Dear Girl waiting in line to become a Woman,

Today, I have a very important life lesson that I would like to pass on to you – one that I have learnt the hard way. Be – just be.

When I look around me today, I see bra burning feminine figures who want to conquer the world and all its male population. I see people making a hue and cry about a lady not being able to make it as the President of a world super power nation. I see a President elect who has made dubious comments which he terms as locker room banter. I see a rich heritage in our own country, when it comes to women in power. I see a rape culture that keeps women in their homes as well. I see women rising to the top and touching the moon, and I see them orbiting the world in their own fiery path of success. And in all of this, my message is still the same: Be.

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God made you a girl – not someone who has to compete with boys, but someone who has to shine in her own individual capabilities in any role that you choose. God made you what you are – not to become someone else, but to be the best version of yourself. And today, I want to promise you that you will be the best if you nurture yourself first. Here’s how.

To be who you truly are from within, you need to listen to that tiny voice inside you. Because, trust me when I say this, you will not find a more honest and authentic voice than that – not even mine. So remember to nurture yourself in a way that you will find yourself hearing that voice loud and clear even, and especially, in the most challenging situations. Find a way to express yourself in that voice everyday so that it speaks courageously when you need it the most. Learn its language even as you teach it the language of the world, the environment and the opportunities around you. Let this voice take you to a place of peace and success, but also teach it to listen to the values that are most relevant to your life’s realities. This will give your inner voice a harmonious tune to hum, and lower the volume of chaos and doubt within.

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You do not need to see a Disney princess every time you look in the mirror – you need to be able to meet your reflection squarely in the eye. You do not need to attain top marks in your academic pursuits – you need to know how to turn a challenge into an opportunity. You do not need to make perfect rotis or bake the perfect cake to be a good wife – you need to be able to understand and create a life that you love with a person who will bring out the best in you. You do not need to get married to check a box in the check list of “success” – you need to be committed to yourself fully and truly, first. You do not need to mirror someone’s voice to make a relationship work – you need to be able to let your own voice do the talking. You do not need to be apologetic about having a voice of your own – you need to use it to express yourself without offending anyone. You do not need to wait for your own fairy tale – you need to have the courage and the conviction to write your own.

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So here’s wishing you all the very best in life, my darling. Just be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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