Go Confidently
Madeleine singing at her school’s talent showcase this evening
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life that you have imagined.”
Henry David Thoreau
I’m suffering from an adrenaline hangover–the excitement of the last few days has totally wiped me out–but I wanted to share this picture and this quote. Madeleine overcame real anxiety and fear this week to perform tonight, and I am so incredibly proud of her. She was poised, determined and amazing–even while feeling nervous and afraid, which is the best definition of courage that I know.
Who was it who said a little child shall lead them? Mad, I’m taking notes.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
*standing ovation* She is beautiful and I can imagine her beautiful voice. Shine, Madeleine. Your courage inspires.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Madeleine, you are a bright and beautiful star.
xo
March 19th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
What a wonderful picture and post!
March 20th, 2008 at 9:04 am
that is a lovely shot and memory. I like yr blog ever so much!!!
March 20th, 2008 at 11:48 am
reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:
“Courage does not mean an absence of fear, but the ability not to let yourself be paralyzed by that fear.” –Paulo Coelho
bravo, madeleine!!
http://lucycreates2008.blogspot.com/2008/03/courage.html
March 20th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
She looks so natural. Wow.
(I received my book yesterday. *thanks*)
March 20th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Beautiful. Makes me squint, trying to picture my girls being that big, alone of stage.
March 20th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Isn’t this age amazing? To me, it felt like so many layers to Gage’s personality were revealed in third grade then ever before. He became this confident little man that I had seen hints of when he was younger. Sometimes I would forget when talking to him that he was still nine years old… they seem wise beyond their years really at this age.
Gage is a drama student now and blows me away… so much humor… so much confidence. I miss the days when he was my “little guy” but I am looking so forward to seeing more of this “big guy” he’s becoming. He’s got an old soul… I suspect I will learn a lot from that kid.
I suspect Madeline and Carter are old souls too. They have a “knowing” about them… much like their momma.
March 20th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I can see both of you in each other. how wonderful.
March 20th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
She’s very beautiful, jen. You must be very proud. So glad you shared this.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
beautiful girl. what a star!
March 20th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
what a great picture.just beautiful.
March 21st, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Oh my goodness. I am inspired and amazed. How beautiful and strong is she!?!
March 21st, 2008 at 5:02 pm
She looks like a natural!
March 21st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Yippee for Madeleine!
March 21st, 2008 at 11:07 pm
We want to know what she chose to sing!
March 22nd, 2008 at 8:05 am
I loved this post!!! It gave me chills because I’ve experienced this kind of pride when I’ve watched my daughter perform and do things that are so brave and that I would not have done at her age. She’s 17 now and continues to amaze me. Your daughter is beautiful and I LOVE your blog!!!
-barbara-
March 22nd, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Someday, your daughter might read this entry of yours and the feelings you’ve expressed here about her and the pride you feel in her, will mean the world to her. I’m glad you wrote it down. I’m also glad you shared the photograph. The image says it all.
March 23rd, 2008 at 4:44 am
I am a teacher and wouldn’t have the nerves to do that! What did she sing?
March 31st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
she’s adorable, it definitely takes courage to sing in front of a bunch of people! I remember the first time I had to do that at school, it terrified me but it was also a very liberating experience! kudos to her : ) what did she sing?