Be Your Own Genie

Embracing Independence and Inner Strength

What Does That Even Mean?

You might be wondering what it means if you've received a "Be Your Own Genie" sticker. The phrase was born from a deep conversation with my adult autistic daughter as we drove to her home.

She lives in a supervised rehab home, working on independent living skills. She's extremely high-functioning, but like many of us, she can be a little stubborn when accomplishing things unassisted. She immediately wants the more adult, adults in her world to do things she is capable of. As we discussed her daily routine and long-term goals, I urged her to make the most of the available resources as long as she qualifies to live in the residential rehab program.

Then, I asked the tricky question—one every parent of a child with special needs eventually has to face: "What will you do when Dad and I are no longer here?"

Without delay, she replied, "I'll find a genie to do things for me." I had to laugh at the unexpected response, but my reply came just as quickly: "Girl, you've got to be your OWN genie!"

We talked about what that meant—finding the willingness, courage, and confidence to be her own person and to create her own solutions instead of waiting for someone else to do it for her. 

The Genie Within Us All

The more I thought about it, the more I recognized how much this advice applies to all of us. How often do we wait for a "genie"—a person, a perfect opportunity, a stroke of luck—to step in and fix things for us? We tell ourselves: "I'll start when I have more time." "I need someone to help me get started." "I'm waiting for the right moment." But the truth is, no genie is coming to save us. No one will grant us three wishes and magically make things more manageable. We have to be our own genies. For me, this lesson is still unfolding. I'm a grown-ass woman, and every day, I'm still discovering how to step up, take control, and design the life I want—without waiting for someone else to do it for me.

What Does "Being Your Own Genie" Look Like?

Being your own genie doesn't mean doing everything alone—it means trusting yourself to take the first step, even when it's scary—using the resources around you instead of waiting for someone else to offer them—believing you can handle life's challenges. Asking for help when needed, but knowing that, ultimately, you are responsible for your growth.

For my daughter, this means welcoming her independence and developing her skills to live independently. For me, it means continuing to push myself toward self-reliance and personal growth. For you? It may mean finally beginning that thing you've been putting off, believing in your abilities, or trusting yourself enough to take that leap.

So, if you have a "Be Your Own Genie" sticker, consider it a reminder that you have the power to create change, move forward, and build the life you want—no genie required.