TEACH OUR LITTLE GIRLS TO BE STRONG!

I am a naturally worrier when it comes to my children. Feeling the immense pressure of teaching them everything I can before they go out into the big bad world. Recently, I came across something that said, "so many strong women began as broken girls". That hurt my heart right away. Honestly, it made me angry that we live in such a world where it is such a huge concern. Now, I definitely do not have all of the answers. I am a firm believer that as parents we are all just winging it and doing the best we possibly can. There are so many things I want to tell me daughter like, "you are not fabric do not let anyone try you on" or "you should rather walk alone in the darkness than follow anyone else's shadow". Those kind of conversations will have to wait awhile. My daughter is only seven years old. Every morning we do have her repeat the following: I am strong, I am beautiful, I am kind, I am important, I am amazing. We put uplifting cards with quotes on them so she can see them. I realize one day I am going to have to have a more in depth conversation with her. I'm sure some of you are there right now. As I sat watching her play the other day I came up with twenty things I want her to know down to her very core and thought I would share them with you.

• You ARE important!

• Always be honest.

• Live with total integrity.

• Do not allow how you see yourself to be defined by people with ugly intentions.

• Always stand up for yourself.

• You are worth it.

• Trust is earned and easily lost.

• Deliver kindness.

• Always look people in the eye.

• Always say sir and ma'am out of respect.

• When you are wrong...sincerely apologize.

• Make mistakes you do not have to be perfect to be great.

• Learn from those mistakes and don't repeat them.

• Finish each day and be done with it. Tomorrow is a new day.

• Have grit (it determines life challenges will neither defeat us or define us).

• Have grace (it gives kindness to ourselves and others even when it's hard).

• Carry yourself with dignity (you are worthy of honor and respect).

• Be independent and learn to rely on you.

• Make peace with any broken pieces no matter how small.

• You are amazing! I will forever be here for you.