The One Voice That Matters Most

How many people need to approve of your child for them to truly be happy? How many people need to think your child is one-of-a-kind for their life to be rich, beautiful, and fulfilling?

How many people need to approve of the little child inside you, of the little girl or boy within your heart, for you to be truly happy?

Just one.

If you believe in yourself, if you truly recognize that there’s no one like you- no person with your unique path, your challenges, your battlefield- then you can live the happiest life.

In the same vein, your child doesn’t need everyone to believe in them- they don’t need to be known, admired, or famous. They only need to understand that the steps they are taking are valuable and meaningful, and that they are special. That when they're uncertain, they have someone to consult with to receive support and guidance.

Each one of us should approach the people around us every single day- especially our children and the child within- and remind them just how wonderful and unique they are.

One interpretation of the classic teaching from the Sages, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” (Pirkei Avot 1:14), is that if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. If you don’t think the world needs you, no other person will think so either.

We each have the power to ignite the flames of those around us, and as we do, our own flame grows stronger, until its light can illuminate the entire world.