Just Be

If you want to be happy, be.

-Leo Tolstoy

I whisper in their ears before they fall asleep nightly that they are smart, strong, and beautiful and that they can do anything in the whole wide world. 

From how they behave, I do believe it's working. 

The fear that often creeps into my mind. That fear of failure that prevents me from trying, that keeps me up at night wondering what if? That emotion has yet to overtake them. 

Instead, when they come to me for guidance, 

I reassure. 

I remind them of their strength, 

And their beauty, 

And their intelligence. 

And then they surprise themselves and just do it. 

Be it a first trip down the wooden slide alone, 

Or overcoming the fear of the swings at Sesame Place. 

They find their happiness in those accomplishments. 

Now if only I could take those words of wisdom and follow my own guidance to find that place of happy. 

Because aren't we all smart, strong, and beautiful?