Would you describe yourself as socially awkward? Do you sometimes feel like you don’t fit in? Perhaps you feel like you don’t live up to someone else’s standard? This is the story behind Shorebird, who proudly asks you to embrace your inner dork.
Shorebird | Jodi Rose Gonzales
The societal norm is to “be like” others. This can fuel shame, frustration, self-deprication, and low self-esteem as you compare yourself to others, or arrive at a belief that you’re not enough. Here, some people develop low self-worth. Others withhold from using their voice, or living as a full expression of themselves. It can feel terrifying to simply show up in the world, let alone feel confident or proud of oneself. Depression, anxiety, loneliness, and bitterness can be the result.
Acceptance comes from within
Shorebird sits in the reeds, observing the pretty songbirds as they dart back and forth along the beach. With mismatched eyes and a lumpy body, he wears his gauche with pride. He doesn’t long to be like the sleek, colorful songbirds; in fact he sings his own kind of song. Be yourself, he says. Shine in your uniqueness. In the Girl in the Woods parables, he reminds Timberella that she is not weird or different for being misplaced from her home: in fact, she has a reason for being who she is, and she doesn’t need to change herself to feel more accepted. Instead, acceptance must first come from within.
ART & JOURNAL Prompts
Here are questions for consideration:
Do you have a loud inner critic?
Do you feel anxious in certain social situations?
Do you judge your body or looks?
Have you been judged or compared to others by family members or friends?
What does self-acceptance bring up for you?
ART PROMPTS (choose 1): Create a soshorebird (in any 2- or 3-d media) -OR- create an image representing “self-acceptanc.” Journal with the artwork, asking it directly:
What wisdom does it have to share?
What 1-3 specific actions can you take to connect with, and express your gifts more fully in this world?
Then, ask your image: Does it have anything else to share?
Pro art therapy tip: Trying answering these questions with your non-dominant hand.
Shorebird | Jodi Rose Gonzales
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Celebrate Your Uniqueness
If you’re feeling unpolished, oafish, or inept right now, be reminded: you are enough. You are here for a reason. You are worthy! Seek support or help if needed. Let your freak flag fly!
Click below to receive a FREE copy of the Girl in the Woods Parables, which explore the wisdom teaching associated with each of the six Timberellas.
Jodi Rose Gonzales ATR, NCC, ERYT, YACEP was recently celebrated in Times Square as the International Association of Top Professional’s Global Impact Artist of the Year. She is an artist, art therapist, author and yoga teacher who inspires her audiences through art and teachings intended to spread more hope and healing throughout the world. Get a FREE copy of the Girl in the Woods Parables, which explore the wisdom teachings associated with each of the six Timberellas, HERE.