5 Things I Will Teach My Daughter
Don’t be a Trend
Trends come and go, but authenticity is timeless. Fast fashion is fleeting, food and fitness fads fade, and viral vogues are vapid. Sure, it’s fun to jump on the bandwagon and be part of the proverbial inside joke. But ultimately, trends are disingenuous and uninspiring. Realize the time, effort and money put into a trend often yields little reward. Instead of being just another scrolled-over copycat, rock your own classic style, live a sustainable, healthy lifestyle, and inspire others with your everlasting creativity.
Listen to Your Gut
Your gut will never lie. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably because it isn’t. Don’t hesitate to cross the street if someone makes you feel uncomfortable. Unapologetically decline the elevator lift if the person inside seems sketchy. Act weird if someone gives you creep-vibes in a store. Don’t succumb to peer pressure when you know in your gut it’s not the right thing to do. Trust your intuition and let that inner voice light your path. Listen to your gut, try not to overthink it, and don’t apologize for it. Don’t be sweet.
Which brings me to…
Be Kind, But Don’t be Sweet
Kindness goes a long way. You never know what kind of day someone is having and a small act of kindness can make a huge difference. Everyone deserves kindness, but not everyone needs you to be sweet to them. It’s easy to take advantage of the sweet girl, assuming she will always comply or say yes. Don’t be sweet to boys; don’t be sweet to strangers. Stand firm in your convictions. Kindly stand up for yourself and for those who can’t.
Be Kind to Your Body
Your body is truly the only thing you have control over. And you only have one, so treat it with respect. Eat nourishing foods that fuel your body. Stay mentally and physically active and push yourself to be strong. Hydrate! Don’t put anything in or on your body that you will regret later. Get enough sleep to recharge and conquer each day. Listen to your body and learn about your cycle. Understand the ebb and flow of your mood changes (there will be many!) and channel each of them to be the best version of yourself you can be. Love every aspect of your body the way God made it because if you don’t, no one else will.
When You Find Something You Love, Pursue It
Don’t let anything get in the way of pursuing your passion. Don’t let fear of failure, of rejection, or of not being good enough hold you back. Don’t let other people’s opinions or lack of encouragement stop you from doing what you love. Having an outlet for something you love will bring you joy and fulfillment. It will help you stay grounded and express yourself during the difficult times. Find a way to turn your passion into a living so you will never have to dread going to a job you loathe. Never stop learning more about your passion and finding ways to improve. It may not always be easy, but as long as you are chasing your dream, it will always be worth it.
