To My (Potential) Daughter

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Dear Future Daughter,

As I pen this letter at the age of 27, I find myself grappling with the reality of parenthood, feeling woefully unprepared for the challenges it entails. Honestly, I still haven’t mastered the art of changing a diaper.

The world you may one day inhabit is full of unpredictability and heartache. Tragedies occur without warning, love can falter, and I often consume foods laden with chemicals. My neighbors have heated arguments fueled by alcohol, and I witness friends battle serious illnesses. Regrettably, the truth is that this world can be harsh and unkind for a young child.

Just the other day, I glanced at a lovely bouquet of flowers on my kitchen table, a gift from your potential father. Sadly, they are wilting because I neglected to replenish their water. The dishes are piling up, and my recycling bin carries an unpleasant odor. My home, in its current state, isn’t a nurturing environment for a child.

Yet, the thought of meeting you fills me with joy. I envision the colors of your nursery, I have a middle name picked out, and I can already imagine the font I would choose for your birth announcement. You would be surrounded by love from countless people eager to welcome you into their lives. But, my sweet child, I hesitate because I fear I might not be ready.

I’m terrified that I might forget to change the water in those flowers, that I won’t get enough rest, or that I won’t be able to meet your needs. It’s daunting to think about all the responsibilities that come with motherhood.

I can imagine showering you with compliments daily, perhaps even a barrage of praise on some mornings. I would cherish painting your nails and allowing you to select any color you desire—chartreuse, soft pink, or bold blue. I would encourage you to dance before you could even walk, but I worry that you might inherit my fears and insecurities.

The real reason I question whether we should meet is because I’ve created a mess in my life—one I would never want you to endure. Little girls deserve to grow up in a clean and loving environment, not one filled with my chaos. There’s so much I need to sort through before I could ever provide a safe haven for you.

I remember being told I was too heavy to play a role in a production I loved, which shattered my dreams. It led to unhealthy habits that I wouldn’t want you to learn. I want you to enjoy food without fear, to feel free to savor every bite without guilt. I would never deny you anything—except perhaps fast food or overly processed snacks.

I would strive to create a nurturing space for you, free from negative influences about body image. I would make a commitment to speak positively about myself to set a good example for you. Even if I falter, I would hope you would learn self-love and confidence.

However, I worry about failing you. The idea that I could not protect you or guide you through life’s challenges terrifies me. You might face heartache, disappointment, and the harsh realities of adulthood—struggles that I can’t shield you from.

If I’ve learned anything in my 27 years, it’s that true happiness must come from within. You cannot rely on others for your joy or fulfillment. I understand that the love I might seek from you could place an unfair burden on your tiny shoulders.

While I can imagine showering you with affection and creating unforgettable memories together, I fear that I might ultimately fall back into my old patterns of discontent. I wouldn’t want you to become responsible for my happiness.

Your potential father often advises me to act from love rather than fear. However, as I write this, I’m filled with anxiety over the world’s potential pain that you might have to face. Ironically, this letter, born from love, emerges from a place of fear.

I must confront my feelings and sort through my thoughts before making any decisions about our future. I ask for your understanding as I navigate this journey. You deserve a clean, safe, and loving environment to thrive in.

In my heart, I already love you dearly and can envision the color palette for your room—soft turquoise and deep plum. Your middle name would honor my grandmother, Janet.

This world may be messy, but my love for you is unwavering. I will continue to ponder the possibility of our meeting, knowing that regardless of the outcome, my affection for you is immense.

Warmly,
Your (Potential) Mother

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In summary, this heartfelt letter explores the complexities of motherhood, the fears of inadequacy, and the deep love that motivates a potential mother to reflect on her readiness to welcome a child into a chaotic world. The author grapples with the responsibilities of parenting while expressing immense love and hope for a future connection.

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