The Beautiful Cardinal FableA story about a cardinal that didn’t

know it was beautiful.Alejandro the cardinal could never figure out why the other birds didn’t seem to notice him. Was he just too different, as he thought?

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The Beautiful Cardinal Alejandro loved flying around the garden. He especially enjoyed

the trees and the food that the people left for him in the bird feeders. He wanted to get noticed by the other birds, but they didn’t pay any attention to him.

"I wish that my feathers weren’t such a bright red," thought

Alejandro. "I want to look more like the other birds."

In his opinion, the other birds got more attention than he did because they were more beautiful. So, feeling sad and lonely, he just withdrew more and more from the others.

However, the other birds did want to be friends with Alejandro. But because he mostly kept to himself, they felt that he didn’t like them, so they stopped trying to be friendly.

One day, perched in a tree, Alejandro despondently watched the other birds having fun. Noticing his troubled look, the other birds came over to cheer him up.

“What’s up, Alejandro?” they said.

Alejandro just couldn’t help it. He poured out his heart and they finally understood why he stayed away from them.

“But, you are beautiful!” they exclaimed. “We thought you didn’t like

us!”

Short Story

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With the misunderstanding all cleared up, Alejandro joined in the fun

with the other birds, finally realizing that his bright red feathers – although different from the other birds - actually enhanced his beauty.

Moral: Remember that you’re

beautiful, just the way you are!

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The Beautiful Cardinal Alejandro didn’t understand his own beauty. When he compared

his colors to the other birds, he felt less beautiful every day because he looked different from the rest of them.

Have you ever had thoughts similar to Alejandro? Do you compare your physical attributes to others, wishing that you were

taller, shorter, skinnier, or anything else that you think would make you look more attractive?

Consider how boring the world would be if everyone looked the same!

Luckily, you have your own innate talents and unique characteristics that make you a picture of beauty! Beauty is both outside and inside, and they work together to make up the complete picture that others see as you.

Remembering that you are beautiful can be difficult until you

appreciate all of your wonderful qualities.

Try making a list of every good quality you can think of that fits you

– inside and out. Whenever you’re feeling less than beautiful, take out your handy list and remind yourself of your great beauty! Your

self confidence will soar, and you’ll be more attractive than ever!

Personal Reflection

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Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What can I do to better appreciate my beauty?

2. How will seeing my own beauty make me more confident?

3. How will my life change when I feel more confident about

my looks? What will I do differently?

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