I’ve begun to love that phrase. It hit my radar hard when reading a book about potty training. In the end, the author described that some children may be very resistant or defiant regarding using the potty, presenting a “burn it to the ground” response. She basically said if you have one of these kids, your journey will be arduous and long. Pretty soon into the pee and poop saga, I knew my son was prone to that attitude. Other endeavors with him as a three-year-old have firmly proven this as his go-to mode when angry or overwhelmed.

But my real point is not about Terrible Threes troubles. Through the process of raising a little radical, I learned that my husband had this very same response to many new challenges as he grew up. (His mother finally told us just how difficult he was as a tiny human — after our son was born.)

It all got me thinking… Our personalities and coping mechanisms are so different. I envy their confidence sometimes. Does an ability to achieve this extreme position welcoming destruction help one be more equipped to deal with life as we know it?

To compare, I have always been a people pleaser. I have always worried about other’s feelings, wanting to make whatever I could nicer. I have always wanted to thwart other’s judgements of me, being the best, lovable version of myself. I have damn well put my needs aside for the greater good.

What would it be like to give up those ghosts? To take my toddler son’s stance when faced with adversity? There has to be freedom in simply being able to say f*ck it. There has to be power in burning it to the ground.

Will I EVER be so bold? Will my son rule the world?!