Lili Dauphin

This is only the beginning. This award has motivated me to write even more. I would love to thank those who’ve always told me the following words:
1) You can’t do it
2) It’s too hard
3) It’s impossible
4) Child, you’re dreaming
5) You’ll never sell books
6) All writers are poor
7) Nobody respects writers
8) Child! Writers are crazy

My answer is the following.
1) I can do anything
2) Nothing in life is ever too hard
3) Everything is possible when you believe in yourself
4) One must always follow his/her dream
5) I will someday, as long as I don’t stop
6) Except for those who don’t give up
7) Everyone I meet respects me
8) I am well enough to receive an award

My advice to others is to follow your dream and don’t let others deter you.

Thanks for your support last night
Some of you went out of your way
And made everything feel so right
You could have easily stayed away

You even missed the debate
So you could be there by my side
Your loyalty was definitely first-rate
Your beautiful smiles were my guide

It wasn’t easy standing there on the stage
I thought I was going to die up there
The fear in my heart started to rage
But your presence was like a prayer

A prayer that kept me very strong
During that beautiful occasion
The love of real friends is never wrong
True friendship is life’s greatest “occasion”

I may not own a castle or have money
With friends like you, I am a millionaire
I’m not trying to be funny
To say “thanks” a million times is only fair

The caged bird

I look at the caged bird and I feel sad for him.
“You are supposed to spread your wings wide and fly away freely. You are to explore the beautiful mountains and the gorgeous sky”
The bird lifts his head as if searching for an answer. Soon I hear other birds singing. He starts singing along with them. Then, he starts dancing. He opens his wings wide and flies from one side of the cage to another.
I feel as though he’s trying to tell me something. For sure, there is a lesson there. And I think I get it.
True freedom begins inside whether we’re in a cage or a mansion. It’s up to us to make the best of our circumstances.

True freedom begins inside
When we open our heart wide
Set our bad feelings aside
And allow sadness to override

If we allow love to be our guide
We can permit our sadness to override
It’s the one thing only we can decide
So we can enjoy life’s great ride