My darling Rae Lynn.  She is a free-spirited, intelligent and curious, sweet yet sassy, independent, and happy soul.

She is very uniquely her own little person.

Whenever I ask her, “Are you my baby girl?” or tell her “You’re so silly”, or describe her using any adjective whatsoever, her reply is always the same…

“No.  I’m Wae Wynn,” she will say, quite adamantly.

I love that.  I love that she knows who she is and won’t let anyone tell her otherwise.  When she is proud of herself, she gives herself a very enthusiastic “Woohoo! I so proud of me!”  When she is sad, angry, hurt or scared she will say so.  If she is excited, loveydovey, or happy, she will let you know.  She does what she can for herself and simply asks for help should she need it.  She knows and communicates her preferences and dislikes. And she very much prefers to be naked.

She is unabashedly true to herself, at all times.

I love the purity of her two year-old identity

…At what age do we begin to question who we are?  When do we start to feel unsure, self-conscious, and lose pride in our identity?  How is it that, at some point, we let other people influence our thoughts about ourselves?  At what point in our lives do we begin to compare ourselves to others, wishing we were different than we are?  When do we begin to think twice before we speak our minds, or apologize for simply being who we are?

What is it that causes us to overlook the unique beauty of our souls and lose touch with who we are?  And why do we let that happen?

Take a moment this afternoon to think about who you really are.  Think about your dreams, your talents, your passions.  Reflect on your personality, your strengths and vulnerabilities.  Remind yourself of your belief systems, your blessings, and your perspective on life.  Embrace your body, admiring each and every little part. Reminisce about the journey that is your life find beauty in your story.

As you pause to appreciate yourself today, I hope that you can accept and embrace everything about your heart and soul, and the temple that is your body.  I hope that you find peace and liberation in doing so.  I hope that you revel in who you are, and spend the remainder of the day just being you.

Just Be You, my precious birds.  Just be you.

Ellie Otteson, MA, CPC

Life and Wellness Coach

The New U Vitality Center

Willmar, Minnesota