Emerson loves putting together unique outfits. Underwear as a hat, a tie as a scarf, a tank top as a necklace, sparkly sandals with sweatpants. It’s incredible to watch her creativity and sense of individuality emerge. But, it’s not just entertaining, it’s inspiring.

The other day, Emerson asked to wear a tutu over her jeans. I happily obliged, and then we went outside for a walk. It was a cold day so I had to bundle her up, but delicate pink tutu still peeked out the bottom of her outerwear. As she strolled around the neighborhood and played at the library, I couldn’t help but notice how comfortable Emerson was with fashion her choice.

As adults, we are more reserved, more fearful, more aware of ourselves when we are doing something that feels “out of the ordinary.” But children have the freedom (if we let them) to be themselves, tutu and all. They do what makes them happy instead of trying to please others and they embrace their ideas instead of doubting them. In watching Emerson demonstrate all those things, I felt envious. I wished I had a tutu over my jeans…for all to see….without feeling the need to explain it to anyone…with a smile on my face. What a different world this would be if we could carry that state of mine into adulthood.