Dear Ava,
As I watch you navigate adulthood, I can’t help but reminisce about the little girl who wore star-patterned pants and layered dresses, asserting that you looked fantastic. You once told me, “If I were a dinosaur, I’d be a pink Pteranodon, covered in sparkles, who loves arts and crafts and cooking with my mommy.” Your self-love and unabashed confidence are traits I hope you carry with you throughout life.
While I want you to grow and learn, I also wish you could maintain that beautiful essence you had as a toddler. Many things that felt so natural at three—embracing happiness, being fully present in the moment, and exuding self-assurance—can feel distant as you approach 30. Here’s a letter of advice from your proud mom, inspired by the little girl who knew how to live fully.
- Claim Your Space
Remember how you would rush into a room and grab whatever toy caught your eye? Don’t lose that instinct. As women, we often learn to shrink ourselves. So take the armrest on the plane—make it yours. You deserve it, just as much as anyone else. Also, don’t forget to travel and explore; learn a new language and immerse yourself in different cultures. When the rain hits on a familiar street, let it remind you of adventures in far-off places. - Cherish Yourself
You once expressed gratitude for “myself” on a Thanksgiving tree, and you should continue to celebrate who you are. You are incredible. - Prioritize Comfort
Being comfortable doesn’t mean avoiding hard work; it means treating yourself well. Invest in soft socks, a cozy bed, and supportive clothing. Embrace comfort in your surroundings and within yourself. - Eat Mindfully
Savor your food, whether it’s a piece of cake or a salad. Don’t waste calories on things that don’t nourish you or bring you joy. Choose pleasures that are both good for your body and your soul. - Be Kind, but Realize Life’s Unfairness
Kindness matters, and while it might seem that unkind people sometimes triumph, don’t let that deter you. Remember to be kind to everyone, and reflect on your schedule if you’re too busy to show kindness. - Appreciate Your Body
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of your body, just as you would admire a magnificent tree. Focus on its capabilities rather than its perceived flaws. - Value True Friendships
Sometimes, you may desire the friendship of someone who doesn’t reciprocate. Focus instead on those who cherish you and provide support; those are the relationships that will last. - Cultivate Confidence
You sang with such conviction about your monkey backpack. Hold onto that confidence. Don’t let anyone shake your belief in yourself, regardless of the rejection you may face. - Embrace Messiness
Life’s too short to worry about being tidy. Dive into the fun of getting messy—whether in art projects or life experiences. - Focus on Positivity
While constructive criticism is essential, don’t forget the compliments and positive feedback. Let those memories fuel your confidence. - Love Your Sibling
Your sister adores you, and that bond will be invaluable. Be there for each other throughout life’s ups and downs. - Stay Playful
Maintain that childlike wonder and irreverence. Keep your creativity alive, like when you thought of only vegetables for a story. - Avoid Stress Competitions
Don’t compare your struggles with others. Embrace happiness and remember that it’s okay to feel joy, even when others may not. - Champion Empathy
Remember how you empathized with that little boy who wanted lunch? Keep nurturing that ability to understand others’ feelings. - Forgive Quickly
You’ve sung about cleaning up your mistakes. Hold onto that idea—acknowledge, learn, and move on. - Don’t Wait for Acknowledgment
If someone wrongs you, don’t wait for them to notice. Instead, seek out those who uplift you and be that helper for others. - Recognize Your Worth
You deserve the kind of love I have for you—wholehearted and unwavering. Don’t settle for less. - Choose Partners Wisely
When looking for a partner, focus on how they make you feel. Seek someone who supports you and brings joy to your life. - Be the Hero of Your Story
Don’t cast yourself as a victim. Instead, view yourself as the heroine in your journey. - Insist on Female Representation
Like how you demand female characters in your stories, don’t let your narrative be dominated by others. You are just as capable and valuable. - Speak Kindly to Yourself
When you doubt your abilities, remember to encourage yourself just as you would a younger version of yourself. - Enjoy Life’s Simple Moments
Even mundane tasks can be enjoyable if you allow them to be. Find pleasure in every experience, even the less glamorous ones. - Be Your Own Advocate
It’s important to be polite, but don’t forget to assert yourself. Go after what you want, like that rainbow unicorn you once dreamed of.
These pieces of advice are crafted with love from your mom and inspired by the vibrant little girl I once knew. Embrace these lessons as you forge your path into adulthood.
Summary
This heartfelt letter encapsulates essential life lessons from a mother to her daughter, emphasizing self-love, confidence, empathy, and the importance of meaningful relationships. By reflecting on the free-spirited nature of her 3-year-old self, the mother hopes her daughter can retain that joy and authenticity throughout her adult life. For further insights into home insemination, check out our posts on BabyMaker Home IntraCervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo and Alternatives to IVF. If you’re interested in understanding the efficacy of IUI, visit WebMD’s guide.