Inspiring Unicorns

An anonymous writer once gave this advice: “Allow your passion to become your purpose, and it will one day become your profession.” I know this to be true because what started as a childhood affinity for gifting my writings and drawings to friends and family, morphed into me finding ways for my creative work to inspire and support dreams as an author.

I am most passionate about creating pieces of work that encourages confidence while celebrating the uniqueness of each of us. Consequently, most (if not all of us) have experienced, at one time or another, what it feels like to have our identity challenged. School can be a scary, toxic, and even damaging place for children who are still developing inner strength. It takes time and the right mentorship to develop the confidence to proudly proclaim: “Who cares if you can’t appreciate what makes me unique? I like me.” It seems so much easier to blend into what is praised and deemed acceptable. There’s little friction and fewer complaints when you look like and do like the Romans. In fact, there are welcoming arms and even the appearance of brotherhood awaiting you. All you have to sacrifice is your true identity and exceptional uniqueness. And what becomes of the child who can’t blend in? Left to feel like a walking target, some children don’t have the ability to disappear into the crowd. For that child and others who have not yet learned to appreciate being the unicorn, my mission is to help them see how phenomenal they are.

In my children’s book, Unique Duck Feet, the main character (Manny) has an idea that, if he were bold enough to try it, would make him one of a kind. Manny couldn’t wait to share his idea with his friends. Unfortunately, when he receives mockery instead of excitement from his closest peers, he begins to doubt his idea and himself altogether. The story ends on a happy and liberating note that I won’t give away. However, the moral, summed up, includes the importance of embracing, being proud of, and loving your uniqueness. It is, in fact, the unique people who change the world.

A woman who purchased Unique Duck Feet for her autistic son explained how much the book meant to her son, Chase. She reminisced on the special moment that brought her to tears when Chase verbally related with the feeling of rejection that Manny felt, ridiculed for being different. In the end, she said Chase was empowered along with Manny when he made the choice to embrace being different.

As an author, my business will include book and “unique” sock giveaways to children just like Chase. These will include but are not limited to children in rehabilitative facilities, hospitals, adoption facilities and foster care across the United States. Membership in an online site will allow donors to contribute monetarily while helping to promote the message that being unique positively changes the world. I will include quarterly contests for children wanting to share their ideas for an opportunity to receive a grant to assist with their idea.

I believe people should support my passion because it supports some of the most precious individuals. It can be hard for young people to appreciate what makes them different. Additionally, having ideas that are not part of the norm can be scary to share sometimes. No one likes feeling rejected or ridiculed, yet many of us have felt it and can sympathize. Sharing my book and cause on a larger scale would encourage and support young people in being bold enough to be different, unafraid to be the “unicorn”, and proud enough in all of their exceptional uniquenesses.