Shining

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Today, my nephew won the GeoBee at his school.

I’m his auntie, so I think this is just mega-cool for a bunch of reasons.

1. Living in a few different states and halfway around the world has apparently paid off for the little guy in terms of global awareness.

2. He’s an awesome, thoughtful kid with a mind like a Masterlock and that’s clearly paying off, too.

3. Winning something — be it a game of Go Fish, the GeoBee or the lottery — always feels mighty fine.

Best of all, though, is that this comes at a time when he needed a bit of a lift.

Lately, he’s been struggling with what most of us struggle with now and again — carving out a comfortable spot for himself among his peers where he can both be himself and be adored. He’s been feeling a little wobbly about that, even though those of us who know him can see about 10,000 things to love and think there ought to be a line around the block of kids signing up for playdates and sleepovers with the kid. 

But the thing is, most everyone feels a little wobbly about their own self in the context of everyone else sometimes. There are so many talents and beauties and big personalities out there, it can be darn hard to keep your rudder in the water and realize that you are your own fine boat.

One of the best ways to right oneself, I think, is to put your best self out there occasionally — scary though it may be.
To put your best self out there and really shine.
In front of people.
What they see gets reflected back at you and the shine becomes downright dazzling.
And dazzle is mighty powerful.
Honestly, I can see my nephew’s from here.

May it last a good long while.

46 Responses to “Shining”

  1. kymbrunner

    First of all, the GeoBee is super, super hard! I gave the preliminary questions to my 5th graders, and knew about half – if that! So big pat on the back to your nephew – Woo hoo!

    And yes, no matter what your age, wobbles happen. Here’s hoping we all dazzle a little this year! Thanks for the reminder.

  5. Anonymous

    oh, my heart is full for him, for his mama and for you all. shine on, boya.

  7. Anonymous

    Tanita Says 🙂

    YAY! Long may he dazzle. It does feel good to win — sometimes it takes all we’ve got just to decide to play, so to have it pay off like that — woot!!

  8. Anonymous

    Such a nice post. I particularly like the part about keeping your rudder in the water and your confidence up. Not only is it great advice, the phrase “you are your own fine boat” is just fun to say!

    Congratulations to your nephew, and his well-deserved dazzle.

  9. kathyerskine

    Yay for your nephew! I know (we all do) exactly what you’re talking about. He sounds like a wonderful kid and it makes you just want to join that line around the block of people who want to be his friend. I hope he can learn to feel that imaginary line of support!

  10. ex_lgburns

    I’m visiting through MotherReader’s comment challenge, and I truly enjoyed this entry. May your nephew keep on dazzlin’!

    (And while I’m here, I’ll tell you that all the Burnses are huge fans of ALL THE WORLD. Thank you–and Marla–for that great gift of a book!)

    All best,
    Loree Griffin Burns

  11. imcoolerthanu2

    Ah, boy. I wonder if my godson may be quietly struggling with these issues lately. It’s been on my mind a lot lately. I remember being young and how HARD that social stuff could be sometimes. That’s one reason I did so enjoy my books. 🙂

    • liz_scanlon

      It is hard — to stay true to yourself and, somehow, “fit in”. Whatever that means. The definition is just so dang narrow at that age, y’know?