Few days ago, we watched the movie “Encanto”. I love it but it didn’t really drove me to write a reflection until today when my 3-year-old toddler was singing a song. The lyrics were different but the tune is very familiar. She was even matching it with dance steps even if she is lying down as it was after our breastfeeding session.
I was so entertained that I kept asking her what it meant and she tries to explain it to me through repeating the performance. The husband who is just listening, after a while had a “eureka” moment. He said that Unyara is singing “Surface Pressure” from the movie encanto. When she heard what his Daddy had said, she got out of bed and requested to have it played.
I don’t know much about other 3 year olds as I try to stay away from comparison. However, I always check her skills against the expected age skills. She hit most of it but is acing the communication area. She is very expressive around us especially with me. It’s very different around other people though and as a child who grow up under so much pressure, I am intentional in raising Unyara differently.
I don’t know the reason why Unyara likes the song but it’s probably because of the catchy tune. However, I would like to think that like me she can connect to Luisa too. As an only child now, it wouldn’t feel right to call her the eldest yet. However, for sure, she can relate to “surface pressure”.
For me, everything happens for a reason. Today, after Unyara’s re-introduction of the song, I am reminded of all the “surface pressures” that I had growing up. Luisa looks out of the ordinary – masculine in a feminine attire. I remembered that there was a time in my life that I hated my size because it makes me look masculine. Haha! I guess having “Luisa” as a new “Disney Princess” makes me feel comfortable.
Going back to Unyara, I hope to one day share to her the meaning of the song with a prayer that she wouldn’t have to feel any “surface pressure”. However, as I am just human, I hope she will have the courage to remind me about what this song means! π