To My Daughter
Dear baby girl,
How to start off this letter to you? Well, I hope by the time you’re born, America will be more progressive than what it is now. And progressive for everyone. I’m not sure what year you’ll read this, but this year will most likely be turned into a movie called “2020.”
2020 was truly a year of growth as a 24 year old —from my first real heartbreak, to being in a pandemic alone (at least with housemates) in a city with no family, to supporting and understanding the Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM), and to potentially preparing for a second wave of COVID-19. All this to say that your mama ain’t weak!!! But I wanted to write this so that I share these moments in case they may inspire you.
Currently, I would describe the world as ‘revealing.’ I say this because everyone is showing their true colors as to how they’re managing their time, and how people are responding to current events. Now that there’s no distractions, how are you spending your time? Can you handle being alone with your thoughts? Do you spend your time doing the right activities that will take you to the next level of your chapter? All this to say, that I’ve used this time to work on myself and manifest positivity in my life. I’ve discovered that I enjoy running and the apple watch has made it easier to track my stats! I’m considering doing the marathon so keep an eye out on those photos!
Either way, I want to share the lessons that I’ve learned so far so that you realize where my soul is at age 24:
Never doubt where you are in your life. Where you are is where you’re meant to be. BUT hold yourself accountable on where you are. NEVER blame anyone else. If you want to do better, then you must condition it in to be better and do better. 100%.
Cut energies that do not serve you. If you know energies are holding you back from your potential, do not be afraid to cut that energy. Reminder that you must work on yourself and your job is to never fix other people.
A man’s rejection is God’s protection. God will only allow the man that deserves you to be in your life. Any man that rejects you babe, let it go. Become the person you need to be to end up with the man that truly deserves you.
Commit to your own growth. When you commit to your growth, you are LIMITLESS. You will bloom like no one has ever seen.
If someone decides to walk out your life, let them. Never beg people to remain in your life. Because you’ll realize you’ll elevate with their absence. This includes your friends, let them walk away.
You must read self help books to gain perspective. What you do now will dictate where you’ll be 5 years down the road. So do the work now, so you can enjoy later.
Jhené Aiko is an amazing peaceful soul. You should listen to her entire “Chilombo” album. Did you know she incorporated crystal singing bowls into her music? Her music has gotten me through this entire quarantine time. She is amazing. My idol. My favorite song is “Magic Hour.”
Never chase love. Work on yourself, commit to yourself, and create your own happiness. When you do this, you’ll realize love was always right in front of you.
Happiness Over Everything.
Final — remind your ancestors (aka my parents/your grandparents) that you’re out here killing the game. My parents came to this country to ensure the generations after them have a better life. Make them proud.
Love you forever and always,
Your Mama Gaby.
P.S. Yes — you got it from your Mama.