Joy Unexpected | Winners do the Math!

November 4, 2009

Bokeh Wednesday- Love edition

"I love you, mama." she said as we walked hand in hand.

"I love you too, baby girl."

"And I love daddy. And my brothers. And I love myself."

I love myself, she said.

There was no conceit behind that statement. No ego involved.

Simply her truth.

She loves others as she loves her self.

As a woman who grew up feeling shame about most every part of who I am, it was comforting to hear my daughter say those words. Those words were music to my ears, my heart, my soul.

Because it is my hope that by loving who she is, caring for herself and living to her full potential, she will always be able to fully love others in that same wonderful way.

Posted by Y at November 4, 2009 9:53 AM

Comments

As a new mom to an almost-6-month-old baby girl, I so loved this. It's what I'm striving for in raising my daughter! Well done.

Posted by: Jen at November 4, 2009 11:06 AM

children have just the most wonderful insights. i hope our society doesn't take that love from her. ever.

Posted by: mouthy_broad (michele) at November 4, 2009 11:07 AM

What a beautiful post.

Posted by: Nancy P at November 4, 2009 11:08 AM

That right there is a "good mommy moment!" I'll just bask in that for a while. That's what I wish for my own kids too.

Posted by: Angela at November 4, 2009 11:33 AM

That is truly wonderful. I hope she always feels that way.

Posted by: Erin at November 4, 2009 11:43 AM

I love that rock

Posted by: LoLa at November 4, 2009 12:26 PM

That is wonderful!

Posted by: Kyla at November 4, 2009 12:27 PM

What a simple, beautiful message. It has taken me years--and many challenges--to finally realize that we cannot fully give or love others without loving and regarding ourselves. I think it's harder (for me at least) when you grow up in an unyielding religious atmosphere. How awesome that your daughter "gets it" so intuitively at a young age.

Posted by: Rose at November 4, 2009 1:55 PM

Perfect. Simply wonderful. I hope she carries that with her always.

Posted by: Aunt Becky at November 4, 2009 5:02 PM

I know exactly what you mean. My daughter said it yesterday.
"I love Eva
I love me...I do..
Is that silly Mama?
No you should absolutely love your self.
First.

I want nothing more.

I felt like my job was done.
At least for a few minutes.

Posted by: Tina Andersen at November 4, 2009 7:31 PM

Such wisdom out of the mouth of babes. You have to know you've done something right!

Posted by: Nicki at November 5, 2009 4:34 AM

Amazing for a child that age that takes most women a lifetime to achieve...

Posted by: Jakki at November 5, 2009 6:43 AM

That's awesome. It's so important and so rare for young girls to feel this way.

Posted by: Jen at November 5, 2009 7:03 AM

That is so wonderful to hear =)

Posted by: Amira @ Define "Mature" at November 5, 2009 7:15 AM

Fantastic. I love it.

Posted by: Aimee Greeblemonkey at November 6, 2009 10:37 PM

You are an awesome Mamma!

Posted by: JenniferB at November 8, 2009 12:01 PM

What a beautiful post! You know, she has this confidence because her mommy is an amazing role model. It's always about the mommy.

Posted by: maya at November 10, 2009 11:33 AM

Well done, Y. Well done.

Posted by: Susan at November 17, 2009 4:45 PM