I Like ME

Self-Esteem elephant is one of nine Characters of Character. After earning a National Promising Practice Award, the creator, Joni Downey created the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization to help build a strong foundation for children to establish strong civic values. Relocated to Tennessee from Illinois in 2020 late October and has made wonderful connections, impacted hundreds of children and continues to make a difference in the life of a child.

You may question why character development is so important at an early age? Well, I'm here to tell you that building a firm foundation provides a child to learn, live and grow into who they are meant to be! Plus, having good character inspires empathy and understanding, it empowers a child with the tools to make better choices, it provides structure and guidance, it encourages feelings of acceptance and assists in developing critical coping skills. Not to mention builds the foundation for a path to success into adulthood. You know the ol' cliche, "It's easier to build strong children rather than broken adults"

When a child understands that one can learn from mistakes, they will be confident to try again. As an adult, it took me awhile to believe this, but today I know it is so true! To be able to feel proud of your accomplishments or even your failures because you know you will learn from them and move on is empowering!

Years ago I visited an elementary school, the school social worker had reached out to me and asked if I would make a visit to the school and discuss character with the students. She chose Self-Esteem Elephant as the trait and expressed that the 4th graders might be a tough audience because the characters are cute. I took it with a grain of salt and talked with grades K-3 and then came the 4th graders! I put my big girl pants on and tackled the conversation! Low and behold, they were so engrossed in the topic and shared so many stories about themselves. Each student listened as the other one spoke, learning something new about their peers was interesting to them. They already knew who was good at math or spelling, but what they didn't know was who liked to play baseball, or who liked dance or who did and liked this or that! Once the students started talking about what they liked about who they were, what they could do and what they enjoyed the flood gates opened!

At the end of the discussion I actually got high fives and hugs from the classroom and the biggest smile ever from the social worker! Mission accomplished? I think so! Through the years we have painted this character on canvas and discussed the trait with many students at local libraries and even with Girl Scouts.

Today, we have put together a Mindfulness activity box of Self-Esteem with the focus and the other characters to donate to the Metro Nashville Schools here in Tennessee. We need sponsors and donations to fulfill this request as we have partnered with PENCIL who will get them into the schools and hands of the teachers. What a wonderful opportunity to share this message of confidence and to be part of such great communities!

If we haven't met, please reach out, I'd love to share more over a cup of coffee or a zoom call!

Please visit us online to learn how YOU can make a difference. Thank you. Ms. Joni and the Characters of Character