This post is part of YummyMummyClub.ca‘s support of the Dove Celebrate Mom Contest. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors. You can nominate inspiring moms here: www.CelebrateMom.ca.
Dove is committed to inspiring all women and girls to reach their full potential.
Married and a mother by the age of 18. She definitely had her work cut out for her. So many nights I remember sleeping in her bed just to keep her company while my father worked endless hours just to make ends meat- she never once showed me she was scared. I remember looking at her at about 8 or 9 years of age, thinking her beauty and knowledge were thrown away and useless because of the path she chose. Then, as I got older I realized that she sacrificed so much just to keep her dream alive.
A simple dream, the thought that you can find the man you love, raise children who are loved unconditionally, and ultimately, and base your inner happiness through the joy others feel. A dream often shamed upon as being mediocre. For my mother it is simply making your heart happy.
Now at the age of 32, as a stay at home mother myself, I look at my own mother in complete admiration. To think, she sacrificed money, education, a career, independence… life. All this for me, for her dream. All these years, there was never a moment I didn’t feel beautiful. I attribute this to the fact that I was loved unconditionally, cared for and constantly embraced by someone who never left my side. Even through my crazy teen years…we all know how bad those can be.
Only 9% of Canadian girls (ages 10-17) are comfortable using the word “beautiful” to describe themselves. However, when girls feel they have a role model, they are less likely to let anxiety about looks hold them back.
Every girl realizes they are not as perfect as the woman they see in magazines as a teen. At this time in my life my mother was back at work and juggling a family because tough times called for desperate measures. Through my own teen years, I often thought my mother did not have as much time to focus on me, simply because I was so used to being spoiled with all of her time. I was wrong, she was steeping back and watching me flourish. Though I was completely aware of my insecurities and differences, I never for a moment thought I had to change myself or my looks to be a better person. My mother has taught me to embrace who I am as an individual and focus my energy on providing love for the people around me…just as she has done.
Four inspiring women will win $2,500 for herself and $2,500 to be donated to the charity of her choice.
Check out more stories on YummyMummyClub.ca about amazing role model moms and Nominate one Now!
