This week I posted my 10,001st post on Instagram
The start of a new Decem millennium
I still struggle on there
And here
Still feel unsure that I fit
That I belong

This month I will be 46 years old
The countdown to fifty is on
And I still feel that I do not
Truly know who I am

I think I spend so much time
Trying to fit in with others
Trying to please others
Trying to feel accepted
Wanted
That I forget to just be me
And find that I am not really sure
What I like
What I want
For me

More than anything in the world
I do not want my children to feel like this
I want them to know themselves
Love themselves
Be true to themselves
I want them to have values
Opinions
Roots and wings

I want them to be confident
Assured
Kind and giving
Understanding
Accepting

I want them to love and be loved
I want them to stand up
Be heard
I want them to know that
It is good and proper
To know and like yourself
And not be afraid
To sometimes put yourself first

I want them know there is
Nothing they cannot do
They can try their hand at anything

I want them to be strong and resilient
To not give up when things go wrong
I want them to know that there will be
Good times and bad times
And that is okay

I want them to understand
That they are always enough
I want them to have courage
I want them to know that I am here
Always
I will catch them when they fall
Reassure them that they can
Tell them I believe in them
And help them believe in themselves

Emma Dodd has created the most wonderful book
Brilliant and stunningly beautiful
A message for readers of all ages
About self belief
About being brave
About the power of love
The magic of yet

This little book
With stunning illustrations
Is the perfect gift
From parent to child
Husband to wife
Friend to friend
Pupil to teacher

It is for newborns, christenings, birthdays
Exam days and starting new jobs
Weddings

Everyone needs to hear the words on these pages

It is all about the power
Of knowing that someone believes in you
That someone knows you can
When you think you can’t

It is learning to say out loud
I Believe In Me