Happy Hallo-TWEEN!
Don’t they grow up so fast? Our dear Brave Tutu is now 11 years old, and she’s got opinions, big dreams, and absolutely no intention of toning down the sparkle!! It all began in October of 2015, when Brave Tutu launched its very first piece A Costume Not a Mask! After much mental inventory, our writing space became a metaphor for the biggest, boldest, bravest life that I could share and celebrate with you– as we, collectively, took courage and delight in small moments.
A timeline of accepting a dream job, navigating the pandemic, launching my author career and leaping out with Love, Bekah would be fun to share. But that's a story for another day. For this piece, I’m taking our sweet Tween’s lead as she re-imagines our flagship article with sparkle and sass:
With fall’s crunch of leaves come great pumpkin hunts. I’ll go out of my way to crunch leaves on the sidewalk. That satisfying crackle is the payoff. With autumn's arrival come great pumpkin hunts. Nostalgia rains (or reigns) like candy corn. In its purest form, Halloween invites us to engage our imaginations and become anything we dream. As kids, our self-doubts received extra doses of empowerment with the words: “You can be anything.” We brainstormed, dressed up, and believed in the power of plastic capes and ruby slippers.
At a school, church, or in a doorway, we proudly displayed evidence of our imaginations; our plan proved possible. Along with candy riches, we received something even sweeter: confidence. Somehow we “earned” this bounty with our creative costume efforts, by being our best selves.
I’d argue costumes and masks aren't always about hiding who we are. Then and now, this holiday is about trying on a piece of personality that may be masked the rest of the year. Without the filters of an adult, children are prime examples as they do this naturally. That’s why, if we are fortunate, we can spot Queen Elsa and Batman any day of the year. (Of course, it’s true, appropriate times for dress-up exist. However, I applaud parents who encourage this free-dress-spirit before the world steps in and stymies imagination.)
I still remember the first time my creative efforts were stifled. Around first grade, I tried to convince a babysitter that my orange “pioneer” outfit was perfect school wear. She didn’t buy it. Now I respect her decision. However, looking back, I remember the sting of embarrassment; my spirit felt rejected.
My nephew, Austin, was the star of my first piece! He’s now 14! And his cousin, my youngest nephew, Oliver, just turned 6!
When my brother was about 3 years old, he regularly wore Superman attire under his clothes. “You don’t know it, but I’m Superman,” he’d confide with the right people. I have no doubt, in his mind, he “was” Superman and, in 2001, he bravely leapt in order to fly.
As it was for Joshua, costumes propel powerful personas. For children, “pretending” is a minor step to “becoming.” Certain accessories, i.e., sparkly shoes, capes, and tutus facilitate that process. After all, kitty ears often make the best headbands. And who can argue with fairy wings?
As fall leaves swirl, I chew candy corn and ponder my childhood ways. Back then I wore a brave tutu. Might I choose to confidently cling to the power of possibility once more? I’ll treat myself and, when needed, trick self-doubt. What if, like my brother, we choose to put on the most important pieces first? Perhaps this process connects core truths.
It may not be a Superman costume that we put on, but rather a quality character trait like tenacity or courage. It will take practice. But sometimes pretending is the essential step to becoming.
Sincerely,
Your Brave Tutu (You’re brave, too-too!)
Love, Bekah
-Take courage in delight. Discover power in small moments.
Trick or Teaser: My sweet Love, Bekah team is encouraging me to make more space for these little reflections, and I'm beginning to think they're onto something! But this isn’t just about revisiting Brave, Tutu’s beginnings. It’s about inviting YOU to be part of what comes next! After all, sometimes being brave means returning to something you love and giving yourself permission to begin again. (If this resonates, I recommend Second Start Courage from our “love chest” of past pieces.)
So. I'd love to hear from you! What would you like to read about next? Please let me know your thoughts and if you have specific topics you are curious about exploring through the micro lens of small moments and bravery.