You're so Smart!

Baby J was once looked like a little plucked chicken. She didn't do much but drain bottles and fill up diapers. As a newborn, she was precious and darling and wonderful and everything but she was also pretty boring.

Now, nearly a year old, she's a lot more interesting. She can do stuff more complex stuff like clap her hands and give you a high five. Now granted, by themselves these little hand gestures are not terribly interesting. What's really electrifying is that she figured out how to do them on her own.

I remember quite clearly when she was in plucked chicken mode so any new self-taught ability makes the contrast between then and now looks like Forrest Gump and Isaac Newton. It's no wonder parents all think their kids are brilliant. The go from zero to clapping hands without being taught to do so. They learn to roll over, push up, and crawl away without training. They cruise, walk, talk, grab your earlobe, and low raspberries all without your guidance. As far as I can tell, they need only your encouragement.

Which is good because every time she does something new, it blows my mind. Every time Baby J acquires a new skill, I can't help but cheer and tell her that she's a genius.

I say, "You're so smart!" about a hundred times a day.

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone said that to each other regularly throughout the day? Don't you think the world would benefit from some encouraging words?

Well, I'm going to start a trend right now and I hope you'll help me. I'm going to tell a bunch of people that they're smart and cool and awesome today. I'm going to start with you, dear reader.

"You're so smart! Also, you are very awesome."

Don't believe me, click here: http://www.amiawesome.com

Listening To: Embryonic by The Flaming Lips