Tales from 2016

I worked two jobs in 2016. I spent week days providing instructional and behavioral support to children and those who guide them at a local early childhood program and weekends Lakeshore Learning Store here in San Antonio. My leaders at Lakeshore FORCED ME to dress up to read to children. They told me if I didn’t read for events I’d lose my job. Okay, that’s a lie. I know I shouldn’t lie, but hoped it would make you smile. Did it work? I begged to dress up and I read more books in three hours to the children than was expected by my leaders. I boasted about how lucky I was to have two jobs I loved. Now I sit here 10 years later, thinking about how much I’m still begging to dress up and read to children.

What is it that I loved so much? Reading and story telling with children allows me to be the most authentic version of myself I have ever and will ever be. “Be Yourself” people say, and after fulfilling their demands, it was clear not all who said it actually meant it. When I’m story telling, reading, and playing with children I feel safe. Isn’t that what everyone deserves? To feel safe.

I have gratitude for my parents, my children, my husband, and my friends who continue to mean it when they encourage to “be myself”.

Who in your life can you encourage (and mean it) to be “themselves”? Is it you?

The rest of these pictures are of me being me in 2016. If my authenticity doesn’t fit someone else, that’s fine — it’s for me, not them. Therapy helps!