This post is sponsored by Mirum Shopper. Opinions, as always, are my own.
Through a small window, I watch her carefully chaine turn across the ballet studio floor. Hands on shoulders, she is learning to spot, while sometimes losing stability. In a powder blue leotard, with magic marker remnants on her hands, she is beauty in motion – exuding unfading grace, joy, and determination. Despite getting dizzy – she steps out of her spins to greet the studio mirror with a big smile lighting up her face. I study the way in which she grins at her reflection and can’t help but marvel at her eight-year-old sense of self and increasing awareness of the world around her.
I’m reminded of all the times that I stood, as a girl, in front of a metaphorical mirror, feeling proud on my own accord – or unsure of myself and my abilities. And in a pre-Internet era, I know all too well what it was like to feel diminished – in the murmur of a whisper – or the passing of a note.
Our daughter will someday be a part of the next generation of social media users – where a single voice can be amplified among an endless sea.
And now more than ever, it is our biggest hope that this future online culture will follow Dove‘s lead in embracing words as weapons – to speak beauty, support, and reciprocity; while influencing positivity, calling out injustices, and championing change.
That’s why, as a mother of a young girl, I love the Dove Self-Esteem Project’s mission in helping girls gain confidence and develop positive relationships with themselves and others.
Dove has sparked really important discussions online – and when I walk with my daughter to our local Rite Aid, I’m happy to pick up products (that I’ve depended on for years) from a brand that aligns with our beliefs. Along with Dove’s steadfast commitment to helping women and girls – I’m such a fan of their affordable products with delicious scents.
My current favorites, on regular rotation, include Dove Deep Moisturizing Body Wash, which never dries out my skin, especially in the colder months; Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo for quick hair fixes after rushing from spin class to ballet class pick-up; and Dove Advanced Care Original Clean Deodorant with a cool and fresh scent that always keeps me dry.
We’re thrilled to partner with Dove to giveaway my favorite products to five lucky winners.
Entry is simple over on our Instagram account.
Just comment on this image with your own story about a time that you or a friend had a negative experience on social media – and please let us know how you got through it. Use #SpeakBeautiful to be entered to win one of five Dove tote bags filled with full-sized Dove products. Giveaway rules can be found here: https://goo.gl/pcrAjW.
Also, please join us in the #SpeakBeautiful conversation on social media, and in the comments below.
Here’s to our strong girls.