To my dear daughters, 

As I celebrate my own birthday and consider all that I have achieved in the past year my mind also drifts to you both.

I have been thinking a lot about you and what I want for you in the future. While we often talk about what you want to be when you grow up (and yes it’s a long list), there are some more fundamental things that I really want you to have, to enjoy, to hold onto as you become the beautiful women I know you will be.

As girls, to become women in this world, there are unfortunately a lot of challenges that you will face along the way. I want you to be brave. I want you to be bold. And I want you to meet these challenges with the focus and energy I know you both have within yourselves. Your lives have been a little different from your friends, and I believe that this will give you a stronger sense of resilience. With the combination of bravery, boldness and resilience you can face any challenge and overcome it. Don’t be afraid, just take it one step at a time. 

Enjoy peace at home. Being born in India and raised in Asia, you have a different perspective of home to your friends. So, I wish for you to feel at home no matter where you are in the world. I wish for you to always feel a sense of peace when you gather with those you love, and know that home is truly where the heart is. 

Let your imagination run wild. Take your beliefs where you want them to go. Don’t be hemmed in by convention, by the expectations of others. Allow yourself the opportunity to explore, to believe, to grow as an individual.

Love hard. Love your family. Love your friends. Find your one true love. Don’t ever be afraid to show someone how much you love them. Don’t shy away from being open with your feelings. Trust in human nature, and show your love. I cherish the love letters I get from you, and so will the others you love in the future. 

Maintain your childhood curiosity. Always ask questions, and don’t be afraid to ask why? Through this curiosity you will learn more, discover more, and the real problems can be overcome. Only when good questions are asked, can people truly stop and think, reflect and understand. Don’t accept “just because” as an answer, even from me! Dig deeper, get to the heart of the issue. And share what you learn with others.

Laugh! You both have such unique and beautiful laughs. Laugh loud! Laugh often! Enjoy life, every step of the way. Show those big, beautiful smiles to the world. 

Find your own path in this world. Do whatever it is that makes you happy. But most importantly, have an impact. Improve something. Improve the lives of others. For it is only when you truly serve others that you can feel the reward for yourself. 

Discover your sisterhood. These are the family you choose. The women you rely on when your family can’t be there for you. Cherish these relationships, tender them and watch them grow. Support your sisters the same way you want to be supported yourself. You will meet many people in your lives, but your sisterhood stays with you no matter where you are.

Be humble. Remember we are all born into different circumstances, but it doesn’t make you or anyone else better. Show respect to others that they deserve, and get to know them as individuals, know their story, understand who they are. It is through people, and connections, that we can truly become global citizens.

Find time to pause, to breath, to take stock of life. Most importantly though, know how much I love you now, and I always will.

All my love mummy x