I want to tell you a story, a story about me, your mum, because I think it is important.

I had a turning point in my life. Up until this particular moment I had followed exactly what had always been expected of me. I was high achieving, hard working and diligent. I did what I was told. I followed convention. But I didn’t follow my heart. I didn’t listen to what I really wanted. In fact I didn’t know how to listen. I didn’t even know how to ask myself the right questions. I followed the path of a corporate lawyer. But it wasn’t right for me.

Somewhere deep down amongst the fear, anxiety and self-doubt I found courage, purpose and motivation to completely change the course of my life.

Now I work to support women. I run a co-working and event space called One Roof that gives women the tools, resources, community and office space to ensure they have what they need to thrive in business. This is a cause I am deeply passionate about.

My work is hard and all-consuming. Most of the time I am presented with new challenges and problems to solve. Sometimes I have no idea how to solve them.

But I am happy. I am excited. I am passionate. I am surrounded by people who are inspiring and inspired. I love what I am doing.

My dear daughter, life is a constant mix of emotions. Know that while, most of the time, it is challenging, confusing and uncertain, you can simultaneously find that it is beautiful, interesting and exhilarating.

The greatest gift my parents, your grandparents, gave me was unconditional love and an unwavering belief in me. Know that I will always love you. That I will always believe in you.

And the greatest gifts you can bring to this world and to your life is kindness, love, compassion for others, an open mind and a curiosity to learn. Please dear child give a sh*t about the world and people around you. And enjoy the ride.

And finally my dear daughter know that I work tirelessly to bring about equality. To level the playing field so that women and girls have equal opportunities and a chance to succeed. Equality is an interesting concept. Interesting in that it is so vital and yet not fully realised. I hope that by the time you read this letter my work, and that of so many others, has shifted the dial. I hope your world is a more equal one.

Love,

Your Mum

Sheree Rubenstein, Co-Founder One Roof Women