January 2018

I’ll never forget the day when my daughter Ellie who was five-years-old at the time and in kindergarten came up to me and said, “Mommy, I’m trying out for the school talent show.”

I looked at her, smiled and asked, “What would you like to do?”

Her response amazed me.

With a determined face, she said, “I’m going to sing Girl on Fire acapella.”

I was speechless. “Wow, that’s a good and hard song, Ellie! Do you know the words to it?”

“Yes. I’ve been practicing.”

Of course, she had. She had watched other girls about her age sing it in competitions such as American Idol or The Voice and decided that this was her time now.

Over the next couple of weeks leading up to the talent show auditions, Ellie took it one verse at a time and practiced morning, day and night. So much that we could all sing the song by heart.

On February 13, which also happened to be a busy day for me appearing on AZTV first thing in the morning, releasing my book What Are the Odds? into the world with a book signing party that afternoon, and prepping for Valentine’s Day parties at her school, Ellie was ready for her talent show tryout.

She walked into a room with about 20 teachers/judges and as I peered through the glass window and held my breath, Ellie started to sing and I saw their jaws drop to the floor.

She was doing it!

There was not a doubt in my mind she had this talent show in the bag.

On March 9, 2018, in her adorable red dress and sparkly gold shoes, my baby girl was absolutely “fearless.” Something we all, no matter what age, should aspire to be.

She grabbed the mic for her first time ever like she owned it, and was the opening act. She sang her song coupled with her own Ellie moves and grooves in the front of a crowded auditorium of parents, students and teachers and they went wild. Including me. If there was ever a proud mama moment, it was that one.

Fearless. That’s what she was and that’s what I want her to continue to be as she maneuvers life.

She wasn’t scared. She knew she had THIS and she brought it. I’m so incredibly proud of Ellie for continuing to follow her love of music and leveling up her game year after year. Next up? Singing and playing the ukulele to The Greatest Showman’s “A Million Dreams.”

We can all learn a lot from Ellie’s bravery and courage to not let fear stand in our way. How do you intend to “be fearless?”

Rule of Life Lesson #90:

 

Click the link to watch Ellie’s performance here:

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