Living Out Loud!

My son loves going with me to the grocery store. He’s become best friends with the workers and looks forward to talking with them. They thoroughly enjoy our weekly visit because of the happiness he spreads through the isles. I’ve had multiple encounters with other shoppers who’ve thanked me for bringing him because the sound of a baby’s voice is exactly what they needed to keep going. He’s a walking reminder to find joy in the simple things, to smile more, and to stop taking life so seriously. Kairo is a blessing to EVERYONE he meets.

I’m telling y’all, our visits to the grocery store have become so much more than shopping for food. Grocery shopping is a spiritual experience for me. One where God uses my environment and the people in it to give me guidance and messages. One where I experience the fun and excitement available in each moment. A reminder that I’m always exactly where I need to be. A place for learning and bonding with my son. Because of Kairo, I’ve learned to love our grocery visits too.

With all the fun we have in the grocery store, Kairo often gets very excited. His laughs, talking, and sometimes screaming can be heard throughout the entire store. This is true for anywhere we go. Yesterday, he went with me to the car dealership and was very loud. He could be heard calling for “Pop Pop” across the store or screaming about the rain while looking out the window. Kids his age don’t understand the difference between inside and outside voices…and why should they?

I think there’s much to be learned from how toddlers show up as themselves in all settings. They don’t mask their emotions one bit. They don’t water themselves down. They don’t care who’s watching. Their expression of themselves often makes us as adults feel uncomfortable especially if it’s in a public space, but maybe that’s saying more about us than it is of them. I’ve caught myself asking Kairo to use his inside voice before and I always regret doing so.

Kairo has taught me many things, but one thing I’ve learned from him is that it’s ok to live out loud! I don’t have to take on anyone else’s perception or experience of me as my identity. If I make others uncomfortable, oh well! My joy, emotions, love, and presence is a gift! There’s nothing to be hidden, masked, or changed. I don’t have to play small or make myself invisible. You are going to see me, honey! And it starts with this bright ass orange car that I just bought. I’m giving myself the freedom to be.

I challenge you to look more deeply at yourself. In the moments that your child does something that makes you uncomfortable, don’t ask them to change their behavior, use it as an opportunity to address some beliefs inside of yourself. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using an outside voice inside. What the hell is an outside or inside voice anyway? Freely express your joy, excitement, and emotions. It’s ok to be yourself in any room. Take up space. Be you. Live out loud!!

Thank you Kairo for this lesson. You teach me something new every day.

Stay ViKtoriuos, Mama!