It’s Not Easy Being Green

Most of us remember when the lovable Kermit from Sesame Street first sang a solo number called “It’s Not Easy Being Green”.   Even though the song was very short, there were several parts to it that I think we can all personalize in our own search for self-worth:

1. Acknowledging – The first line of Kermit’s song tells us that he knows who he is but has struggled with the fact that he is green. All of us have had times in life when we aren’t happy with who we are, and this has been more prevalent when we have said or done something that is embarrassing.
2. Questioning – Kermit then begins wondering why he wasn’t red or yellow, gold or something more colorful. Have you every wished that you were different?  Who dd you want to be?  Was it someone who was more athletic?  More beautiful?  Outgoing?
3. Regretting – Because he doesn’t stand out like flashy sparkles in the water or stars in the sky, Kermit feels that people ignore him. Often, we feel neglected or insignificant, especially when there are others around us who are getting attention and love that we long to have. 
4. Reframing – Kermit then begins to think about the positives of being green. Green is like spring, seems friendly and can be as big as an ocean or mountain or even as tall as a tree.  When we are able to focus on positives instead of negatives, we will be able to recognize the good traits we have to offer the world.  We become what we think about.
5. Accepting – Kermit then gets to a point where he realizes that he doesn’t really have a choice. He is green and can’t change that so there isn’t any point in wasting time wondering how he might be different.  Now he doesn’t think about what he can change but instead just focuses on acceptance.  Some things in life can’t be changed, but like Kermit, we can always change our attitude.
6. Embracing – Finally Kermit goes past acceptance. He actually states that green is beautiful and that is what he really wants to be.  Once we get to the point that we are content with ourselves, we will be able to let go of our anxiety and discontent resulting in a new ability to enjoy life more.  We will also be less vulnerable to those who might wound our self-image by slinging emotional arrows at us.

Now that school has started for the fall term, many parents worry about how their child might experience bullying, but this negative behaviour doesn’t just occur or stop in childhood.   There are bullies all over the place and the best way to deal with them is to have a teflon coating of self-confidence.   Bullies only attack when they think that they are making an impact.

My suggestion for this week is for you to Google Kermit’s song and pay attention to how he works through the process of loving himself just as he is

Remember, if being green can be beautiful to Kermit, then you can be beautiful too.  Think about it and embrace it!