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Maybe everything we need to know about life, and how to be happy being ourselves, can be found in children's books.

 

I realized I have been going back in my memory and pulling out imagery from many decades ago...from my children's picture books. We tend to forget about them in adulthood, until, we root around and find that dusty box in the corner. We open it, and discover the Wonderful, illustrated books that used to spark our imaginations and dreams.

 

 

A lot of creative authors and illustrators took the time (and still do) to share their wisdom with us. In simple words, rhymes and magical illustrations, we learned about the golden rule, fairness, sharing, forgiveness, cooperation, and love. Somehow, with the distractions of adolescence and challenges of adulthood, we forgot about our treasured companions. Our splendid picture books with talking animals and simple lessons for better living.

 

Some of my favourites were the Brian Wildsmith books, illustrating the wonderful world of animals, the sun and the moon. His paintings were colourful, whimsical and educational, and always stayed with me. These endearing children's books, taught us about what is important in life. They captured our imaginations, showed us how to live, and helped us believe in ourselves. There's a saying: "What is essential is invisible to the eye." It's not about how attractive we are, or how much money we have. What really matters is what's inside us. Our character and hearts. It's the core of who we are that others appreciate most.

 

Our unique personality, honesty and trueness. I'm as guilty as everyone else. I've tried to copy other people. I've worried about my appearance and changed my behavior to try and fit in.

Thankfully, experience and maturity taught me to refocus on what is essential. I realized that it's more valuable to be myself, and develop my own unique gifts and talents, than try to be someone I'm not. Re-reading some childhood books helped, too. They remind me that each of us is special in our own ways. Why would we deny the world our unique authenticity in some pointless attempt to be someone or something we are not?

 

I have often found it wise (as an older owl now!) to do the exact opposite of the masses. When we go our own way, we sometimes end up standing out. Be your own, unique self. You're way more interesting!

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