The ugly duckling.

The message behind the fairytale is utterly beautiful and heart-warming. The story is of how a young duckling was perceived as homely by the other creatures surrounding him, he was subjected to both physical and emotional turmoil. So he ran, he escaped from everything that had made him feel inadequate. Though there were times when strangers with good hearts and intentions tried to help him, life stood in the way. And so, after spending the dark and cold of winter alone he was just about to give in. He threw himself back in to the world, ready to be hurt beyond rescue. However, the world had changed. But more importantly he had changed - he was no longer the "homely little creature", he was beautiful. Upon the reflection from iced surface he was able to witness the transformation he had made himself. Now he was the swan, with beauty, courage and compassion. He was freed from his past, freed from his memories. With a deep breath, he spread his pure white exquisite wings and flew.
Everyone can take a story and interpret it how they wish, and to me this story signifies hope. I see myself as once being the "ugly duckling", the person that didn't quite fit in and was hurt by others words and actions. I've given in many times, done things I wish I hadn't. I've been alone and I've felt the cold hearts of judgemental individuals. But just like the duckling, I was growing and blossoming. See the duckling was never ugly, nor was I. Everyone has beauty within them, everyone deserves the right to feel beautiful. Life is too short to be alone, too short to feel the cold. Life is about spreading your wings and soaring, there is no need to throw rocks at those who fly, everyone will learn to fly.