Lily was a little girl with bright, sparkly eyes and a heart full of sunshine. Every night, getting ready for bed was her favorite time. It wasn’t just *because* bedtime meant snuggles, but because it meant dreamtime was near! Tonight, Lily’s mama helped her brush her teeth, and then they put on Lily’s softest pajamas, the ones with little lavender stars.
After pajamas, it was story time! Mama read a book about a friendly cloud who loved to paint rainbows. Lily snuggled close, imagining herself floating with the cloud, dipping her brush into pots of shimmering color. She thought about what *she* would paint if she were a cloud – maybe a giant field of flowers for all the bees!
Once the story was finished, Mama tucked Lily into her cozy bed. “Now, close your eyes, little one,” Mama whispered. “And think of all the wonderful things you love about yourself.” Lily thought about how she loved to giggle, and how she was a good friend to her stuffed bunny, Barnaby. She loved how she could build tall towers with her blocks, and how she always tried her best.
Sometimes, Lily worried about having bad dreams. But Mama always said, “Even if a dream feels a little scary, remember you are brave and strong. And you can always change the dream into something happy!” Lily took a deep breath, remembering Mama’s words. She imagined wrapping herself in a warm, sparkly blanket of courage.
As Lily’s eyes fluttered closed, she began to dream. She dreamed she was a princess, not a princess with a crown, but a princess of kindness. She gave flowers to everyone she met, and her laughter made the whole kingdom bloom. Barnaby the bunny was there too, hopping happily beside her!
Lily’s dream was filled with soft colors and gentle sounds. She felt peaceful and loved. She knew, even when she was asleep, that she was a special little girl, and that tomorrow would be another day full of sunshine and fun. And as she drifted deeper into sleep, she smiled, knowing that sweet dreams were waiting for her.