A Letter to My Unborn Daughter: Words of Love and Encouragement

Image by Seif Eddin Khayat on Unsplash

I am writing to you in the hope that you are feeling well. I write this letter to prepare you for the failures and heartaches that life may hurl at you. If I do not get to watch you grow into the woman I hope you will be, just know that daddy loves you to the square of infinity. Accordingly, in this letter,  I aim to impart to you some of the wisdom and invaluable lessons that, at this point, I  gained from life. They will assist you in adjusting, adapting, and navigating your way through life.

First of all, you cannot control the events that happen in your life, but you are at liberty to choose how to respond to each event. If you choose to see the positive side of every situation, you will be successful; however, if you train your mind to always see the negative, the consequences will be overwhelming. Although it is natural to feel overwhelmed and discouraged when things seem tough, it is important to remember that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and a way forward. Thus, do not let your circumstances define or make you lose sight of who you are.

My dear daughter, it is crucial to realize that persistent complaining may be taxing and destructive to your self-esteem, and it can also provoke you to blame others for your missteps. Hence, if you want to avoid feeling bitter and unhappy, it is vital to resist the urge to excessively complain. Take ownership of your experiences and decisions, that is how you can move your life forward. Whenever you feel like complaining beyond the limit, look for ways to improve and learn from your mistakes. This will help you maintain your resilience in the face of overwhelming defeat or triumph. 

Furthermore, it is no longer a secret that our culture often encourages harmful gender stereotypes, such as the assumption that you are inferior, tremulous, or weak. As a consequence, people may treat you unjustly, forcing you to live your life according to their dictates. My message is that you should never let others define you, define yourself. Stand up for yourself and make your own choices, even if they go against what others might expect. Do not compromise your happiness for the sake of pleasing others. Be kind to yourself and then others. 

Again, I want you to know that to live a healthy and fulfilling life is to show kindness and generosity toward others. For example, speaking kind words and assisting people in need will not only make people happy but also preserve your reputation. Nevertheless, you should remember that self-love is equally essential for maintaining a healthy and fulfilled life. It will assist you in making enlightened decisions. And self-love is a powerful force that can help you unclench your fist to help others. 

More importantly, there is no doubt that prayer is a source of solace and strength for believers. When you unfailingly and fervently pray, your chances of achieving great success in life will be highly improved. Because Allah has promised since time immemorial to respond to your prayers. Besides, prayer is a  fortress of the believer. It is the most reliable source of forgiveness for your transgressions. Also, when you are clouded or lost, bring your concerns to Allah, and He will lessen your burden. Developing a regular prayer practice will undoubtedly lead to a more meaningful and happy life.

In the same vein, pride can be detrimental to your success and happiness in life. The Noble Qur'an warns us to avoid pride and arrogance as they can guide us astray. Practice humility and respect the people fate brings into your life. Because when you are humble regardless of the situation, you will receive respect in return. 

Similarly, respect the people in your life, especially your parents, children, and friends. Let them know that their companionship makes you feel loved. Look them in the eyes and tell them that their presence makes the world a better and safer place. Doing this can help you maintain a positive state of mind.

On the other hand, we live in a society where we prefer to hear falsehoods rather than the truth. I want you to be honest with those in your life. When you give your word, whether it is a "yes" or a "no," be sure it is genuine. When you ask someone about their day, be genuine in your inquiry and response. Do not be afraid to speak your thoughts and feelings, even if it requires being frank. Because honesty will save you time and sidestep the complications that come with deceit.

Critically, welcome new people into your life, but be sure to maintain your core values. Do not compromise your inherent principles for the wrong people, as they will only bring negativity into your life. On the other hand, opening yourself up to the right people and for the right reasons will lead to consequential relationships and growth, even in the face of challenges.

Always remember and be proud of your roots. Your background is an intrinsic story that you cannot run away from. For this reason, do not let anyone intimidate you into hiding your true self or your unique story. When you are confident in who you are and embrace your story, life will take you on wonderful journeys. Be proud of who you are and do not hesitate to share your experiences and beliefs with others. Embracing your roots and personal narrative will help you become the person you envision yourself to be.

I hope this letter reaches you in good health and that my advice will be beneficial. Remember, it is crucial to have faith in yourself. You have the ability and determination to overcome difficulties and be the person you hope to be. Do not hesitate to give or seek help when needed, and always prioritize taking care of yourself first. I am confident in your abilities and trust that you will make the best choices for yourself.

Yours truly, 

Daddy ❤️