"What kind of person do I want to be?"

Often, the messages in children's books and movies speak of the simplest, and most profound, messages of creating change, celebrating diversity, and overcoming obstacles - and the fear, anger, discouragement and heartbreak that precede triumph, celebration, or healing.

The book, Everything You Give Comes Back written by Heather Lean and illustrated by Aptsiauri, is one moving example. 

A boy, Jordan, expresses discouragement about the cruelty of others and is given priceless guidance through his mother.  

"Just ask yourself this, as you count up to three...

What kind of person, do I want to be?

When you're using this rule, perhaps you will find, 

It will help you to care, be thoughtful, and kind."

When the world around you is reflecting so much cruelty, you, like Jordan, certainly have valid reasons to feel sad, angry, frustrated, and heartbroken.  

Yet, you are not helpless.  Just as Jordan experiences, you can "Be the change we wish to see" and it is not only your own experiences, and emotions, that change as a result.  

As you empower and uplift your internal world, you witness and experience that "love goes around, around, and around."

This is such a beautiful story for children, and if you find yourself tearing up as you read it, know that you are not alone.  

As Jordan's mom encourages,

"Put your hand on your heart.  Feel it beating right there?

Your heart is alive with love, hope and care."

You matter.  You can make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here.