What It's Like To Be You!

Illustration by Lucky

This soul searching book, What It's Like To Be Me, starts out as a quest for acceptance, reassurance and an aspect of approval. What happens on this journey is remarkable, and let me tell you, it is a thing of true beauty.

The question we should be asking ourselves more is, "What is it like to be me?" If asked the question, "How do you see yourself, what would you say?" Do you know how others see you; and is that the person you are striving to be?

The reality is, we will never know what others truly understand us to be, because everyone is unique. We may have an idea of how others view us, but remember, we all see the world through our own lens.

Individuals are guilty of crafting our personality, morals and values in their own minds, sometimes without even knowing who they themselves truly are. Sounds unbelievable right.

Ideally, we want to be seen as truthful, respectful, caring and to never intentionally, or to knowingly cause harm. Yet, it is true that sometimes we lose our way, unsure where to turn. But, with the right tools to get grounded, dig deep, and know ourselves, we can face anything.

Remember, you have a purpose, and that purpose is within you!

Let's go on a journey with this young girl and reconnect with ourselves through her experiences.

Regardless of ones age, this book will gently pull you toward who you truly are.

On a funny note, the next time someone tells you, "I know you better than you know yourself," ask them, "Well, what do I think about you?"

Never forget, only you know exactly who you are!!

Bye for now, and thank you to everyone for supporting my work and celebrating in the power of storytelling!

Respect and Truth Always,

Elizabeth Ann O'Handley

ANALYZING OUR REACTIONS! LET'S TALK ABOUT BABY!

If you had the opportunity to read, Magic in the Glorious Green Glades, I predict you may have formed your opinion about Baby's character already.

The name "Baby" has so many meanings. It could be a term of endearment, an unpleasant personality type, or a little human ready to take on the world...the list goes on!

Whatever comes to mind when hearing the word, one thing we all have in common; we were all a 'Baby' once.

The character, Baby, in, Magic in Glorious Green Glades, is a representation of all of us, to a point. We were all naive to life's ridicule, pain, and bullying in one way or another...until we were not!

Baby's character exhibits confusion when trying to understand the negative personality that made her feel so embarrassed. She allowed the word's of Gee to control her emotions, and essentially her life!

As her friends Frankie and Sammie, follow her lead, to never visit the Play Park again, we see the impact an experience can actually have on more than just the targeted individual!

As Lily and the Queen help the group work towards a solution - we watch the characters grow and mature!

Each experience in life, may give us the essential tools to carry on; even if we do not immediately realize it.

Baby's character development is one of admiration, and one I personally hold in high regard!

As we overcome life's challenge's, we may find strength and an unwavering ability to persevere.

Just like Baby, try to stay open to opinions, suggestions and a little help from your friends. We never know when the wisdom from another could just be the answer we have been looking for.

Elizabeth Ann O'Handley

THE ANTAGONIST! LET'S TALK ABOUT GEE!

Sometimes, we must look closely to see the problem!

Well, here we are! Meet Gee, the instigator of chaos, in the book, Magic in the Glorious Green Glades.

We all have experienced a Gee in our lives from time to time. Maybe we have one right now. Gee expresses the true characteristics of a bully, and keeps the reader wondering what causes his internal torment. Although his own insecurity and lack of confidence are the true explanation for his behaviour, he unapologetically ruins everyone's experience at the Play Park.

Gee refuses to play with the other critters at the Play Park, even though they repeatedly extend their offer for him to join them. He instead, decides to make fun of them, call them names, and downright humiliates them.

Not Cool, right!!

The character development in, Magic in the Glorious Green Glades, quickly reiterates that not everyone deals with derisive behaviour in the same way.

Understanding the antagonistic actions of Gee, we may find ourselves oblivious to the sadness, pain, or fear that he not only causes, but is actually experiencing.

As Gee shields his truth with each and every strand of the tall grass that he hides behind, Lily is the one character that see's him as a victim. Good for her! Like I said before, the world needs more Lily's!

The complexities of life will always be there, that is for certain. Let us help one another find strength, and believe in our own magic, as we seek for the answers we are all looking for.

Remember, the Play Park is a depiction of the real world. Like the character's in Magic in the Glorious Green Glades, we too, are just trying to survive the chaos...

See you soon.

Elizabeth Ann O'Handley