Here’s their story written by Sharen Roberts. 

There is no greater gift than self-acceptance.

It is important that we all listen to our inner voice and really hear what we think and what we are saying about our-self and it is important that we teach our children to do the same.

A healthy sense of self is vital for everyone, without it we can develop addictions, depression may shadow our lives and we may find our mental health will suffer greatly as we experience the ups and downs of life. 

We all have “negative thoughts” at times, what I call (“stinking thinking”) some of us become “stuck” in our negative thoughts, we forget to remind ourselves that “we” are not our “mistakes”, some find difficulty in to relocating a pathway back to forgiveness and self-acceptance.  

Our thoughts are not “fact” they are simply “thoughts” – our perceptions of ourselves and others can be changed by changing the way we “think” – negative thoughts can be changed into positive ones when we are supported to do so by our “everyday environment”.

Crucial experiences that help to form our beliefs about ourselves occur early in life, we learn from the world around us – our “everyday environment”, our family, friends and significant others, television, magazines and media advertising all help us to develop a healthy sense of self or a poor self-image.

I have created “Positive Messages” (with an adhesive backing) called “Little Words of Truth”, these kind uplifting messages are designed to support kids (of all ages) (and we all have a child inside us) to love themselves a little more each day - they gift the reader with an alternative to the “stinking thinking”.

The power of positive thought is not new – Norman Vincent Peale introduced his readers to “positive affirmations” in 1952 and one of the most inspirational speakers of his time was Mr. Zig Ziglar took his readers to the mirror in 1975 - he instructed his readers to stand tall and square their shoulders as they stood in front of the mirror first thing in the morning and last thing at night – looking into their own eyes and always speaking in the first person  “I am ---“ .

Louise Hays a world renowned metaphysical healer states that when you choose to use affirmations, you are making a conscious decision to heal your life and move forward on the path of positive change …

Aussie kids are struggling with issues of anger, self-doubt and a lack of self-respect, eating disorders, drugs, alcohol, cutting and suicide are becoming our kids only perceived means of escaping the inner pain they are feeling and a way of blocking out the “negative” thoughts going on inside their minds, the rate of depression and mental health issues within our youth are increasing, cyber bullies are now sharing screen time 24/7 with our kids and parents are struggling to find answers.

These positive messages may not answer all the issues that your child will face in life – however, the “gift” of  “Little Words of Truth” to a child (or an inner child) from a parent/ grandparent or significant other will remain in that child’s mind for a “lifetime”, empowering your child to become the very best they can be – “gifting” that child with the “gift” of “self-acceptance” and an alternative to the “stinking thinking lies”.

Kids are Awesome – help them to Believe it. 

“Little Words of Truth” belong in our everyday environment on mirrors, walls, sliding doors, car windows and school corridors – they do not need to coordinate with the décor they have nothing to do with art or colour, they are about “the words”.  It is the “message” that sits silently in our “everyday environment” feeding our mind with empowering words of “Self-Acceptance”  steering each reader on a pathway to become the very best they can be.   

Craig & Franny are creating a “wave” of “Little Words of Truth” in Bellingen at their shop called “The Alley Cats Stash” (directly behind the Pet Shop, next door to the Chinese restaurant) in the alley. 

Craig and Franny will be happy to talk to you about which message might best suit your child or simply ask your child to choose their own “Little Words of Truth”. Phone them on 0459575433 or email thealleycatsstash@hotmail.com).