Our Deepest Fear "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate -
our deepest fear is that
we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be
brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?'

Actually, who are you not to be?"
By Marianne Williamson

I heard the beginning of this poem on the movie Akeelah and the Bee. I now have it memorized. You may ask yourself what does this have to do with being a mother? My answer, if we are not reaching our fullest potential, believing in ourselves to be the best mom we can be, then our children won't either.

Tommy and I have the belief that when our children walk through our door into their home, it should be a sanctuary for them. A place were they are told how beautiful and handsome they are; how smart and intelligent they are becoming each day. How they can accomplish anything if they put their minds to it. And each is the "best daughter or son in the entire world!" They should never think of themselves below this standard ;-)

The world WILL indefinitely try and tear our children apart; negative comments, bullies, violence, rude behaviors, jealousy and resentment people harbor within themselves is always projected on others. I believe we are to develop a strong self confidence and character in our children when they are young, then their efforts to ward off these attacks will be much easier.

I will teach my children this poem, because I believe it's their right to believe they are talented, gorgeous, wonderful and successful. We should also recite this everyday for ourselves as mothers. We need to believe that we are doing our absolute best job to prepare our children; no one can do it better than you. Who are you NOT to be the best, smartest, most supportive mother for your children? If you have negative thinking in your head, leading to guilt, anger, sadness and resentment about not living up to your fullest potential. STOP and recite this poem. You ARE the mother you want to be, it's inside you. When we exude this confidence, our families will also!

Celebrate motherhood with me! Through the difficult times to the most memorable times, you can it!
Nicole Crivello