Inspiration and motivation sometimes come in the most unexpected ways at the most unexpected times.

Well, so do life lessons.

Most of the time, we have to simply pay attention to the things and people around us.

And, quite a few days ago, I learned one of the greatest life lessons ever.

I am a mother of four beautifully talented children. I constantly stand in awe at how blessed I am. The joy I feel is simply indescribable.

My youngest is three years old, and he is such a wonderful kid. His creativity and imagination are boundless. He seems to make something out of anything. The sheer excitement on his face as he shares his new creations with I and his father are priceless.

However, even he is not without his challenges in life. Who isn’t right?

In fact, he is just starting to tackle potty-training with the help of his dad. And, he is doing awesomely. I am astounded at how fast he has caught on. Then again, it’s not so surprising. When it came time to wean him from the bottle, it was as if he quit that bottle overnight. In the same fashion, he is adjusting to potty-training.

But, then again this territory is not new for most moms. However there is so much more to the story I have to tell.

A few days ago, my awesome three-year-old treated me to one of the greatest lessons ever.

I happened to walk by as my baby sat like a big boy on his potty,

I didn’t disturb him, I just stood right outside that door beaming with pride.

It was not the big step that was so inspiring, but rather what he was saying to himself.

I stood outside that door as my little boy exclaimed to himself, how a good boy he was, and what a good job he was doing.

My little boy was encouraging himself. He was instilling pride.

What was even more refreshing is that the praise came from an authentic place. It came from within.

Although I applauded him for his efforts, I understood that nothing would replace that pride he felt within himself for accomplishing something.

He had somehow, in his limited time on this planet, picked up that the best motivator is intrinsic motivation.

It was a humbling lesson.

Most of the time, I forget to encourage myself. From time to time, I still look externally for someone to validate me.

It is quite sad that no matter how long I have lived, I have found that this is a lesson I keep repeating. Yet, I am thankful for the reminder. And, I am incredibly grateful that it came on the lips of my little one.

In case you need a reminder, don’t forget to encourage yourself.

In the words of my little one, “You got this, you can do it!”