My parents always told me to be myself. I was always funny and

“My parents always told me to be myself. I was always funny and silly as a kid. And I would always make them laugh. And they always told me to dream big and follow those dreams.” – Richard Simmons

In these radiant words, Richard Simmons offers not merely a memory of childhood, but a timeless parable of the soul — the call to live authentically, to embrace joy, and to move boldly toward one’s destiny. His quote, simple in form, contains the essence of ancient wisdom: that the foundation of greatness begins in the freedom to be oneself, unshaped by fear or imitation. It is the voice of the inner child, uncorrupted by the world’s expectations, laughing freely beneath the sun. To dream big, he reminds us, is not to escape reality but to awaken the fullness of who we are meant to become.

From the earliest days of humankind, the wisest teachers have spoken this same truth. The oracle at Delphi declared, “Know thyself,” for in knowing one’s true nature, a person discovers not just identity, but purpose. To “be yourself,” then, is a sacred duty — an act of courage in a world that constantly whispers, “Be something else.” Richard Simmons’ parents, in their wisdom, did what few do well: they nurtured the flame of his individuality rather than smother it with conformity. They did not ask him to quiet his laughter or temper his brightness. They told him to follow his dreams, even if the path was strange, even if others did not understand.

There is deep beauty in that teaching. For laughter, as he recalls, was his first language — a gift that flowed from his heart as naturally as breath. To be funny and silly, to bring joy to others, is not a weakness but a form of strength, for it takes courage to stand before the world unguarded, to make others smile when shadows loom. The ancients knew the power of joy — they worshiped gods of mirth and celebration because they understood that laughter is life’s rebellion against despair. In this way, Simmons’ childhood gift became his calling, and his laughter became his light.

Consider the story of Leonardo da Vinci, whose mother, like Simmons’ parents, encouraged his wild imagination. As a child, Leonardo filled his days with wonder — sketching birds, studying the movement of water, seeing beauty in every motion of the world. Many mocked him for dreaming too much, for straying from the practical. Yet it was that boundless curiosity — that childlike sense of “silliness,” as some might call it — that later birthed the art of the Mona Lisa and the genius of his inventions. The lesson is clear: when one is nurtured to be their true self, their dreams are not fantasies — they are prophecies of potential.

Richard Simmons carried this same torch of joy into the world. His spirit, bright and untamed, became a beacon to those who had forgotten how to dance, how to laugh, how to live. His laughter healed, his kindness inspired, and his unapologetic authenticity reminded millions that self-acceptance is a revolution. For when you dare to be yourself fully, without disguise or apology, you give others permission to do the same. His life, like his quote, is proof that the child who dreams — when nurtured by love — can grow into a force that lifts the hearts of nations.

But let none think that such simplicity is easy. To “be yourself” in truth demands bravery. The world will try to shape you, to dim your light, to tell you that your laughter is foolish or your dreams too large. Yet it is in those moments that the teachings of Richard’s parents must be remembered: to hold fast to your joy, to follow your dreams, to walk the road of authenticity no matter who mocks or doubts. The soul that follows its own song may walk alone for a time, but in the end, it finds a freedom no imitation can ever know.

So, dear listener, take this teaching to heart. Let your laughter ring out, even when the world grows silent. Let your dreams be vast, even when others see only smallness. Cherish those who tell you to be yourself, for they are the true guardians of your destiny. Do not trade your uniqueness for acceptance, nor your passion for safety. The one who is fully themselves is the one who lives most fully — a light in the darkness, a testament to the beauty of truth.

For as Richard Simmons’ life reminds us, to be oneself and to dream without fear is not childish — it is divine. It is the song of creation itself, echoing through every human heart that dares to believe.