My free-spirited, iron-willed child:

They will stare, my darling, when you blaze ahead even when you’re told to stop and when you forge forward even after you’ve been warned—but I know your determination will lead you places few will ever get to reach.

They will stare, my darling, when you scream louder, explode mightier, and cry harder than what others consider ‘“normal”— but I know the power within you will create passionate possibilities in life that few will ever get to feel.

They will stare, my darling, when they assume you are too sensitive or too dramatic, too bold or too stubborn, too wild or too exhausting—but I know your personality will lead you to find your true purpose, something few will ever get to discover.

They will stare, my darling, when you feel everything deeper than what others may think a child is capable of, when you refuse to move on without connection and understanding, or when you internalize the vibes of others without even meaning to—but I know your empathetic heart will grant you perspective and love few will ever get to know.

They will stare, my darling, but you just look the other way — for as you grow you’ll come to know that they’re simply blinded by your radiant light,

and those that are meant to stay in your life will sit by your side and feel the warmth of your blazing fire.

Don’t slow down for those who think you’re too fast.
Don’t lower your volume for those who think you’re too loud.
Don’t become smaller for those who think you’re too much.

Instead, keep moving and keep dreaming.
Keep pushing and keep pulling.
Keep going and keep loving.

Keep being you, my darling,
Only a special few are meant to chase the sun.