I was a second-grade art teacher for 32 years and one of the struggles I saw with my small students was the hurdle to belong. This led to them changing themselves to fit into a certain group and sometimes forgetting who they really were. So several years ago I wrote this poem for anybody that resonates with it...to remember that they were each a one-of-a-kind special being and that's not a bad thing at all :)

"Just Be You"

Just be YOU for all to see...
Success will be a guarantee.

YOU are perfect as YOU are...
A shiny, sparkling, lucky star!

Bold and brilliant in and out...
YOU are strong without a doubt.

Capable, smart, and full of grace...
It's time for YOU to take YOUR place.

We all have gifts we need to show
And now it's time to let YOURS glow.

So do not worry...never fret,
Just be YOU, without regret.

Today is gonna be YOUR day...
And everything will be okay.