Do you have something in your heart that you wish you could be brave enough to do but are afraid of what other people would think of you? We all do. This year, I am doing my best to put myself out there in ways that would have intimidated 2016 me. I am determined to put my creativity out into the world in ways that make me happy and hopefully make others happy too. The thing about putting yourself out there is while there is the possibility that you will succeed, there is also the possibility that you will fail. 2016 me would have been too worried about failing in public, but 2017 me is doing her best to be brave.

Here is a picture book that I read with my preschooler today that playfully deals with being yourself in spite of what others think.

Bea and her dad are tired of their individual daily routine. Bea is sick of her kindergarten class and sick of learning her colors and story time. Mr. Jones is sick of his job at an advertising agency where he has to work and work and laugh at the not-so-funny jokes his boss tells. They decide that in order to break out of their ruts, they should switch places. Bea will put on a tie and coat and go to her dad's office. Mr. Jones will pack his lunchbox and nap mat and go to school.

Reading this book for the first time, I was anticipating that once Bea and Mr. Jones tried out the other's life, they would learn that they prefer their old routine and learn to find happiness in their old life. But actually, this book surprised me because nope, nope, and nope. Bea becomes an advertising genius! Her dad is the best, most successful kindergarten student around! They had the courage to try something new, take a chance, and it worked out well for them in the end.

Are you like Bea or Mr. Jones? What have you put off trying because you were afraid of what others would think of you? I encourage you to think WWBD? What Would Bea Do? She would do what she loved and own it!