Amanda is one of the most exceptional people I’ve met and I’ve had the pleasure of spending quite a lot of time with her. She’s wide-eyed and very curious about everything around her. She has this ability to be extremely focused and present when you’re speaking to her and she shares really astute observations.

What’s most exceptional about her is her self-awareness. She is innately conscious how she affects those around her. She is also genuinely tender, sweet and empathic.

I continually find myself in awe of the unadulterated kindness that is exhibited on a minute-to-minute basis.

I should also mention Amanda is six.

Amanda has come into this life with a level of consciousness that exceeds most adults. She is effortlessly in tune with operating from an internal place of love and authenticity in everything that she does. I can’t help but wonder if this is from a place of innocence that can be lost, or if this is just the way she is. Having spent time with other children her age, I tend to think she is something special.

Amanda’s family is going through a hardship, so it’s been her and I flying solo for the past several days and I’ve been observing her so closely during this time of family stress. It’s hard for her mind to wrap around what’s going on, but she highly sensitive to putting more on her parents since she can sense they have a lot on their plate. (It should be noted that she has amazing parents who really nurture her spirit.)

I want to be more like Amanda.

How would I be if I didn’t know better? If I didn’t have worldly or family expectations programmed into my psyche? How would I act if I never doubted it was impossible to fail because the universe will conspire in the favor of your greatest good?

In order to expand our consciousness it’s our responsibility to become more like the children we once were. With this innocence is a sense of hope, freedom and safety.

You trusted your parents would take care of you, just as now we must trust in the Universe. You didn’t doubt yourself because you were expected not to have all the answers; you were just a kid after all. You had the freedom to grow into the person you will ultimately be. You still have that freedom because it’s a life long journey. 

Do something childlike today to get in touch with that part of yourself. Skip outside. Tickle your husband. Rock out to your favorite song. SING at the top of your lungs. Regain your innocence.

Also, please send lots of love and prayers to Amanda and her family during this challenging time.