What we should tell our kids, every day . . .

A wonderful quote from Spanish cellist Pablo Casals:

Each second that we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again.  And what do we teach our children?  We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France.  When will we also teach them what they are?  We should say to each of them, “Do you know what you are?  You are a marvel.  You are unique.  In all the world, there is no other child like you. . . . Your legs, your arms, your fingers, the way you move. . . . You have the capacity for anything.  Yes, you are a marvel.”

Every child deserves to hear this, spoken with unrestrained energy and enthusiasm, from an adult in his or her life.  Don’t you think?

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February challenge: Make an “I rock!” list!

This month, I challenge you to:

1. Find a nice piece of paper.
2. At the top, write the phrase “I rock because . . .”.
3. Underneath, write at least five reasons why you think you’re totally awesome.  That’s right!  Five things you love about yourself — five qualities or characteristics you possess that, in your eyes, totally rock.

Call this your “I rock!” list.  Hang it in a place where you can see it every day for the rest of the month (on your fridge, on your bathroom mirror, on the steering wheel of your car, etc.).  Then, every day this month, look at your list, read it, and respect what it has to say — i.e., that you rock!

So many of us find it hard to acknowledge and celebrate the good in ourselves.  We say “I can’t” or “I’m not good at” more often than we say “I can” or “I’m awesome at”.  We find it easier to put ourselves down than to prop ourselves up, to dodge compliments than to welcome them, to devalue our own worth than to stand proud in who we are — before others and before ourselves.

This month, let’s break these patterns.  Make your “I rock!” list and display it proudly.  Because you do rock.  There are so many fabulous qualities you hold, so many things you do well, so much good inside you.  You are an amazing person.  And it’s time to acknowledge and celebrate that fact.

How can you help “Corriger le tableau” / “Clean the slate” ?

This short film is incredibly powerful — it speaks volumes about stereotypes, prejudices and self-esteem among First Nations youth in Canada, and it raises important questions about what we (as non-Native Canadians) can do to help “clean the slate” and provide these youth with the level playing field they need for their self-confidence to grow and their dreams to truly take flight.

(Note:  The film was created by First Nations youth from the community of Manawan, Quebec, and Wapikoni Mobile, a non-profit organization dedicated to brining audiovisual skills and a voice to First Nations youth in isolated communities.  I was fortunate enough to see the film as part the Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival, which runs this week in Ottawa, Canada.)

 

 

More information:  http://wapikoni.tv/medias/fiche/movie/706

[Film summary for non-French speakers:  First Nations youth write on the chalkboard stereotypes and derogatory comments they encounter in their lives — things like “Go back to the reserve,” “Savage,” “Cigarette smuggler,” “Poor,” “Druggie,” “I wear feathers,” “Don’t pay taxes,” “Lazy,” etc.  Then, they erase these words and write descriptions of who they really are:  “I am fine,” “I will be an airplane pilot,” “Love sports,” “Generous,” “Love music,” “Good at school,” “Passionate about hockey,” “Cook well,” “Make everyone laugh,” “Proud to be who I am.”  The title “Corriger le tableau” means “Clean the slate.”]