i have come to admire children because they don't care what you think of them.

a child will carry a blanket, or perhaps a teddy bear, with them everywhere simply because that is what they love. that is what gives them comfort.

and they aren't afraid to show that to the world.

they haven't yet been told they're "weird" or that "that just isn't done."

they are simply who they are.

a young boy might take to wearing a pirate hat everywhere he goes, or perhaps a cape with his underwear on the outside of his pants. a young girl might wear a tiara, or strap a pair of wings to her back and wave a wand about.

they don't care what you think of them. they haven't yet been laughed or coerced into what is considered "normal."

they just are.

and it's priceless.

i'm convinced that "normal" kills most of the world's pirates, super heroes, princesses, fairies, cowboys, indians, astronauts, and ballerinas before they reach their full potential.

before they hit their prime.

before they can make a difference in the world.

but i have a secret for you:

"normal" isn't real.

it's a lie someone came up with a long time ago to make you feel inferior. different. like you don't belong.

don't give in.

don't believe it.

go dust off your wings, or your cowboy hat, and be who you really are. who you were before you were afraid to be you.

the world would be much more interesting. much more alive.

"become who you were born to be."

i have come to admire children because they aren't afraid to be themselves.

me? i'm a pirate.

you?