See What's Possible

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"There's no way I can do this," I muttered under my breath.

"This" was Stone Mountain. The family I work for had invited me along for the day. They decided on a hike UP the mountain. Not around it, not taking a trolley, but up.

"Yeah, I definitely can't do this. Impossible," I said a bit louder this time. I have an extreme fear of heights and I don't exactly have the physique of an avid hiker. I love the outdoors...through the view of a window. I'm joking, but yeah, a hiker I'm not.

As I turned to join the family, I was immediately startled by the then 5-year old, who I almost bumped into. She was behind me, like my shadow. She still is like this a year later. She had heard everything. I could tell when I tried to fake a grin like everything was cool. She looked confused. She ran off to her mom and told her she had changed her mind. She was scared, she said. 

After taking care of kids for years, I know they are like little sponges, absorbing everything they see and hear. And she had heard me. I should have known better and realized my words of doubting myself had an impact. I had to erase that doubt.

Think of a time when you were doubted or when you doubted yourself. It's the worst, right?

But it's the best when you feel empowered through others, and especially yourself, to see what's possible.

Speaking of what's possible, I wanted to share about a new campaign I'm thrilled to announce:

• After thousands of hours meeting with women around the world, Neutrogena uncovered a universal truth – women are stepping back to examine what’s possible in their lives so they can pursue their dreams. 

• Neutrogena was inspired to launch its first-ever global campaign: “Neutrogena See What’s Possible.” This will make its its broadcast debut at the 88th Academy Awards on Sunday Feb. 28 (7 p.m. ET /4 p.m. PT on ABC). The ad is voiced by Brand Ambassador and creative consultant Kerry Washington and features real women following their passions.

• The empowering video brings to life the brand’s point of view on beauty – what really makes a woman beautiful is the ability to look in the mirror and know that anything is possible.

You can view the campaign here, and join in the conversation by sharing your personal stories and words of encouragement on social media with the hashtag #seewhatspossible.

As a nanny, who takes care of two adorable little girls (slightly biased), I'm ecstatic that in the US, Neutrogena has forged a partnership with the Girls Inc. organization, whose mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. More empowerment and possibilities!

So back to my story: you better believe I climbed that mountain and held her hand as we ran across the top. 

Think words don't have an impact? Just this week, she decided she wanted to be an eyeball when she grew up. Yes, an eyeball. Last week it was an astronaut. 

When I questioned her about this, she said, "You told me I can be anything I wanna!"

And she's absolutely right. I can't wait to see what she wants to be next.

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This post was in partnership with Neutrogena.