March 7, 2022 — The Inkandescent Spotlight shines a light on our daughters: Happy International Women’s Day

Monday Morning Magic, March 7, 2022: I can’t think of a better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than to dedicate this newsletter to the women we love with all our hearts — our daughters.

I’ll never forget the day Anna was born: The midwife announced, “Say hello to your baby girl!” My husband gave me a giant kiss and let out a wahoo! I kissed him back before dropping into a silent prayer. “Dear God: Please don’t let me screw her up.”

It’s not that I didn’t think I’d be a good mom: I just know how hard it is to be a woman. At the time, it was less than 100 years that we’d had the right to vote. Gender bias was painfully prolific, as was pay inequity. I prayed I was up to the challenge of teaching her to be brave, proud, filled with endless love, and know that she could do anything she set her mind to — come what may.

Anna is 26 now: Wahoo! Her dad and I could not be more proud of the magnificent woman she has always been. Anna — pictured above, finding sea glass on the beach last week — is a ballerina, violinist, and the owner of her own video and photography business: AnnaGibbs.com. She is also a wellness coach, yoga teacher, and nanny to some truly amazing kids with whom she is sharing her profound love. And, Anna is currently applying to grad school to become an art therapist specializing in movement so she can teach more kids and adults to be happy and healthy in their bodies.

What was I so afraid of? As Anna tells me, “I know why you were scared, because I see the bias, pain, and trauma, too. But I heard everything you ever told me, and that’s who I am in the world: brave, fearless, and filled with love. Have faith, Mom. We are all afraid, and we must go for the things that bring us joy. That‘s what I try to do every day.”

Amazing, right? What is also amazing is that in the last 26 years, women around the globe have changed the world for daughters yet to come. A case in point is the organization International Women’s Day. Its mission: “Imagine a gender-equal world. A world that is free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.” Spread the word!

Little Star: I leave you today with a parting thought from a song I have been singing with Anna since Madonna wrote for her daughter. and we invite you to sing along: “Never forget who you are, Little Star. Shining brighter than all the stars in the sky. Never forget how to dream, Butterfly. Never forget where you come from, from love. You are a treasure to me. You are my star. You breathe new life into my broken heart. May the angels protect you, and sadness forget you, Little Star. There’s no reason to weep. Lay your head down to sleep, Little Star. May goodness surround you, my love, I have found you. Little Star.”

Until next Monday: Hug your daughters with all the love in your heart, and let them know that they are deeply loved by moms everywhere! — Hope Katz Gibbs, founder and president, Inkandescent™ Inc.

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