Letter to Linnéa #InternationalWomensDay

(Not a tomboy…Just a little girl that likes what she likes. Not a sissy just a boy that likes what he likes.)

You can like pink,                                                                                                                          you don't have to like Pink.

You can like dolls,                                                                                                                          you don't have to like dolls.

 You can like dresses,                                                                                                                      you don't have to like dresses.

You can like bows  and flowers in your hair,                                                                                   you don't have to like bows and flowers in your hair.

You can like dresses,                                                                                                                             you don't have to like dresses.

You can like fingernail paint and make-up,                                                                                     you don't have to like fingernail paint and make-up.

You can like kitchen sets and cooking,                                                                                           you don't have to like kitchen sets and cooking.

You can like ballet,                                                                                                                         you don't have to like ballet.

You can also like...

Blue,                                                                                                                                               you don't have to like blue.

You can like Ninjas and superheroes,                                                                                             you don't have to like ninjas and superheroes.

You can like pants,                                                                                                                         you don't have to like pants.

You can like hats,                                                                                                                           you don't have to like hats.

You can like face paint and dirty hands,                                                                                         you don't have to like face paint and dirty hands.

You can like tool sets and fixing things,                                                                                          you don't have to like tool sets and fixing things.

You can like contact sports,                                                                                                            you don't have to like contact sports. 

I only separate these lists to show you the way that Momma has seen these things grouped together in growing up and in raising you. Momma notices, that people impose what a girl "should like" and they also impose what a boy "should like". My message to you, my brave, smart and funny little girl, is that you can like and be whatever you want. The options are all available for you to like, love, laugh, flourish, create and just BE. My hope for you is that the future continues to be bright and that you might recognize all life has to offer you. My hope for you is that you not be restricted by societal ideals of what a young girl can or cannot do, and on the same token, what a young boy can or cannot do. My hope for you is that you may see these separated list of things....as things...because they are just that, things. They have no label for who may like them. My hope is that you may see this separated list... merge it... mix it up, throw in more things you find fascinating to you and throw out whatever you don't. Furthermore you are not bossy, you are assertive, you are not pushy, but rather a leader, you are not loud-mouthed, but rather outspoken.  The world is yours little one. You can DO and you can BE... YOU.

I Love you,

 - Momma