Last year I decided I needed to be more active in helping her reach her goal. I signed us up for a Writing for Children class at the community college. She would only attend if she did not have to read her writing aloud. The teacher was so gracious and she said that she could read when she was ready.

Isabella was 14. I told her that a bunch of old people would not laugh at her when she shared besides if she wants to be an author at some point people would have to read her writing. After a couple of months, she did read her writing. I was blown away, she was good.

 Our class turned into a support group. In June, we had a writing assignment to take three objects and write anything that came to mind. Twenty minutes later Isabella had the story Finger like Branches. It has taken almost three months before she allowed others to read her writing. Now I am asking for feedback from everyone I know and do not know. I am on a mission to change the picture she has of herself.

Over the last year, I have been building her self-esteem by

• Taking her to writing class
• Encouraging her every week or two about how great she writes
• Now asking others for input because she thinks I have to say she is great because I am her mother.

The last year has been so rewarding. I was blessed to spend time with her every week. I was able to talk to her and encourage her. I did something she wanted to do and I have seen tremendous growth in her life. I would not trade it for a million dollars.

•  Is there a class you can take with your child?
• What words of encouragement can you share with your child?
• Can you enlist the help of others to share their image of your child with them so they can see themselves as they truly are?

What is the one action step you are going to make today? Leave me a note telling me what it is. It will make you more accountable because you will feel like you have to do it.

Discouraged he walks off and meets a weasel who encourages him to try different sounds with his trumpet. Then he had him look inside to find his voice. Ellison closed his eyes and concentrated hard and the sound that came out was beautiful.

All the elephants came to see who made that wonderful music. Even the elephants that teased him before wanted Ellison to teach them how to make that beautiful music.

As you read this wonderful book, you can talk to your child about several different things:
1. It is ok to be different
2. Everyone needs to be encouraged
3. Look inside yourself to find your music
4. Forgive past hurts and help those who have teased you

(Please note- When I indent, I am answering questions and sharing insights just as if I was talking to a child.)

It is ok to be different
What did all the great elephants in history have in common?
They were different and that is what made them great.
What can you do that is different from others?
How did the other elephants treat Ellison because he was different?
He was teased and made fun of. Ellison had his feelings hurt. So he went to a place to be all alone. It was in that place he discovered his voice. He discovered what he was good at. Good things can come out of being alone.

Everyone needs to be encouraged
Ellison needed Weasel to help him find his gift. No one makes it to the top by him or herself. We all need people to help us.
Who is helping you?
Who are you helping?

Look inside yourself to find your music
Gloria and Mumble looked inside to find their heart song in Happy Feet. Everyone has something to give this world. We just have to look inside of ourselves to find out what it is.
What is your music?
What makes you special?

Forgive past hurts and help those who have teased you
We will all be hurt at some point in life. That is part of growing up. But what are you going to do with hose hurts? Are you going to let them weigh you down so you can’t share your music with others or are you going to forgive them and move on in life?
Who in your life has hurt you?
Have you forgiven them?
How can you forgive them?

It is ok to be different. That is how you become great. The music inside of you will compel you into greatness if you listen to it. You are doing something that no one else is doing. Reach out and help someone. You will be so glad you did. And offer forgiveness to those who hurt you even if they don’t accept it. You will be able to live in more peace.

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