To My Daughters....

Hello, my beautiful daughters, mom here....

Always remember - You. Are. Powerful.  And everything you need to be the best person you can, is right there, inside you.  Often, we don't see it.  Or can't acknowledge it.  It's easier to say, 'I just can't do it!"  But, I have learned in my years, that I CAN do it. And so can you.  Whatever "IT" is.

Sometimes, as women, we try to 'dumb ourselves down' - to feel accepted by others.  DON'T.  The two of you are so strong, so intelligent, and have so much to give this world!  If others don't get it, that's not your fault.  BE the lovely women that you ARE, every moment of every day. Others might not understand that light that is inside you.  Shine brightly, anyway.

Remember, you matter!  Your thoughts matter.  Your feelings matter.  Your opinions matter!  Your ideas matter! You have a right to be heard, and not silenced, or teased, or made to feel small. Don't let anyone do that to you!

In order to have what it takes to care for others, you must care for yourself, first.  That's a concept that was pretty foreign to me, your mom.  I was taught that it was always others first.  But you cannot be there in a healthy way for others unless you have filled yourself with whatever it is you need to be full of energy and light...whether that be quiet time, a hot bath, a nap, meditation, yoga, prayer, time to cry or be angry, whatever.  Give yourself what you need.  Then and only then will you have what it takes to be effective and happy in the world.

Never give up your power.  It is so easy to do, sometimes! Sometimes we feel that 'inner child' coming out, and feel like we have to give up and live small and let others do it for us.  Catch yourself when that happens.  Reassure that inner child that you, your adult self, is in charge.  Take back that power before you become so vulnerable that you are hurt or abused.

Always remember - You Are Powerful.  You Are Amazing.  You Are a Bright Light in this World.  Shine!

All my love,

Mom