My Sweet Small People,
I can’t say I have ever considered myself a worrier. I have always done my best to keep my eyes focused on the path in front of me, my feet firmly planted in a forward direction and made every effort to do ‘good’ in the world.
But something about having babies (that’s you two), about looking in your eyes and knowing I’m responsible for you, little ones… for raising you, caring for you, keeping you healthy, aiming you in a direction of good, putting you on the road to helping others….it is, well, heavy. But lovely. And yes, worrisome.
I look over your shoulders and under your feet, into your eyes and beyond the crown of your head and know that I must do more. Where I once sat comfortably, sure that I could provide all you needed, food and shelter, love and affection, I recognize that there is so much more to be done.
I want to leave you with a good world.
A beautiful world.
A kind world.
A healthy world.
A world where ‘play like a girl’ is always a compliment.
A world where bullying and internet cyber-hate isn’t happening with frightening regularity.
A world where motherhood is treated with respect, all women are given the care they need through childbirth and babies are brought in to this life protected and nurtured.
A world where safety from violence is the norm, skin color doesn’t make you different, but stunning…where we treat each other equally.
A world where our ability to respect each other trumps our anger and frustration when we disagree.
A world where education for all is a priority, where young girls are never forbidden this opportunity and we encourage each other to continue to learn.
A world where malaria, slavery, children dying before the age of five, and female genital mutilation are jaw-droppers your children and grandchildren will read about in history books as horrors that happened a lifetime ago but have disappeared from our planet.
Fifteen years from now….in 2030, the two of you will be well on your way to being ‘adults’. I put adults in quotes simply because, at 24 and 26, I know you will still be growing, learning, changing and finding your way in the world. In many ways, I hope you will always be this way….continuing to seek new ways to make this world of ours a better place.
It amazes me to see how many extraordinary people are working to change our world for the better right now, today. There are people creating change right here around us at home and far, far away. Children are being vaccinated and living longer than ever. Mothers are getting life-saving healthcare as they carry their babies and deliver them safely. Young girls are being given the RIGHT to go to school just as you do every day.
I challenge you, today, tomorrow and with your children should you choose to have them to keep the positive change happening.
I was lucky enough to spend a day sitting in a room with people who believe the changes that are already happening are GOOD, but that greater change will be extraordinary. The Mom+Social Good event (watch the replay) as well as the Global Moms Challenge are an important piece of the puzzle that are working to make our world a better place. Both the United Nations Foundation and Johnson & Johnson are helping to power these efforts.
The event brought together Ambassadors, celebrities, corporate strategists, and so many more – all dedicated to discussing the power of moms and families and how we might create a better future for our communities.
Sweet small people…. you are small, but mighty. For you, I wish the world I have mentioned above, but I hope and expect that I am raising you to participate in creating change for good. We can do it together, ok?
I love you.
Mom
Disclosure: I am proud to partner with Johnson & Johnson as a Social Good Ambassador. They invited me to the Mom + Social Good Event in New York City to witness the efforts being made to create beautiful, positive change in the world. It was an experience I won’t soon forget.
Leave a Reply