Like You is listener supported. Learn how you can support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon.

As I mentioned in this episode, the show will be taking 4 weeks off from releasing new episodes. During this time I will re-share some favorite past episodes. New episodes will resume on September 29. Until then, join us on Patreon for access to bonus content.

Please send us a voice memo, drawing, or letter at likeyoupod@gmail.com. We play a voice memo from a listener at the beginning of most episodes. If your child wants to be included, record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us. Your child can introduce themself and then say a favorite affirmation, sing a line from a Like You song, say what they like about the show, or share whatever they feel! Keep it short (10-20 seconds), send it to our email, and then wait patiently. It is our goal to share every recording eventually!

Like You is written and produced by Noah Glenn. The show’s artwork was illustrated by Mia Saine. Episode art is created by Lindsey Glenn.

This episode features original music by Noah Glenn, as well as additional music by Night Park and IMAKEMADBEATS.

This episode’s affirmations were read by Noah Glenn, Mia Saine, Eso Tolson, and Meg Lewis.

Find Like You online at likeyoupodcast.com.

This podcast is designed for kids, but our social media feeds are geared toward their parents. So grown-ups, give us a follow:

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Mateo: Hi, my name is Mateo from Belize and I’m 8 years old. My favorite thing to do is doing arts and crafts, and I like this podcast because it makes me feel really relaxed and calm and very happy. Thanks!

Noah: Hello! I’m Noah, and this is Like You, a mindfulness podcast for kids. On the last episode, we imagined watching a sunset together, so think of this episode as part two, because now that the sun has set, we will pretend we are stars twinkling in the night sky. But before we start, I have a few updates and announcements. First off, thank you to Mateo for sending us the message you heard at the top of the show. If any other kids would like to hear their voice on the show, please have a grownup record your message and email it to likeyoupod@gmail.com. I also want to thank one of our newest Patreon members, Todd Friedlich, and say hello to Lily and Addison! Thanks for listening! You can find out more about supporting this podcast through Patreon by visiting patreon.com/likeyoupodcast.

Now I have one final update to share. I’ll be taking a short break from releasing new episodes while my family adjusts to our new virtual learning school schedule. So for the next few weeks, I’ll be reissuing some of your favorite past episodes. If you have thoughts about which episodes you’d like me to re-share send us a message oan instagram or email us at likeyoupod@gmail.com. And if you want to keep up with me during the break, join us on Patreon where I’ll post some behind the scenes peaks and a few other surprises. Again, you can find us there at patreon.com/likeyoupodcast. Like you will return to releasing new episodes starting September 29th.

Now, we’re ready to start the podcast, so find a place to listen where you feel comfortable and safe. I invite you to be a part of the podcast. You can speak out loud, answer my questions, and repeat affirmations. If you’d rather just say things quietly in your head, that’s ok too.

Let’s start by breathing together. How about we make a rhythm with our breath? Rhythm is like a pattern of sounds. With music, sometimes we make rhythm by clapping our hands or tapping our feet. Other times the rhythm comes from a drumbeat. But right now we’re going to make rhythm with our breath. Let’s try this pattern: two quick breaths in [breathe], followed by two quick breaths out [breathe]. When you put that together and repeat it, it sounds like this [breathe]. Try making that rhythm with me [breathe]. We can even tap or clap hands along with the beat [breathe]. Great job! That was fun, musical breath! Now on the count of three, we’ll say “I like me.” 1, 2, 3 “I like me!”

I like you too! You are an awesome person. You shine like a star – which is exactly what we’ll imagine today.

First I’ll ask you to close your eyes. Now, with your eyes closed, everything is dark, like a night sky. That should be easy to imagine. When you think of a night sky, is completely black? Or is it dark purple or a deep blue color? I’ll let you imagine the night sky how you like – black, dark blue, or dark purple.

Now I want you to picture one single star lighting up in the middle of the night sky. It twinkles and glows softly in the dark. Imagine that star is you. Now let yourself twinkle. You can pick how you’d like to twinkle. You could wiggle your fingers, or bob your head side to side, or you could smile wide and imagine starlight twinkling from your smile. Let’s all take a few moments to let ourselves twinkle and glow.

