The 9th Wonder of the Universe: Embracing Self-Acceptance

When I was young, I watched Dumbo, the Disney classic about a flying elephant with oversized ears. At the time, I didn’t like it much—it wasn’t my cup of tea. I preferred action-packed films like Bruce Lee’s, where I imagined kung fu-chopping bullies, or sci-fi adventures like Star Trek, dreaming of escaping Earth to find like-minded aliens. But over time, Dumbo’s story started to resonate with me. 

As a kid, I didn’t have big ears, but I walked like a penguin and sported awkward sideburns my parents insisted on keeping. Add in the “Roman big nose” bullies loved to tease, and let’s just say I didn’t exactly fit in. Looking back, I realize those things I tried to hide were part of what made me unique. Like Dumbo, who discovered his ears were his greatest strength, I learned to embrace the parts of me that stood out.

Now, as a parent, I see how important self-acceptance is—not just for me but for my kids too. Yet, it’s not always easy. Let’s be real: many of us, myself included, try to live out our unfulfilled dreams through our children. It’s tough to let go of that instinct, but we have to. Instead of pushing them toward what we missed, we can encourage them to celebrate who they are, just as Timothy Q. Mouse did for Dumbo.

Here are 5 Road Maps I’ve found helpful on this journey:

1. Celebrate Family
   We started a “Celebration Jar” at home. Each of us writes down something we love about ourselves or each other and reads it aloud. It’s a simple way to build self-acceptance and appreciation.
2. Build Friendships
   I encourage my kids to connect with classmates they haven’t talked to yet. Playdates and group activities can lead to lasting friendships while teaching them the value of being a good friend.
3. Address Loneliness
   Loneliness is tough for kids (and adults too). We talk openly about it, join community activities, and remind each other that it’s okay to feel that way sometimes—it’s not forever.
4. Resilience Through Challenges
   I’ve started sharing my own struggles with my kids—not to burden them, but to show them that challenges can be overcome. We also keep journals to reflect on how we’ve grown.
5. Mindfulness and Reflection
   Mindfulness has been a game-changer. Teaching simple breathing exercises or visualizations helps all of us manage emotions and stay grounded.

Sometimes life makes you feel small, like the world is laughing at the very things that make you different. But those differences? They’re often our greatest strengths. Surround yourself with people who see the best in you, and remind your kids (and yourself) that they have the power to rise above adversity and soar—just like Dumbo.