Nurturing Resilience: Guiding Our Daughters Through Life's Challenges

“Be weird. Be random. Be who you are. Because you never know who would love the person you hide” C.S. Lewis

As a parent, I know that there will be obstacles my daughter will face throughout her life that may impact her values and convictions. We all have been there—those uncomfortable feelings of wavering or instability. Whether navigating conflicts in friendships or relationships, questioning her morals sparked by social, political, or environmental conditions. Or simply maturity. In her passages from adolescence into the turbulent teenage years and later on into adulthood, I hope to teach – and possibly guide her – based on my adventures on my life’s journey thus far.

First lesson Emilia, one of my primary drives as your mother is to ensure you never feel alone or unsupported. I am sure most of us have lived through such moments at one point or another in our lifetimes. You may feel as though you are alone at that moment, yet I will drill into you daily. I will be there to catch you when you stumble. I may not always agree with your choices, but you will never feel unsupported. Life is full of learning and growing from those times; we wish we had responded differently.

No matter the struggle, your individuality makes you beautiful and unique. Individuality is the creator of love and, unfortunately, hate. Embrace your authenticity and rise above the overbearing status quo. Do not feel you must agree with another’s opinions to appease them. Build your views through knowledge and investigation, not just on the rhetoric of others. Individuality shines the brightest through confidence and compassion. Choose your words carefully. Back them with strength and sincerity. Do not suppress your passions in fear of judgment. The road less traveled can be the most scenic route to take.

Do not forget our night mantra, “I am strong. I am peaceful. And I am kind.” Let those words be the foundation of all your ventures.