I learned long ago never to walk in anyone's shadow.

I woke a few minutes ago having enjoyed a dream.

I was a child mucking out the family barn stalls, in my element with the aroma of horses, the cool breeze flowing through the open barn doors.

I remember thinking that I was free and that I would never allow anyone or anything to take that away from me.

In the dream I saw Whitney singing to me in the barn.

Really!

Please share this with any girl/teenager or woman you know who may be struggling with self identity to live a purposeful life.

I believe the children are our future Teach them well and let them lead the way Show them all the beauty they possess inside Give them a sense of pride to make it easier Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be Everybody searching for a hero People need someone to look up to I never found anyone who fulfill my needs A lonely place to be And so I learned to depend on me I decided long ago Never to walk in anyone's shadows If I fail, if I succeed At least I'll live as I believe No matter what they take from me They can't take away my dignity Because the greatest love of all Is happening to me I found the greatest love of all Inside of me The greatest love of all Is easy to achieve Learning to love yourself It is the greatest love of all I believe the children are our future Teach them well and let them lead the way Show them all the beauty they possess inside Give them a sense of pride to make it easier Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be

I decided long ago Never to walk in anyone's shadows If I fail, if I succeed At least I'll live as I believe No matter what they take from me They can't take away my dignity Because the greatest love of all Is happening to me I found the greatest love of all Inside of me The greatest love of all Is easy to achieve Learning to love yourself Is the greatest love of all And if, by chance, that special place That you've been dreaming of Leads you to a lonely place Find your strength in love

Our thanks to: the late Whitney Huston, Musixmatch & Songwriters: Michael Masser / Linda Diane Creed