like a star bursting out of me 🧚♀️ 🧚🏿♀️🧚🏽♂️
Months ago I'd told my 4 1/2 year old daughter that one of my favorite halloween costumes from years past was a woodland fairy.
She must have locked that away, because when it came time to choose costumes this year, she wanted to be... a woodland fairy!
That was fine...until I realized she'd be devastated if we weren't BOTH woodland fairies together. Hence the last-minute shopping trips and then DIY's for my wings and our head wear.
Finally the costumes were ready and we headed out for our adventure.
Initially she was nervous and held tight to one of our hands (her visiting aunt's hand was the obvious first choice!) walking up to each house.
Soon, though, she grew in confidence and readiness and let us know she was ready to go up by herself. She was so proud, bouncing up with her "Trick or Treat" and "Thank you!"
For the first half dozen doors on her own, she asked us to cheer for her as she walked back with her new goodie and a huge smile brightening her face.
Gradually she worked up to shouting "Happy Halloween!" with a wave as she trounced off from each door, building confidence each time despite the long lines and big kids surrounding her on many sidewalks.
As we get older and try harder things (like continuing to show up and speak up for compassion and justice!), it's too easy to forget how essential guidance and encouragement are to building skills and confidence.
Whether we are trying something new, or sharpening and refining an advancement on what we already know, sometimes we just need a hand to hold or a cheering section.
Knowing we have support allows us to be brave, make changes, and try new things without expecting it to be perfect or easy.
And the finishing touch, celebrating and acknowledging growth, helps to strengthen the new behaviors and positive connections.
Halloween with my daughter was no different - like every recent time she does something new, she shouted out, "It was my first time trick-or-treating by myself!!!" with such glee and enthusiasm. Even when exhausted, she returns to replay and retell the story over and over again to soak it in.
"I feel like a star bursting out of me!" - in her own words.
If only we could all celebrate our learning, attempts, and steps forward, however halting, with the same enthusiasm!
When was the last time you sought the support you needed to do something different?
How do you celebrate each new effort?
Please hit reply and share - I'd love to hear from you. (And I'd love to see pics from your own costume creations because we could all use a little more fun, silliness, and whimsy!)
You matter. You can make a difference. I'm so thankful you're here.
