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November 22, 2005
What I Want For My Daughter And All Young Women
Holly was a board member of The Ophelia Project which is an organization who's mission statement is: Founded as a catalyst for positive change within schools and communities nationwide, The Ophelia Project is committed to helping youth form healthy peer relationships while creating a safe social culture for all.
What I Want For My Daughter And All Young Women
by Holly Nishimura
1953-2003
I want a community and environment that teaches and supports development of the whole person. If sports is to be our model, I want it to be based on participation and sportsmanship, not superstardom and win-loss records. If soft drinks are the model, then base it on nutritional content and contribution to one's health, not the image and sizzle of a model, or the promise of cool you can attain simply by taking a sip.
I want her to know it is not the size of her bra, or the status of her friends, or the clothing she wears that has true meaning; that what she owns and wears is only a detail in her life; that the content of her character, her actions, contributions, the truth as she knows it, and her beliefs and values are what define her.
I want her to be strong, independent, and self-sufficient so she can make clear and positive decisions for herself throughout her life. I want her to be comfortable and happy with herself, so if she chooses, she can wisely select a partner who will provide her with love and support.
I want her to understand her sense of responsibility and her place in a community. I want her to know that we all bear responsibility for our society and environment, and we can contribute in one thousand ways.
And I want her to experience true joy, because life can be a great deal of fun!
I want her to know that even on a bad hair day she can meet a new friend; that with a run in her stockings she can have a rich and rewarding experience; that when she steps outside herself and her immediate surroundings and parameters, she can experience the entire world.
And if she can manage her feelings and life, she can have whatever she wants.
I believe in the potential of the human spirit, and want her to have that belief as well.
And finally, I always want her to know unconditional love. From her parents and family, from at least one friend, and from a partner, if that is her choosing. How to give love and how to share it.
I believe that will give her the emotional strength to survive anything and choose to thrive in everything.
Posted by Lisa at November 22, 2005 08:43 PM
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