Growing Up and Growing Tall

Growing up and growing tall

Isn't what I imagined at all

I've lived and learned and loved

I've fallen and gotten back up

Where did the little me run to hide?

I am sure she is still on the inside

I used to conquer pirates at noon

On playgrounds with friends who said goodbye too soon

Now I have conquered the enemy of fear

My stagefright is gone, it just disappeared!

When I was young, I dreamed of being queen

Of changing the world into what I knew it could be

Now I am older, there's no crown on my head

Yet I am convinced this world can and will be different

For most of my childhood I didn't like

New places and new things, the wildcards of life

Now I can see, when nothing is set, anything is possible

And when I put my mind to something, nothing can stop me, no obstacle!

This world can be a dark and scary place, but one thing remains true

They can't turn off a nightlight, when it's shining from inside of you!

My advice to the girls who are learning to lead

The next generation of women, both pirates and queens:

Leap over the floor when it's covered in lava

So you will know that you are brave, you are strong and you are a daughter

Laugh on the swingset when it feels like you are flying

One day, you will my dear, and you will win wars against giants

Growing up and growing tall

Isn't what I imagined at all

I've become bolder and brighter than who I thought I could be

Life is full of surprises, sometimes that's a good thing!