KENYA: A Letter to My Daughter



Purity Waithira, a woman with black pulled back hair and brown eyes, looks into the camera. Behind her is a light orange background.

Photo Credit: Purity Waithira

Purity Waithira

Purity shares a mother’s heartfelt advice on love, life, and legacy.  

“Continue being true to yourself, not to seek attention but to fulfill your own potential. Nature has a way of rewarding those who do good deeds, even if they go unnoticed at times.”

Dear Angel, 

I don’t know when I will carry you in my womb or hold you in my arms, but I do know that you will be the best thing that will ever happen to me as a reward for true love. There's so much that I want to share with you and teach you when you finally grace my life – and even more when you reach your teenage years.

Baby, you are a precious gem, and no matter what comes your way, never think otherwise. Life will show itself in different forms, but I want you to be keen enough to know when to adapt and blossom.

Education is vital, so pay attention and focus when you get to school. When you get to university, please avoid distractions because they will do you no good. Don’t succumb to peer pressure, and don’t feel the need to follow trends. It’s OK to be experimental, but not at the expense of your bright future.

Life has seasons and phases; go through them one at a time and be patient with yourself. If you must compete, let it be with yourself. Be honest with yourself and wait for the right time for things to happen. Don’t rush because there are no shortcuts to a worthwhile destination. Embrace and savor each moment as it unfolds.

Continue being true to yourself, not to seek attention but to fulfill your potential. Nature has a way of rewarding those who do good deeds, even if they go unnoticed at times. Consistency has a way of pushing you up the ladder.

Don’t lose hope; just because today didn’t favor you doesn’t mean tomorrow won’t. Pat yourself on the back, keep moving, and somehow, when you least expect it, you will reap the rewards of your hard work.

Choose your career wisely because it not only affects you but also those around you. You can crawl, swim, fly, or walk toward success, but never compromise your dignity. Earn your success because it’s the journey toward it that makes it beautiful and worth the ride. If it comes too easily, you might spend the rest of your life paying for the consequences.

Chase your dreams rather than the people you’re attracted to. The right romantic partner will enter your life at the appropriate time. Gone are the days when a woman’s place was confined to the kitchen. Be the prosperous partner, not just the spouse of a wealthy person. Never give up on your ambitions because you are uniquely qualified to achieve them. Learn to visualize all your dreams.

Mark you, this is a society full of uncertainty, where people often do the wrong things for the wrong reasons. Always read the writing on the wall and do right by others, not just because of karma but because it is the right thing. Avoid offending the wrong people, for nature has a long memory. Keep your hands clean.

Let your good character and humanity define and vouch for you. It can never lead you astray. Be the person who pushes others to be the best version of themselves, not because of bonds but because our shared humanity makes us equal. Don’t judge people by their social class, level of education, or tribe; you might discard a gem while picking up a stone. Give people equal opportunities to improve themselves.

Life has no rehearsal. Live it to the fullest. Never regret being loyal and genuine. If others fail to appreciate it, it's their loss. Do not change for others, as you might lose yourself while trying to impress someone who never valued you. A few bad experiences shouldn’t define you. Give yourself all the chances you need; you owe yourself that.

I love you, and I wish you all the best in life. I pray your legacy lives on even after you’re gone, so please embrace the gift of life and unleash all your potential.

With all my love,

Purity


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