Want to Grow Grit? Patience? Courage? Ease?
The last time I needed some extra courage and determination, I watched Greta Gerwig's 2019 version of Little Women on Netflix. I was hoping to absorb a little Jo — a little lovably fierce, determined, my-creative-life-is-essential energy. And Saoirse Ronan's Jo gave me just that. I even replayed a few of my favorite scenes the next day, to deepen the imprint.
Do you do this too? Use story — whether novels, audio books, TV shows, or movies — to inspire a little something in your being? Channel a favorite character when you need to?
I'll bet you do. Even if you don't think you do.
Stories are powerful stuff. And better — you can choose to use them this way with your children.
Here's an example from my own family:
When my youngest son Finn was in second grade, he was struggling with reading. He was working hard, but felt ashamed, believing that he was behind his peers. He was keeping a brave face, trying to hide from his peers what was going on. But he was overwhelmed with worry and embarrassment. David created a story for him: "Jack Tar's Brave Day."
In the story, Jack Tar is a striking figure in sea lore known for his bravery on the high seas. He learned courage in his childhood. In fact, his bravest day occurred on land when he was a boy, on his second day of school when he admitted that he didn’t know how to read.
The next day at school, Finn’s teacher started the day by talking about her own struggles with stuttering and how she had spent much of her life embarrassed about it. She asked if other children had similar experiences. One hand raised immediately: Finn’s. He admitted openly to his class that he was struggling with reading and felt embarrassed.
Not only did his classmates enthusiastically love and support him, they too raised their hands and shared their struggles and fears about their own learning. It was a transformative moment for the entire class, and an experience that I believe helped shape our son into the brave, open-hearted young man that he is.
That is the power of storytelling.
What qualities do you need in your life? What about your kids? Grit? Patience? Courage? Ease? Joy? Listen to others who embody those qualities and find stories about them. You will find they stir and draw out those very same qualities — qualities that are readily available but just dormant.
We've curated stories for all sorts of qualities — all of which live in our Helping & Healing series.
Here are our newest!
If you can't find one you're wanting, email us and we'll find it for you!
About the Author
Lisabeth Sewell
Lisabeth Sewell has worn many hats at Sparkle over the years, from Sparkle Kitchen Blogger to Editorial Director to Doer of All Odd Jobs. Her primary role is as CEO.