You know, some people say you can make a wish on the first star you see in a night sky. We’ve made wishes on this podcast… before. We call them lovingkindness wishes. My friend Eso is going to say a few of these wishes now, and we’ll join him in repeating the wishes. First I want you to think of someone you’ll make the wishes for. You can make wishes for yourself, or for someone you love. Take a moment to picture a person you’d like to wish good things for. Now join Eso in saying these wishes. He’ll say each twice so you can listen then repeat it with him.

Eso: I wish for you to be happy.

I wish for you to be healthy.

I wish for you to be safe.

I wish for you to feel loved.

I wish for you to have all that you need.

So, we’ve wished on the first star of the night. But a single star would get quite lonely by itself all night long. Imagine feeling lonely like a single star by itself. Just like a night sky, when you’re lonely, things might feel dark, quiet… maybe even scary. But the good news is you’re not alone. A star has lots of star friends. Imagine stars appearing around you one by one. With each star that appears the night feels a little brighter, and you feel less alone. Now look around at a night sky filled with stars. It is a wonderful sight. Imagine the twinkling stars, then take a deep breath and say “wow!” One more time. Take a deep breath in and say “wow!” Now as I sing this song you can keep imagining stars, or you can open your eyes and listen, or maybe even dance. It’s up to you.

Dark night
Feels like I can’t see the light
But I know there’s a glow
Inside me
Starshine
This little light of mine
Since I know it’s there, I might as well share
Share it with you

Wherever you are
You’ll shine like a star
You won’t ever be alone
You’re surrounded by stars
Who like you as you are
And you’re bright on your own, but we shine
Brighter together

Starlight
I wish upon a star tonight
And when it comes true you will know that you
Are loved the way you are
When you
Feel like nobody gets you
Look up at the stars and you’ll know you are
Never alone

Wherever you are
You’ll shine like a star
You won’t ever be alone
You’re surrounded by stars
Who like you as you are
And you’re bright on your own, but we shine
Brighter together
Let your light shine bright
Through the night let your light shine 

Just like the stars we’ve been picturing, remember that you shine bright and bring light and joy into the world around you. And you’re not alone. You can imagine your friends, your family, and your loved ones as stars shining around you making your world a beautiful place.

Right now, I want remind you about the bright light and beauty you bring to the world. So let’s say some affirmations. Affirmations are short sentences you can say to yourself to remind you how wonderful you are. Today I’ve got several friends saying affirmations with me. They are all familiar voices who have been on the podcast before. You will hear me, Mia, Eso, and Meg taking turns saying affirmations. We’ll say each affirmation twice, so you can listen the first time, then say it with us the second time. Here we go.

Meg: There is only one me.

Eso: There is no one better to be than myself.

Mia: The world needs someone like me.

Noah: I shine like a star.

Meg: I am good at so many things.

Eso: I am beautiful inside and out.

Noah: My light makes the world more beautiful.

Mia: We are stronger when we work together.

Thank you for saying those affirmations with me. Remember, you can say these things to yourself any time you need to remember how incredible you are.

Now let’s smile, and take a few slow, deep breaths as we wind down our time together.

I can’t wait to spend some time together again soon! Until next time, I like you, I’m proud of you, and I’m glad we are friends. Have a happy and peaceful day.

Like You is written and produced by me, Noah Glenn. I also composed and performed the Like You theme music and the original song “Starlight.” Today’s affirmations came from me, Eso Tolson, Meg Lewis, and Mia Saine. Mia also illustrated our podcast cover art, and our episode art is created by Lindsey Glenn. To all the grown-ups listening, please consider supporting this podcast by visiting patreon.com/likeyoupodcast. You can join our Patreon group to contribute to the show and make more episodes possible. If you’re unable to offer financial support, you can still show  us some love by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, and by telling your friends about the show. You can find show notes on our website, likeyoupodcast.com. You can also send us voice memos, drawings and pictures by emailing likeyoupod@gmail.com. Be sure to follow us on instagram, Facebook, and twitter @likeyoupod. Thanks for listening!