By. Neluka
This is the story of an inspiring mother who wrote a letter to her five-year-old daughter that went viral and grabbed the hearts of those all over the Internet. She wrote this for her daughter with the pure intention on empowering her confidence and to give her a good perspective in life and not with the idea of being too authoritative or restrictive. To quote Toni’s initial outcome of her writing, her mother, she believes that her daughter should be “Someone who is a lover of justice and believes change can happen.”
“Don’t say ‘sorry to be such a pain.’ You’re not a pain. You’re a person with thoughts and feelings who deserves respect. Don’t make up reasons as to why you can’t go out with a guy you don’t wanna go out with. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.” Toni highlights the fact that the underlying meaning is to feel ones sadness and express the feeling amidst how the other person feels because after all its doesn’t make you or another person feel less sad and no one deserves to be disrespectful.
She further writes, “Don’t overthink what you eat in front of people, if you’re hungry, eat and eat what you want. If you want pizza, just don’t get a salad because other people are around. Order the damn pizza.” Her mother justifies that her daughter isn’t born to impress the others with the feeling that she should be just like them and fear the impression of being judged.
“Don’t keep your hair long to make someone else happy. Don’t wear a dress if you don’t want to. Don’t stay home because you don’t have anyone to go out with. Take yourself out and have experienced by yourself or for yourself.”Toni is being absolutely realistic about life and their concerns, she promotes her daughter to step out of the box and try not to enslave herself within the stereotypes prevailing in the society. “Don’t hold back your tears. Crying means you’re feeling something that needs to get out. It’s not a weakness. It’s being human.” Emotions should be felt and that is in fact a strength to express one’s hurt or satisfaction.
Don’t smile because someone told you to. Don’t be afraid to laugh at your own jokes. Don’t say ‘yes’ to be polite. Say no because it’s your life. Don’t hide your opinions. Speak up and speak loudly. You deserve to be heard.” Toni keeps progressing with her amazing words and undoubtedly gives a booster of confidence to her daughter. She wants her daughter to stand out for herself and keep her head held high even when it’s a bold ‘no’.
She finally concludes with a Universal message saying “Don’t apologize for being who you are. Be brave and bold and beautiful. Be unapologetically you.” I believe that this is a good statement for everyone to be proud and grateful for who they are and what they look like. Toni’s simple message is indeed very inspiring to many of those who came across these short lines that carried a wonderful and hidden meaning to every line.
Image Credit & More Info: facebook | H/T: boredpanda
Ps: Publishing this here to inspire all the moms around the world. We did not use the photo of the actual mother and daughter for cover photo for their privacy. Please contact us by any means necessary. Thank you.