You Are More Than The Money You Make

Dear daughters,

You are so much more than the money you make in this life. I just need you to know that.

I’m angry today. I’m angry wrestling with the notion that my worth as a human being is measured by the amount of money in my bank account (which, let’s be real, is not much right now). I’m angry that I have knowledge and skills and talents that are seemingly useless in the world unless I can figure out how to monetize them.

I know that’s not something you are worried about right now. You’re only kids. Money has no meaning to you yet.

But trust me, some day soon enough it will start motivating your every decision. Defining what you can and can’t do. Wielding power over your life more than any other force.

I want you to know that you came into this life with innate gifts. You’ll gain knowledge and experiences that the world needs. And all of those things that you bring to the table – they matter. They matter even if you can’t earn from them. They matter even when it seems like no one is listening or watching or paying attention. They just matter.

That will be hard to remember sometimes. I know I’m struggling with it. That’s probably where my anger comes from today – the understanding that who I am and what I value isn’t valued by the world unless I can stick a price tag on it.

Please know that I value you. Just as you are. And I value the words and the light and the ideas and perspective you carry. Even when the rest of the world doesn’t see it, I always will. I promise.

With love,

Mom