Mr. Pie.

You are a confident little guy and I believe you will mature into a confident young man. But sometimes there will be periods of confusion and self-doubt. These can be hard times. It will be easy to become overwhelmed by these thoughts as they creep through your brain, finding places to take root.

As someone who likes to be challenged and master new things, I often find myself in situations where I am uncomfortable. I intentionally undertake these opportunities as I know for me, only experience will help to conquer my fears.

• I am afraid of heights so Daddy and I decided to go skydiving.
• I was terrified of writing and speaking for an audience because I believed other people had more interesting things to say so I started speaking at conferences and writing monthly columns for a magazine.
• I wanted to take my career in a different direction so applied for positions outside of my direct experience and somehow convinced people I could do them.
• I really don’t like conflict — I feel so much better when people are happy and working together. But sometimes, conflict is an important part of the healing process. So, knowing I could help, I decided to jump right in the middle of a high-conflict, high-emotional situation and lead your school’s PTA through a difficult transition.

All these examples have been extremely tough times plagued by self-doubt, uncertainty and fear. My inner voice screamed, “You can’t do this! You’re crazy. Stop this insanity and go back to what you know.” But in my mind, I knew I couldn’t give into that little voice. I COULD do it.

It was hard. Really hard. But I was determined to power through and achieve my goal. I worked and worked. If I failed along the way (and yes, there were failures), it was a learning experience that made me stronger and better equipped to be successful later.

Pop Pop gave me this advice, “Be confident and be yourself. No one else has that asset.” It’s simple and it’s true.

Walker, be confident and be yourself. You are unique and wonderful. You are not meant to get everything you want and you have to work hard for the things you achieve. Don’t define yourself by what you don’t have. Don’t settle for staying in the safe place. Take risks. Challenge yourself. Strive to move forward, to learn, and to enjoy the journey.

I’m grateful to have you as my source of inspiration and perspective. Life is so much more meaningful with you as a part of our little family.

Happy Thanksgiving my little man.

Love, Mommy