Photo by Brett Martin

My brother recently shared something with me that I think you’ll appreciate.

He told me that when my nephew, Cecil, who is four, has to face a scary situation, he puts on his Batman costume. What is Cecil’s rationale?

“Batman isn’t scared of things that Cecil is. So Batman can do them.”

Ah, the wisdom of a child. It’s brilliant, isn’t it?

Maybe you don’t have a Batman costume at your disposal, but I bet you have one item of clothing or jewelry that makes you feel powerful or special or even exceedingly happy.

I know I do: my purple and pink custom Converse that have the word “dreamer” stitched on the heels.

The next time you have to do something that scares you, take a page from Cecil’s book and put on your favorite shoes or that hat that makes you look awesome or the earrings your grandmother gave you or the pink wig you break out on special occasions.

And let the power of that special item act like a talisman that helps you face that fear.