I’ll never forget the feeling when a stranger put her hand on my shoulder and told me I was doing a great job. That I would get through this. And everything would be okay.

You see, you were a newborn. And I was an exhausted new mom.

You were adjusting to this big wide world outside of my tummy and I was adjusting to my new role as your mom.

We were slowly figuring it out together.

But as beautiful and precious as those first few weeks were, they weren’t easy.

I was sleep-deprived, my body was swollen and sore, and the realization had hit me hard that I had this tiny little person that relied on me for everything. I questioned if I was good enough to be your mom. If I was capable to give you, to teach you, to show you everything you would need in life.

The truth is, I knew you were the most incredible blessing I could have ever asked for and I was scared of failing you.

So that day, when I was standing in the grocery line wearing all my new mom exhaustion and struggle on my face, those thoughtful kind words spoken softly by that stranger struck a chord.

They provided the reassurance my heart needed.

It was those words that I held onto in the early hours of the morning when we were both lying in bed crying.

It was those words I held onto when self-doubt crept in.

It was those words that gave me comfort when I needed it most.

There was power in that strangers’ kind words. There was a simple kindness that this world needs more of.

So my sweet child, as you grow I want you to know the power of your words. The
power of your beautiful smile. The power of a simple gesture.

I want you to know the impact that your kindness can have. How one simple kind act can make a difference in the lives of others.

So as you grow, I will do my best to teach you right from wrong.

To teach you how to look at things from another person’s perspective.

To be compassionate.

To be inclusive.

To be a good friend.

I will do my best to teach you that life is about being real, being humble and being kind.

My sweet child, I want you to know that there is strength and power in choosing kindness.

To know that being the smartest, the coolest, or the something else ‘est’ will only take you so far, but being kind and generous and going out of your way to help others will literally matter in every aspect of your life.

I want you to know that in a world where you choose to be anything, that being kind will always be the right choice.

Because it is through your love and kindness that you will change lives.

Through your love and kindness, you will change this world for the better.

Originally published on Proud Happy Mama