Though it can be difficult at times, boasting the title "momma" before every other accomplishment (and in lieu of some pretty impressive sounding words like MD or lawyer), it truly is the role that I am most happy to fill. There is something especially meaningful about bringing up a little girl. I have been gifted the incredible responsibility of building her entire sense of self from the ground up. I am who she will look to for an example of how to treat her body, how to use her mind. She will follow my lead and either respect herself and cherish herself or (heaven forbid)... not.
The whole process not only shapes her, it changes me, for the better. No longer do I linger on the scale, pinching and prodding when things don't look as taut as I think they should. I try my hardest not to mutter phrases like, "I'm so dumb" or "Duh, I'm just slow," like I have so eloquently said in years past. I expect more from peers, family and relationships because one day she will face a situation and take stock in what she has seen me find acceptable. I am leading by example and I am leading myself first, intentionally, so that I am qualified to do so.
Often I am blessed to see Lo light up and tell me things like, "I'm so beautiful" and "Wow, aren't I smart?" These instances, more than the trillion things I ramble on about when people ask if I'm only a stay at home mom, are what validates my decision. For now, I find comfort knowing that I'm the only one (okay, Mr. Jackson helps too) that is showing my daughter how to be a girl... and ultimately become a woman.
How crucial were your mother/sister/grandmother/aunt/care-giver's habits in shaping you as a woman? Are you parenting a little girl? I would love a little feedback... it really does take a (great big blog reading) village!
