Today is our daughter's eighteenth birthday, and it has been wonderful to watch her grow into a lovely young adult. One thing that I admire and celebrate about her is that she is comfortable with who she is and thrives on doing things her own way. She doesn't behave in a haughty Frank Sinatra kind of "I did it my way" kind of way. More she just chooses to express her uniqueness in some manner that leaves you smiling and cheerful. This picture was taken at their school's Winter Formal this year. She enjoyed dressing up in an elegant black dress, and then added a touch of "Emilie finesse" to the outfit by wearing gray lace Converse shoes! They were a hit and may even show up in the yearbook. Some may not approve, but what we admired so much, is that Emilie dressed in her own way and absolutely enjoyed the evening and had fun with the shoes.
In my life, I know I spend far too much time worrying about what others think. If I were to take a page from Emilie's book of life, then I would be able to thrive in my own way and find much more joy as I live. Celebrating my unique strengths, abilities, and preferences in life is much more inviting that trying to live up to what other people think I should be. Why not find joy in the fact that I like to eat hard marshmallows and wear goofy socks? If they bring me joy and do not hurt other people, then it sounds like a wonderful way to thrive.
Recently, a video of a little girl at a dance recital has swept across social media. It wasn't the fact that she was such an amazing and talented dancer that brought attention to her. No, people loved to watch the video because it showed what happens when a girl dances for the love of dancing and isn't concerned with what others think. I know there is a time for following rules and social norms, but sometimes we just need to step out of our selves and thrive just a little bit more with our own unique style and pizazz.
Happy Birthday to my sweet girl with that special pizazz and unique style. Love you!!
In my life, I know I spend far too much time worrying about what others think. If I were to take a page from Emilie's book of life, then I would be able to thrive in my own way and find much more joy as I live. Celebrating my unique strengths, abilities, and preferences in life is much more inviting that trying to live up to what other people think I should be. Why not find joy in the fact that I like to eat hard marshmallows and wear goofy socks? If they bring me joy and do not hurt other people, then it sounds like a wonderful way to thrive.
Recently, a video of a little girl at a dance recital has swept across social media. It wasn't the fact that she was such an amazing and talented dancer that brought attention to her. No, people loved to watch the video because it showed what happens when a girl dances for the love of dancing and isn't concerned with what others think. I know there is a time for following rules and social norms, but sometimes we just need to step out of our selves and thrive just a little bit more with our own unique style and pizazz.
Happy Birthday to my sweet girl with that special pizazz and unique style. Love you!!
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