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Raising a Woman in Today’s World

My daughter and I love taking yoga classes together when we are away for a weekend or on vacation. This time we were in Duck, North Carolina at Village Yoga. Each of the yoga studios instantly calms you upon entering. There are lots of windows and some overlook the Currituck Sound. The walls are a whisper of mint green. It’s very simple, yet soothing.

We were about to take a warm yoga class and we entered the cocoon-like studio. The whole room had an aura of peace and stillness. Everyone in the room was getting their mat and blocks ready for the 100-minute class of poses and stretching. After a long car ride and busy week, this class was what we both needed. I cherish time alone with my daughter when there are no distractions.

As the class was about to begin, I was on my mat in child’s pose. I glanced up and looked over at my daughter to make sure she was ready for the class too. It suddenly hit me that she had become a young lady overnight.

Many years ago, yoga on Monday mornings when I was pregnant with her was my refuge. Not only from carrying a baby inside me but also a busy two-year-old boy that loved to run all day long. Yoga was peace. It was during yoga that my daughter kicked the most. I knew then that I would soon have a feisty, independent child on my hands.

As we moved through our poses, the teacher walked around the room and assisted the other students. There was just something about her that was so genuine and caring in the way she helped us to push ourselves harder to master each pose. She had perfect timing and there was no judgment in our capabilities. I felt like the teacher was taking care of us. My daughter reached her Zen too, she was in the moment. Just like our instructor, my daughter moves through her life with confidence and determination that I could only dream of for her. She is also strong, capable and resilient. I don’t ever want her to lose these amazing characteristics.

Every day I try to teach her, encourage her and inspire her. 

She has seen my failures and my successes as a mom, wife, daughter, friend and business owner. I tell her life is about the good, the bad and the ugly. C’est la vie.

Seeing my daughter and how gracefully she moved from pose to pose was beautiful. She has grown into a poised young lady. She loves yoga and meditates daily. This is NOT something I have taught her. She has taken this initiative herself. In fact, most of what she has learned in her short life, she has taken the steps forward on her own. Whether it’s mastering crawling, walking up and downstairs, how to make croissants and pasta or painting. She has had the motivation to push ahead and keep learning and crafting and perfecting her various skills.

I’m most proud of her because she knows the importance of self-care, confidence, and strength. She has a lot of wisdom for such a young age, but she has a long way to go. We all need to teach our daughters, encourage our daughters and inspire our daughters. Then they will become their best selves.

Jennifer McGinley
Jennifer McGinleyhttp://[email protected]
Jennifer McGinley, CEO of JLM Strategic Communications, based in the Baltimore/DC Metro area, helps individuals and organizations increase their connections, visibility, and credibility through strategic and effective public relations programs. Connect with Jennifer via her social media links above.

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7 CONVERSATIONS

  1. Jennifer, thank you for sharing this article. You wrote it beautifully, and I could feel your pride in your words. While I have a canine child, I do have nieces who are growing into fine young women – no doubt due to their upbringing, but also their independence, resilience, and ability to thrive. I am so proud of the women they are and feel joy each time I see them take another step toward growth.

  2. Thanks for sharing, Jennifer. I’ve had those moments with our boys recently, 18 & 21. On NYE our younger son was on the dance floor with his girlfriend while his parents were playing with the jazz band in front of him. He and his date were laughing, comfortable, and confident, and I remember seeing him so differently in that moment. As a grown man, as a kind, gentle companion for his girl friend, and as someone who was comfortable in his skin. Amazing.

    • Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I love spending time with my daughter. I know the time is fleeting as she is now in high school.

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