I was donning my most perfect witch hat in hopes that I would welcome a few eager and excited trick-or-treaters.
I heard footsteps running up the walkway and a cacophony of whispering behind the door organizing how they would in fact shout, “Trick or treat” once the door was open.
The doorbell rang.
I opened the door to find 3 boys and 1 girl.
In true candy-giver fashion, I guessed what each of their costumes were…one slice of peanut butter and one slice of jelly toast (respectively), a ninja and a darling girl who appeared to be hiding a bit behind the ninja.
I could not tell whether or not she was wearing a costume and I wanted her to be included in the name game so I said ever so endearingly, “Oh and a cute little girl…”
She sheepishly agreed and I wondered if she was just embarrassed that she was not wearing a costume.
I am an equal opportunity candy purveyor, so I really didn’t care whether she had a costume on or not.
She was getting candy.
I tossed a handful of treats into each bag as they shouted, “Thank you” on cue, per their plan.
As they turned and ran away, I recognized the girl’s costume and I screamed, “Wait a minute! You’re from Descendants!!!”
She lit up with the biggest smile on her face and screamed, “Yes! Yes, I am.”
Even more ecstatic, she then turned around and exclaimed,
“Did you hear that Mom? She recognized me! She knew who I was! I knew someone would!”
She was seen.
She was recognized.
She was acknowledged.
Isn't that what we all want whether we're in a Halloween costume or not?
Maybe a Halloween costume allows us to feel safe enough to express a side of ourselves we long to reveal.
We want to be seen whether we are wearing a costume or not and I believe the inner child in all of us responds the same way as this little girl did.
Our beautiful inner child longs to say...
I’ve been seen. I’ve been recognized. I’ve been acknowledged.
Which is code for
“I matter.”
We don’t have to wait for someone to see us or recognize us to know and feel that we matter.
When we take time to acknowledge ourselves and appreciate and give gratitude for all that makes us unique and original, we find our own recognition.
When we find our own recognition, we no longer depend on others to acknowledge us and our little self can be lit up and excited every moment of every day.
Join me for today’s meditation, A gratitude meditation for what makes you unique and enjoy the process of loving every part of you that makes you…you.
