The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy, Read Aloud by Tim Uffindell

 My friend shared this video recently. Tim Uffindell narrates the book "The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse" by Charlie Mackesy. My friend said that this video was discussed during a leadership class she was taking. The topic was one of the most important things that leaders tend to neglect: care for self.

 

video uploaded in youtube by Tim Uffindell

It's a 12-minute video and in this age of instant gratification, many may find it too long but it doesn't feel like it is 12 minutes long when you watch it and it is definitely worth it. This book is like a compilation of beautiful, moving, and inspiring quotes about life and love, including self-love. While a lot of what is in it are things we may already know, just reading (or in this case, hearing and seeing) all these lines together reminds us of what is important in life and how we need to love and be kind to our own selves.

There are so many amazing quotes in this book but three of them resonate with me because I believe in them very deeply and I wish that a lot more people did, too:

1. "If at first you don't succeed, have some cake." I really like this because we've all heard the other saying "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." While that teaches us dedication, persistence, perseverance, and commitment, it can be quite tiring to keep plugging away at something especially after we've failed. Sometimes, it's important to take a bit of a break when things don't go our way to help us calm down and refocus. Sometimes, or maybe even often, it is that break that helps us regain the energy, the courage, and the clarity to succeed.

2. "Sometimes I worry you'll all realise I'm ordinary," said the boy. "Love doesn't need you to be extraodinary," said the mole. I love this because I feel that sometimes there is such pressure for people to become "special" and to make a difference in the world that many end up being dissatisfied or feeling like a failure when they are unable to achieve the very high standards they have set for themselves. It's important for people to remember that we all deserve love, whether we achieved greatness in life or not.

3. "Don't measure how valuable you are by how you are treated." This is my favorite line and I love how it is shared towards the end of the book. Too often, people define themselves and measure how valuable they are by how others perceive and judge them. This can often result in disappointment, heartache, and misery. While it is important for us to be aware of and understand how others perceive us, we need to also understand and believe that we are valuable, even if other people are unable to see and appreciate our value.

Aside from the powerful lines in this book, I love how beautiful and uplifting the art is. Even the font adds such amazing character and even a touch of profoundness. Tim Uffindell does a terrific job narrating the book and the music that plays in the background makes the video even more touching and meaningful. I've watched this many times and I am moved each time. I hope you were moved by it too.