In this letter to her future child, seventeen-year-old RIDDHIMAA KOTHARI shares the wisdom she has learned through experience, and through that wisdom encourages her future child to stand their ground, build their confidence, and grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Dear one,
I write this letter to give you an understanding of the world we live in, where times are tough but our commitment to doing better and growing mentally, physically, and spiritually goes a long way. I want to see you shine and change lives for the better.
Understand that your growth will make a positive impact on others, and they will look to you to make positive changes in themselves. Giving to the community and serving others is an amazing experience. You will find yourself feeling grateful for the things you have. You will find yourself giving and not expecting anything in return except the joy and warm feeling of making a difference, even if it is small. Giving to others will change how you perceive the world and the people around you.
Physically, try to challenge yourself. Work toward being strong and feeling satisfied with the way you feel about your body, not how society wants you to look. Setting expectations of how you should look will bring negative energy into your life, whereas feeling good about the energy that runs through your body and smiling will keep you going.
With physical, mental, and spiritual growth will come an understanding of the values that are important to you. I hope you will be able to stand up for yourself and others in situations that may find you and them in trouble. I have always believed in standing up for what is right, rather than back down from those who are intimidating; instead, show you are not afraid of them. This will teach you confidence and self-reliance, and armed with the confidence you have built you can take on the world with your pinky. Another thing I have always valued is respecting your elders and tending to their needs lovingly. I didn’t really understand why these values were so important until I experienced those situations.
When I was younger, I didn’t stand up to others, or for others, because I was scared of judgement. After many years of being bullied and seeing others being bullied, I showed them I was not scared and towered over them with confidence. It made me the person I am today, and I am proud of myself for how far I have come. I want you to do the same. But don’t let that confidence take away the importance of respecting others for their opinions, because that is none other than bullying. We lose the innocence that was given to us if we indulge in that very thing we are trying to prevent.
Most importantly, treat others the way you want to be treated. This has far more meaning than often perceived. If you want to be treated with respect, give the same respect to others. If you want kindness, do the same for others. If you want people to be honest with you, do not lie to others. Otherwise, it will come back to bite you. This is a major lesson that I’m glad I have learned.
I hope this advice helps you. I can’t wait to see where life takes you and how much you grow and impact this world. I am proud to call you my child. Remember, only you can change yourself. The rest of the world will follow!
Love,
Riddhimaa
