Just Be You, Lu

Just Be You, Lu

bethany stevens

Just Be You, Lu

BREAK THE ROLE

About the Author

After pursuing degrees in childhood development, psychology, and education
policy, I shifted my sights to the title of "Mom". Watching my children interact
with the world around them, question the way things are, and form their own

beliefs inspired me to create a series of whimsical, thought-provoking, and
entertaining children’s stories reflecting on big ideas for little people. Just Be
You, Lu features Lucy: a bold, inquisitive, and highly-self aware 7-year old who

employs readers to question their own beliefs, consider alternative
perspectives, and live from a place of inner truth, rather than external
expectations. Each story tackles big concepts - limiting beliefs, societal and
cultural norms, and spiritual connection - all packaged with childlike fun and

curiosity to inspire a new way of living.

Lucy could barely contain her excitement that day,
awaiting assignments for the classroom’s first play
She bounced in her seat wiggling this way and that
and pictured each character listed out in the cast.

1

She had her eyes set on the narrator role,
a clever young boy who carried a scroll.
A classmate named Nate gave Lucy a pat,
“You’re funny”, he said, “but you can’t do that”.
Lucy proclaimed loudly in her own way, “I’m
auditioning anyway, whatever you say”.

2

Lucy’s words struck Nate, shook him deep to his core.
He felt something inside that sparked inner war
Deep in his body he felt a tight knot.
He felt his face blister and start to burn hot.

3

“I would love to be lead”, Nate quietly said.
“Oh!” Lucy said, “A king’s crown on your head?”
“Not the King”, Nate responded, and he hid his face,
‘The queen is the role where I see my place”

4

Lucy jumped in the air, her heart beating fast,
“You should audition for queen, and that is a fact!”
Nate shivered and shuddered at the thought of pursuing
a role that defied the things boys should be doing

5

“There’s no way I could do it, it’s ridiculous really”,
Nate said under his breath as he stuffed down feelings
“Nonsense”, cried Lucy, “What could you lose?
You’re just playing the role that feels true to you!”

6

Lucy continued to press and to stir up the pot
when Nate replied coldly, “I simply will not.
I can’t let down others for the sake of a play.
Just think of it now, what my parents would say!”

7

Lucy’s heart sank down low, beating slow in her chest as she
realized Nate thought only one way was best.
Afraid to speak truth and to find his own voice.
Afraid of rejection if he spoke his true choice.
She saw in his face that he felt fearful, in danger.
He would ignore his own wish, avoid drama from strangers

8

Lucy stared at Nate warmly, and started to speak,
“The way that you feel does not make you weak.
The words that you keep to yourself, that’s just fine.
But what light do you hide refusing to shine?
You mind holds back words to make you feel safe,

but what if words that you share could make you feel great?

9

Nate felt afraid, exposed, full of fright
as Lucy brought fears into the spotlight.
His throat felt choked closed, his breath became stifled.
Nervously pacing, through papers he rifled.
“You don’t seem to get it”, he started to say,
“Why can’t you just go and get out of my way”

10

Anger, resentment, frustration was filling.
Avoiding the conflict, his head over spilling.
“You know nothing about what it means to feel fearful.
You march to your drum and always seem cheerful.
I’d rather be pleasant and go with the flow
than to shake up the one world that I know.”

11

Lucy felt a twinge of bright anger burst through
and turning to Nate said, “If you only knew.
It’s not easy to be loud, to bold and be brave
when you are told to be quiet and settle the waves.

12

Girls are told often that our voice and our might
are not nearly important as being polite.
When we speak out our truth, stand up for our values
we are told that we’re bossy or callous or shallow.

13

I refuse to just keep the peace, you see.
I refuse to be quiet to maintain harmony.
I can proudly proclaim in my loudest girl speech,
this is me, unafraid, of the words that I preach”

14

Lucy looked into Nate’s eyes and proclaimed , “The
world needs who you are, to let go of the shame.
It’s hard but it’s worth it, and the only way through
is allowing your voice to bring out the best you.

15

You’re not loud or obnoxious or looking for trouble
when you use your own voice to break free from a bubble
When you use your voice to stand up for beliefs
you empower others to spread joy and relief”

16

One small action, a choice to push boundaries each day
will help grow the strength to live life your way
At the edge of your fear is an invisible line.
A boundary of hope that is ever so fine.

17

It takes courage to leap, to step forward with faith.
To take risks and a chance, transform fear into grace.
Start small, something little, and voice your opinion.
Tell Mom that her pies turn out once in a million
But remember as you learn to walk this line,
you can speak your mind and still be kind.

18

As you take each small step to relearn your voice,
you’ll melt away feeling that you don’t a choice.
The magic then flourishes and starts to snowball,
new paths start emerging for one and for all.

19

Your strength and your courage to take your own action
helps others spark a chain reaction.
There is power and potential for world-changing motion
when each one of us finally grasps at the notion
That despite our desire to maintain peaceful feelings,
we must unsettle others to bring about healing

20

Lucy hung close, whispering confidence near
and said to her friend “I’ll always be here.”
Nate took her hand and squeezed firm and tight,
“You know what, Lucy, you’re probably right”

21

Connected together, their strength grew and rose,
knowing Nate would be fine in whatever he chose.
The power that shone as they walked through the door,
could carry them through all life has in store.
Whether landing the parts or another cast placement,
they knew to keep pushing to not be complacent.

22

That night as Lucy lie down before falling asleep
she look at her mom, beneath blankets she peeked.
“My voice can be used to help others”, she stated,
“To do good in the world where voices are faded.

23

Sometimes speaking up can break up the peace.
It can shake up emotions or cause a big scene.
But more important than silence and compliance, too,
is standing up for what we know to be true”
“Oh Lu”, her mom breathed out with a sigh,
“You’re perfectly you, just continue to shine”

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