The Bowed Life

When I found out I was having a girl, I knew life was about to change in beautiful and unexpected ways. What I didn’t fully realize, though, was how much being a girl mom would help me heal parts of myself I didn’t even know needed mending. Every day with my daughter feels like a small step toward unlearning, relearning, and growing—not just for her, but for me too.

Teaching Freedom and Big Emotions

One of the most important things I’ve committed to as her mom is teaching her that it’s okay to feel—really feel. It’s okay to have big emotions, but it’s also important to learn how to handle them. Even though she’s not even a year old yet, I’m already starting to instill this. When she’s upset, I don’t shush her or brush it off. Instead, I hold space for her feelings, letting her know it’s safe to express herself.

In doing this for her, I’ve started doing it for myself. Growing up, I was taught to bottle things up or minimize what I was feeling. Now, through teaching my daughter emotional freedom, I’m learning to give myself permission to feel, too. She’s reminding me that my emotions are valid, no matter how messy or overwhelming they might seem.

The Little Things That Heal

This Christmas, I bought her a play kitchen. She doesn’t fully know what it is yet, but she knows she loves it. Watching her giggle, open drawers, and explore her little kitchen brought tears to my eyes. It was more than just a gift—it was a moment of healing.

I always wanted a play kitchen when I was a kid, but I knew my parents couldn’t afford it. And I never blamed them—they gave me what they could with so much love. But being able to give my daughter something I always dreamed of, something I couldn’t have but longed for, felt like a full-circle moment. In seeing her joy, I found joy, too.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

My daughter is teaching me so much about myself—about the little girl inside me who wanted to be seen, heard, and free. Being a mom has helped me unpack things I’ve kept hidden for so long. I’m more mindful of the kind of example I set, the words I choose, and the way I respond to life’s challenges.

I want her to grow up knowing she can be whoever she wants to be. I want her to feel free, to know that she’s allowed to take up space, to know that her dreams matter, and that she doesn’t have to shrink herself to fit into anyone else’s idea of who she should be.

Thankful for Her, Always

I am endlessly grateful for my daughter. She’s not just teaching me how to be a mom—she’s teaching me how to be a better version of myself. She’s shown me that healing isn’t linear, but it can be beautiful. Through her laughter, her curiosity, and even her tantrums, I’m learning to embrace life in all its messy, wonderful glory.

Being a girl mom has been one of the greatest gifts of my life, not just because of who she is, but because of what she’s helping me become.

To my sweet girl: Thank you for being you. Thank you for teaching me, inspiring me, and helping me heal. You are everything I dreamed of and so much more.

With Love,

Brittany