Dear Sweetheart,

I want to share some wisdom with you, my dear girl. I was a pretty empowered child myself. I remember a time when a neighbor told me that I stood up to a boy who was bothering me at the bus stop. The report came back: “She turned around and gave him a piece of her mind, and he didn’t mess with her anymore!” But empowerment can sometimes get mixed up with being difficult, and that’s not what I hope for you. I want you to truly embrace empowerment.

Embrace Your Decisions

I want you to have the strength to make your own decisions. If you dream of a high-powered career with long hours, know that it might come at the cost of family time and leisure. If you choose to be a stay-at-home mom, understand that it may mean a tighter budget since kids can be quite the handful. Want to juggle being a working mom? Balance will be key as you strive to excel at work while being there for your little ones. Whether you aspire to be a nun, a stuntwoman, or a physicist, recognize the trade-offs involved in your choices, and pursue your path wholeheartedly. Don’t lament the paths not taken; remember, no one can have it all.

Believe in Yourself

I want you to have the belief that you can improve your own life. Bad things will happen, and there will be situations beyond your control. But focus on the actions you can take to uplift yourself. Work hard, seek out the education you need—whether formal or informal—and when challenges arise, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Thrive in the face of adversity.

Cultivate Humor and Resilience

I want you to cultivate a sense of humor and resilience. People can be rude, or they might unintentionally hurt you with their words. Sometimes you’ll be able to stand up for yourself, and other times you may need to handle things with grace. Don’t let negativity get you down.

Look Beyond Yourself

I want you to look beyond yourself. Be so confident that you don’t need to constantly seek validation. Instead, think about how you can contribute positively to the world, whether in your career or in your personal life—ideally, both!

Develop Competence

I want you to develop competence. Embrace learning and always look for ways to improve your skills. Don’t let any task intimidate you, whether it’s an intellectual challenge, a creative project, or everyday chores.

Be Kind and Strong

I want you to be kind, loving, forgiving, and generous. You are not anyone’s doormat. From the moment you were a tiny fighter on that ultrasound, you’ve always been my brave girl, and I hope you carry that strength with you throughout your life. But remember, empowerment isn’t about being harsh; it’s about achieving something much deeper. And I know you have it in you.

Love you always,
Your Supportive, Yet Occasionally Sassy, Mama

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In Summary

Empowerment means being able to make informed choices, believing in your ability to improve your life, and focusing on kindness and competence. It’s about finding strength in yourself while being aware of the realities of your choices.