Mila said, “How are you going to know if you don’t ring the doorbell?”

This was a story Mila’s mom, Gracie, shared with me one night and it’s stuck with me ever since. Gracie and Mila had dropped off something for a friend on their front porch. Although the friend was at home, Gracie explained to Mila that she didn’t want to ring the doorbell because she didn’t know what they were doing and didn’t want to interrupt or disturb them. Mila responded, “How are you going to know if you don’t ring the doorbell?”

I totally get it because I would have done the same thing Gracie did!

But Mila’s response reminded me of something I often need more reminding of — and you might too.

I feel like what “how are you going to know if you don’t ring the doorbell?” really means is, “how are you going to know if you don’t try?”

It’s the kind of attitude I see so much of in Mila! She has so much spunk and she’s so daring. I couldn’t help but giggle to myself as I fine tuned each photo for Mila from our photo session (see some highlights below!), thinking about how she tried so hard to spin her scooter under her little feet while she jumped over it like a really fancy trick the pros do. And even though she didn’t quite nail it, the look on her face was priceless! She was so proud! She was smiling from ear to ear, thrilled that she had an audience to do tricks for in the first place —  even better that the audience (AKA me and Gracie) was happily snapping photos of the whole thing, and every couple of clicks she’d say “I want to see!”.

We sang, twirled in dresses, danced, made big bubbles with golf cart wind, hula hooped, did ballet jumps, splashed in the pool — we had such a blast! By the end of the session, Mila said she had so much fun! She’s ready for the glam lifestyle (I mean, did you see those sunshades (AKA sunglasses)??)

There are so many wonderful people who have come into my life in the past few weeks since I moved to Florida. I’ve been blessed to be able to grow close to my aunt, Gracie, and her daughter/my little cousin, Mila (dubbed: little bestie). As much as I hope to be a good role model for Mila, I’ve realized something in the process: in some ways, she’s become a role model for me too.

“How are you going to know if you don’t ring the doorbell?”

Cousin Mila, your innocence is refreshing and inspiring. My wish is that you’ll always keep your sense of wonder and curiosity, your big heart, and that beautiful smile. The world needs you and your special gifts, and I cannot wait to see what great things the future has in store for you. #iwhipmyhair #childstar