Sage, Skye, daughters without mothers, daughters searching for guidance, and every daughter finding her way..

By the time you read this, if you ever read this, you will probably already know a few things about this world. You will know that it is beautiful. You will know that it can also be confusing. And you will probably already have heard a thousand different opinions about what it means to be a woman.

Today is International Women’s Day, and the theme this year is “Give To Gain.” The idea behind it is simple. When people support women, mentor women, and open doors for women, everyone benefits. Workplaces grow. Communities grow. The world becomes a little better. Everyone will gain, including you.

I like that idea. But I want to add something to it for you.

I hope you will never give just to gain.

I hope you give to give.

Because the most powerful women I have ever met don’t calculate kindness. They don’t help someone because it will benefit them later. They help because their heart tells them to.

And I hope you grow into women like that.

Strong women.

Now understand this. Strength does not mean hardness.

Some people think strong women are loud, cold, or tough all the time. That strength means never crying, never doubting, never feeling.

That is not true.

You can be strong and emotional.
Strong and soft.
Strong and kind.

Your emotions will never make you weak. They will make you human. Feeling them will liberate you. Will help you carry on. Don’t let anyone ever tell you any different.

Another thing I want you to remember is this: doing your best will always be enough.

Not the best compared to someone else.
Not the best according to the internet.
Just your best.

Life is not a competition. It is simply a journey.

But there is one reality I also want you to understand.

As women, you must stay aware of the world around you.

Always know where you are.
Always trust your instincts.
Always listen when something feels wrong.

I wish I didn’t have to say that. But being alert is part of living safely as a woman.

And still, even with that awareness, I hope you move through life with open hearts.

Support other people. Lift them up. Celebrate them.

And it’s a fact that when women support people around them, everyone benefits. (Hence the campaign. When we give, we gain)

When society supports women, we all gain. So, when you support others, you help the world in a way.

But here is what I hope you remember most.

You do not need permission to support other women (or people for that matter).

You do not need a campaign day to do it.

You can choose that every day.

Furthermore, as sisters…twin sisters be there for each other, always.

You two came into this world together. That is a rare gift. Protect that bond. Celebrate it. Be each other’s safe place.

And then extend that same kindness outward.

Help the person who feels insecure.
Encourage the friend chasing a dream.
Celebrate someone else’s success without comparing it to your own.

There is enough room for all of us.

And finally, I want you to choose happiness.

Not the loud, shiny kind that social media shows.

The quiet kind.

The kind that comes from knowing who you are. From loving the people around you. From doing things that make your heart feel light.

Grow into women who are kind, strong, aware, supportive, and happy. That will always be more than enough.