These long summer days have given way to afternoons spent huddled, feet tucked under bums, watching movies to pass the afternoon storms, the stifling heat, and through the luxurious stretch in summer’s time. And so it is with this week’s post, entrenched in the soundtracks of family movie classics, that I write in response to the life lessons taught from these epic films.

My personal favorites revolve basically around anything Julie Andrews. We (the females in the household) pump the good vibes of these tunes throughout our days, singing, dancing and behaving dramatically as dinner gets made and swim bags get hung to dry.

These numbers often get me at line one; titles like “I Have Confidence” from The Sound of Music, in which Maria, the new governess of a family with 7 children boldly pretends her way to action. I love this song so very much because the lyrics begin and end with something we all can relate to. . . Doubt and Hope.

What will this day be like? . . . I wonder

What will my future be? . . . I wonder

It could be so exciting, to be out in the world. To be free. My heart should be wildly rejoicing. Oh, what’s the matter with me? *

Doubt seems to creep into all new ventures because doing new things is just . . . scary. And as is often true to life of the brave adventurer, she realizes she must continue anyway. Somewhere in her heart she knows she must follow this faith toward the Truth and sing about what will be:

Oh I must stop these doubts, all these worries. If I don’t, I just know I’ll turn back.

I must dream of the things I am seeking. I am seeking the courage I lack.

The courage to serve them with reliance. Face my mistakes without defiance. Show them I’m worthy and while I show them, I’ll show me! . . . *

She’s now at around 50% sure of herself. She has successfully talked herself into belief in the amazing possibilities, visualizing all that she hopes will be.

With each step I am more certain. Everything will turn out fine. I have confidence the world can all be mine. They’ll have to agree I have confidence in me! *

By the end of her power walk to the von Trapp estate, she is roughly 75% convinced of her power and now only 25% terrified.

It tells me, all I trust, I lead my heart to. All I trust becomes my own. I have confidence in confidence alone.

(Oh Help)

I have confidence in confidence alone. Besides which you see I have confidence in me! *

For the those of you who have never seen this cinematic treasure, SPOILER ALERT: If Maria had never mustered up the courage, faked confidence to make it (at first) to the gate of the von Trap family home, then she would never have continued on to find her dream: To leave the convent, a place she initially devoted her life to and instead pursue her heart’s desire to become a wife and mother.  And in the end she discovers that she’ll need every ounce of her learned courage to pursue an even greater dream – a dream of family and freedom.

I encourage you to tell yourself what you need to hear. Be kind. Be brave. Fake it all the way ’til you make it because your dream is waiting:

A Dream that will need

All the love you can give.

Every day of your life,

For as long as you live. **

* “I Have Confidence” Sound of Music
** “Climb Every Mountain”, Sound of Music