Don't judge a book by its cover
you may be missing out on a great story
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
It’s a simple phrase, even a cliche to some, and yet those seven words hold so much truth.
As an elementary school librarian, I would teach my students about those words in both a literal and a metaphorical sense.
For example, I would literally hold up an old picture book, with a worn out cover, void of pretty illustrations or an eye-catching title. In this case, it was an original copy of the 1963 picture book, Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree.
With the book in my hands, I would talk about the beautiful story inside that I was about to read aloud and together we would predict what might happen within the pages.
I have discovered that if you want an honest opinion, ask a group of kindergartners or 1st graders what they think. They are usually void of prejudice because they haven’t been taught yet how to judge others based on appearance alone.
Believe it or not, their innocence can be rather refreshing and that might explain why they were among my favorite age groups to teach.
After I would read this delightful story, written completely in rhyme, I was usually met with a round of applause and some chants of “read it again!”
Ah yes… those are the words that librarians love to hear…
As my students aged, my approach to teaching about the concept also evolved.
During October, which is recognized as National Bullying Prevention Month, I would team teach with our school guidance counselor. Together we tried to raise awareness by teaching lessons that emphasized the importance of treating others as you would want to be treated.
Instead of using the words “anti-bullying”, which seemed to be negative, we focused on the words “spreading kindness” and “following the Golden Rule.”
One of my lessons involved using our computers to create bookmarks and posters that promoted these concepts and I was always impressed by how creative my students could be with these projects.
But now as I look back, I ask myself - why was I so passionate about this concept?
Honestly, the wounds run deep and go back to the bullying I endured when I myself was a student. Unfortunately, those wounds have occasionally resurfaced throughout the years, as I periodically come in contact with people who decide, within moments of meeting me, what they think my value is or who I actually am as a person…
But the truth is that what lies beneath our “covers” is actually where our souls, and our stories, exist…and what unique and wonderful stories they are indeed….
Instead, we need to remind ourselves every single day to make the conscious choice to no longer believe what someone, somewhere along the way, told us to hold as our truth.
We need to focus on the fact that we have people in our lives who know how special we are and who believe in us and in our authentic selves.
Let us do ourselves a favor and start to believe them…
What do you think?
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Tranquil Moments…
I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:
This week’s Smile video…
Gerri Eisenhauer's father, Private William Walters, died in World War II just a few months before she was born – killed in action in France, according to a brief telegram. Eisenhauer believed she would never learn what happened to her father, until she received word that the French village of Grez-sur-Loing was planning to pay tribute to Private Walters, to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of France. Steve Hartman reports.
#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove
My favorite Substacks…
A Bit of Good News is a weekly newsletter offering positive news stories, inspiring quotes, fun facts, simple pleasures and tips on how to spread joy and kindness. It is written by Jade Walker. Check it out - you will love it!
What I am reading…
This week I reread the picture book Life Loves You: 7 Spiritual Practices to Heal Your Life by Louise Hay and Robert Holden. This is a quick yet meaningful read.
Here is the Amazon summary: “Life loves you, and you have the power within you to create a life you love. "Life loves you" is one of Louise Hay's best-loved affirmations. It is the heart thought that represents her life and her work. Together Louise and Robert Holden look at what "life loves you" really means - that life doesn't just happen to you; it happens for you.
In a series of intimate and candid conversations, they dig deep into the power of love, the benevolent nature of reality, the friendly universe, and the heart of who we really are. Life Loves You is filled with inspiring stories and helpful meditations, prayers, and exercises. Louise and Robert present a practical philosophy based on seven spiritual practices.
Key themes covered:
The Mirror Principle - practicing the how of self-love
Affirming Your Life - healing the ego's basic fear
Following Your Joy - trusting your inner guidance
Forgiving the Past - reclaiming your original innocence
Being Grateful Now - cultivating basic trust
Learning to Receive - being undefended and open
Healing the Future - choosing love over fear
Podcast picks…
Every Tuesday best friends Jason Alexander and Peter Tilden are joined by experts, newsmakers and celebrities in an attempt to find answers to the things that make us go…"Really? no, Really?” We invite you to join us, subscribe and even suggest topics, as we search for the answers to life’s most baffling, intriguing, confusing and annoying questions…
Mind/Body connections…
Welcome the plentiful and vibrant underwater life of the Red Sea! Jolly-colored fishes, beautiful coral reefs and the remains of a sunken ship are waiting for you! Give your eyes and soul a good rest with this scuba diving virtual tour.
Comedy Lift…
I love to share funny cartoons or memes with friends and family. Who doesn’t need to smile? Here’s this week’s Comedy Lift…
Music Moments
Music inspires me in many ways. Here's one of my favorite songs - Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band….Enjoy!
Quote of the week
Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….
School librarians are THE BEST! I didn't know you were part of that incredible group, Sheila! I love how you taught students to look past external packaging and embrace the beauty within. I have a feeling they will carry that learning their entire lives...!