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Run#LikeAGirl



This one really hit home for me.  For years I've been preaching, BUT I AM A GIRL! How would you like me to do something other than #LikeAGirl??

As the mother of a pre-teen daughter I have been messaging this to her for years.  Instilling in her the belief that she can do anything.  Yes, like a girl!  I encourage her to be who she is and do what she believes in ... and this is such an empowering message for all young girls!

Last weekend I got new running shoes because mine were worn out and hurting my feet.  I took her with me to the store.  To show her what it looks like to take care of yourself, believe in yourself and support what's important to me.  I didn't ask her to want to run.  Or take care of herself.  I SHOWED her what it looks like when I do it.

And of course you know the next part.  She also wanted a new pair of sneakers.  "Mommy, can I get running shoes too?"  And so I made sure she was fitted and has a supportive new pair.  And a week later she's barely taken them off her feet.

Here's the lesson.

Model the behavior.  Live your life so that it inspires your daughter.  Yes, I fail at this on a daily basis.  I get impatient or frustrated or in a hurry.  And when it passes I remind myself what is important.  Showing her how proud I am to be living the life I am today.  To live in the moment.  To take care of myself AND my family.  That little things matter.  And at the end of the day, isn't most of it little stuff anyway??

I am a girl.  Most days I'm still that 12 year old girl inside.  Timid on the inside, unsure of the next move and wanting to be accepted for who I am.  The beauty of aging is the wisdom and courage that comes with experience.  Although I may feel like the 12 year old on the inside, I've learned to face the world with a smile and an open heart.  I wouldn't trade any of my experiences that brought me to where I am today.  I am proud to be a girl, and proud to share that with my daughter!

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