In the big, snowy land of Antarctica, there lived a penguin named Michael. Michael was nice, but he had a funny thing about him – his left wing would always wiggle, flop and move all over. He tried to stop it, but it wouldn’t stay still.

Michael’s odd wing made him feel weird compared to the other penguins. He watched them make friends and fall in love, but he felt he wasn’t good enough because of his wing. He thought no girl penguin would ever like him. He felt like he was broken.

One windy day, Michael went for a walk by himself. He walked on the ice, his wiggly wing leading the way, until he found a secret place. It was a quiet spot, protected from the strong winds by tall ice walls.

As Michael looked around, he saw a girl penguin sitting alone on the snow. She had shiny black feathers and kind eyes. Michael liked her a lot, but he was scared to go talk to her. He didn’t think she would like his wing.

But the girl penguin saw Michael and walked over. “Hi,” she said. “I’m Mary. What are you doing here?”

Michael wasn’t sure what to say. He didn’t want to tell her his secret. But Mary’s kind eyes and smile made him want to talk. He told her about his wiggly wing and how it made him feel different.

Lucy didn’t laugh or make fun of him. She listened and nodded her head. When Michael was done, Mary gently touched his wing. “Michael,” she said, “your wing doesn’t make you any less special. I think it’s cute.”

Michael was so happy. Mary liked him for who he was! They spent the rest of the day talking and having fun. Michael realized that his wiggly wing didn’t matter, and that someone loved him just the way he was.

Michael and Mary became the best of friends, and then they fell in love. They had their own baby penguins and lived in the same secret place where they first met. Michael’s wiggly wing became a reminder of how special he was and how much Mary loved him. He learned that true love doesn’t care about being perfect, it’s about liking someone for who they really are.

Self Reflection Time…

Self reflection questions and group discussion:

1. What are the “wiggly wings” in my life, the parts of myself that I perceive as flaws or imperfections?
2. How do these perceived imperfections affect my self-esteem and my interactions with others?
3. Do I allow these perceived flaws to define me, or do I embrace them as part of what makes me unique?
4. Am I open to the possibility that others may appreciate the qualities I see as flaws?
5. What are the “secret places” in my life, the spaces where I can be truly myself without fear of judgment?
6. Do I actively seek out and cultivate meaningful connections with others?
7. Am I willing to be vulnerable and share my insecurities with those I trust?
8. How can I learn to appreciate and love myself for who I am, flaws and all?
9. What role does acceptance play in my relationships with others?
10. How can I challenge my own negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations?
11. Do I believe that I am worthy of love and acceptance, regardless of my imperfections?
12. What steps can I take to build my self-confidence and embrace my unique qualities?
13. How can I learn to see the beauty in my own “wiggly wings” and appreciate them as part of what makes me special?
14. In what ways can I use my perceived flaws as strengths or sources of inspiration?
15. Do I surround myself with people who uplift and support me for who I am?
16. How can I create a more loving and accepting environment for myself and others?
17. What are the “Marys” in my life, the people who see and appreciate me for who I truly am?
18. How can I cultivate deeper and more meaningful relationships based on acceptance and understanding?
19. What lessons can I learn from Michael’s story about self-love, acceptance, and the power of connection?
20. How can I use my own experiences to inspire and empower others who may be struggling with their own “wiggly wings”?