We live in a world where frenetic movement is the norm, where it is expected that we raise our little people to join the ever-present stream of movement and energy.
Even as we 'relax' we are watching screens, mindlessly partaking in the programming of a world that dictates who we should be.
Manipulated and coerced to participate at all times in fear of missing out. More and more often in this modern culture we are losing the ability to just be. To be still, to be present, to be in the moment, to be unique.
The
imagery of this illustrated narrative came to me when I was in stillness.
Breathing in the peace and solitude of the natural environment around me and
letting my mind truly rest. It is when we are at rest that inspired action can
arrive and just as the butterfly lands softly on the shoulder of my daughter
Mackenzie in this narrative, the story whispered to me…
I grew up in a family where at most there were 7 children living in a world where there was never enough. Never enough time, never enough money, nor warmth, connection, or sustenance. We needed to compete, we needed to prove our worth and everything was win or lose, in a lack mentality. This made us determined and courageous little fighters, characteristics that saw me through the darkest of times. I appreciate the upbringing that built within me the fire to overcome adversity and stare down defeat.
Yet
looking at it now with the benefit of my studies in psychology, it also
produced shame. It produced anxiety, depression, feelings of unworthiness, self-doubt,
suicidal tendencies, and isolation. I believe children should not have to face
these big emotions alone. Children do not have the capacity to externalise
these pressures, they blame themselves, they internalise the weaknesses and the
pain and they embed this feature as part of their profile. This is me; this is
what I create by being me.
This is
heartbreaking.
Little People Big Emotions is a multi-award-winning children’s illustrated narrative focused on developing healthy, resilient, emotionally intelligent little people. The first award won was for Emotional Intelligence, the capacity to understand and respond to one’s own emotions and the emotions of those around them. The capacity to identify not only, what the emotion is, but the knowledge that we do not have to be controlled by our emotions, that they are merely a signpost to learn from. What is your emotion telling you? How should you best respond? Who can support you with this if it feels too big to manage alone?
It is said that all emotion is determined from but two places, FEAR or LOVE. If we give children the capacity to truly understand their emotions, we empower them to control their own journeys. I went on a writer’s retreat with Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, and something that continues to resonate with me to this day is when she said, we have but room in our heart, mind, and soul for just 5 priorities. 5 priorities that we should focus on and strive for every day. Imagine the spaciousness that can be found in decluttering our day to day? In asking ourselves at every turn, is this serving me? Is this truly aligned with my priorities?
As a
holistic coach I work with clients to manage anxiety and emotional overwhelm. I
assist individuals to explore the filters that create their unique perspective
on life and focus on finding their purpose and their passion. We all have
within us, the answers we seek, at times we just need a little guidance in
finding them. Our little people deserve that guidance more than anyone. They
deserve the time, the clarity, and the connection to explore what they are
feeling, and they deserve to know that they are important, special, safe, and
loved, regardless of the external pressures put upon them.
This
book, Little People Big Emotions, is an educational resource developed through
the knowledge and experience of my lifelong career in Education, Psychology and
Yoga Therapy, using all my tools and resources to build a guide for little
people and the network of adults around them. Furthermore, I have created a
9-page FREE Study Guide to further support the critical discussions that can
flourish from the platform this narrative can create when tangibly shared with
little people. Signalling to those that matter most, that regardless of what is
happening in the world, you have a safe place, right here with this adult, who
has all the time in the world to dedicate to their connection and protection of
you.
Kylie Mort is many things, but she is a wordsmith at heart. An International Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author with multiple award-winning publications, she is also an App Developer. Due to her educational background as a qualified and registered secondary school teacher, Kylie’s main day-to-day activity is mentoring and coaching as an online tutor.
She likes to
connect to the world from her farm in North-East Victoria, Australia.
Get in touch with Kylie via her website, Facebook or Instagram.
