I sent this book to a client a few months ago and she wrote back almost immediately saying, “This is exactly what I needed right now!” Permission to be different, to be herself, to just be. To breathe. Whew. What a concept!
Those of us who are or have been parents of small children know that the wisdom in their books and programs is often as relevant and useful for us, weary adults, in need of a pause, a refresh or a reset, as it is for them. I am a fan of numerous children’s books that bring us needed permission, perspective, and wisdom, insights and inspiration — and a bit of irreverent humor — throughout our lives. Don’t let their beauty and simplicity fool you. If you are paying attention and your heart is open, you will be moved.
Breathe, by Becky Hemsley, is one of those beautifully rendered books worth a pause and multiple readings. Try to tuck it away and not see it. I bet you won’t be able to. I bet you’ll want it close by. Just catching a glimpse of the cover uplifts me. I also imagine that you will give it to at least one special person in your life who, like you, also needs its vital message, to find your happy place, where you can pause, accept, allow and just breathe.
I know it sounds simple, yet do we do it?
Essentially, this book is a poem (replete with beautiful illustrations) that “reminds us of the importance of reconnecting with our inner self and of allowing ourselves to exist free of expectations from others.” It is about giving yourself permission to know and be who you really are. Period.
As the mother of four boys, I’ve spent their lifetimes trying to create a container in which this could be true for them; where they could find the courage to do so. Unfortunately, I couldn’t control the world they stepped into once they left our home. For so many of our children, and for us as adults, this is a real challenge, to navigate these worlds.
It’s as if we’re forced to be different people at home and in the world. This isn’t just an issue of childhood. It takes time to reconcile this challenge and to find the deep courage to be you without apology or excuse.
Books like Breathe help us to do this. They remind me that it’s important and okay to be me. And that it’s okay to be you.
May you find your happy place and give yourself full permission, there and beyond, to BREATHE and BE YOU. And may that be enough.
(Find this book in the Recommended Reading section of my website, under: Additional Inspiration, Fun, Expansion, Depth)
