surround yourself and learn from those women who will never judge you and despise you. Never become cynical and critical to other women. Each and every one of us has a valuable story. So sit next to the new girl in the class, talk to the one you always see alone in the cafeteria, console the one who needs it, defend the one who for some reason can’t do it, and be that friend who shares the joys and sorrows without any difference. And if you are the one who needs help or company let me know, never endure your sadness in solitude.
I want you to value the diversity of your origin. Be proud of where you come from, and always respect others regardless of whether you disagree with them or feel that they are not like you. You know? At the end of the day we are all the same, we are all human beings, inhabitants of the same planet that must strive to make it a better place. And if in your hands falls a responsibility of leadership, use it so that others see your light and you can guide them to do good and to keep on going.
You and I will go through several stages and our relationship will change constantly. But a bond between mother and daughter is unshakable and I know that you will not understand me at all until you are older. In the meantime, and as long as God allows me, I will enjoy every second watching you grow and become an excellent woman, and I will continue to strive to be a better woman for you.
Happy women’s day to you my favorite little woman!
