She Looked at Me and Said, ‘Mom, I Did It.’
I just returned home to Denver after visiting my daughter, Kylie, in New York City. It was an early birthday and Mother’s Day present for me. And what a gift it was.
Ky has dreamed of living in the Big Apple ever since she toured the area with her middle school class more than ten years ago. After graduating from college, she moved to Brooklyn with one of her best friends, Emma, and her cat, Ghost. At the time, she didn’t have a job. What she did possess, however, was an incredible drive, adventurous spirit and deep belief in herself.
It hasn’t been easy. Her first gig was as a brand ambassador in luxury fashion; aka glorified customer service. The hours were long, customers often rude and bosses unappreciative. It was never going to be her forever job, but it served a purpose.
It ignited that belief inside Kylie’s spirit that she wanted and deserved better.
Finally, after six long months of barely scraping by, she got a great position doing sales for an AI-powered platform in the legal space. She loves the work, makes good money and is surrounded by supportive higher-ups and collaborative teammates.
Throughout our weekend together, Kylie had a glow about her. I watched her navigate the subway with ease, give strangers directions with kindness and clarity, and discuss her work aspirations with poise and determination. She exuded that confidence that comes from struggling and coming out the other side.
Over brunch one morning, she looked at me with an enormous smile and said, “Mom, I did it.”
Yes, sweet girl, yes, you did.
In my upcoming memoir, What Do I Tell My Daughter?, I end each chapter with a short note to Kylie — which are meant to be words of advice for her and all women, all people, really.
At the end of Chapter 3, “Living My Dream,” I write:
Kylie,
You can be whatever you want in life. Be brave, take risks and work hard. But above all, believe in yourself. Always believe in yourself.
As a mom, it’s incredible to know that Ky is already living out those words.
It takes bravery to uproot yourself and move to the largest city in the country, during a brutal job market without a set plan. It also requires a deeply rooted belief in yourself, and awareness that no matter what, you’ll survive and even thrive.
This journey of life is all about figuring out who we are, not just our careers but who we are as human beings, in our heart and spirit. We’ll face plenty of obstacles, need to adjust our path and endure experiences we couldn’t have imagined, personally and professionally.
That belief in yourself is the unshakable foundation. Time and time again, it will be tested by fear, self-doubt or challenging circumstances. Even though it may not feel like it at the time, every difficult moment makes us stronger— fortifies our spirit, reinforces the foundation and prepares us for whatever comes next.
I had to hug Kylie goodbye on the subway, surrounded by strangers. I held her tight, not wanting to let go, and knowing when I did release her, I might just catch a glimpse of the wings that have carried her this far and will continue to help her soar.
Keep flying my dear girl.
Keep flying high!