Adventures of Unicorn and Friends: A Journey of Positivity

A long time ago, in a land not too far from anywhere, there lived a special unicorn, Anabelle.

She was not like other unicorns, different in many ways, but with a big heart and an amazing outlook on the world, always remaining positive, even during the darkest parts of her life.

Her horn was quite crooked. She was smaller than other unicorns. Each of her eyes was a different color, and one of her ears stuck up slightly higher than the other. But most of all, she did not have a family.

Other unicorns wondered where she came from and why she looked so different from everyone.

They picked on Anabelle and called her names.

Some of them said she did not fit in.

At times, it appeared that no one liked her.

It seemed like Anabelle always lived her life behind others, and there was no chance of ever catching up with the rest of the world.

Despite those obstacles, Anabelle remained optimistic.

She believed that things would turn around for her … eventually.

One day, Anabelle was walking through the woods to clear her mind, as she usually did on most mornings, when she came upon a hedgehog.

He was small and scrawny.

In addition, he had large ears and very little hair on his body.

It appeared that he had wandered into the forest and drifted away from his home.

“What is your name?” asked Anabelle.

“My name is Hampton. What is your name?” questioned the hedgehog.

“I am Anabelle. Nice to meet you, Hampton,” said Anabelle.

Hampton said, “It is nice to meet you too, Anabelle.”

“Are you lost?” asked Anabelle.

“I am not sure. Where are we?” inquired Hampton.

“We are in the woods,” explained Anabelle.

When Anabelle looked at Hampton, she wondered how he had wandered to this area.

Most hedgehogs stayed on the other side of the forest, and she did not remember seeing him before.

Anabelle asked, “Where are you going?”

Hampton told her, “I am not sure. I just need a change. So, I left for a while and ventured into the forest.”

Anabelle asked, “Hampton, would you like to walk with me for a while, just until you figure out what you really want to do?”

Hampton agreed, and the two walked down a path lined with magnolia trees.

They strolled and talked as they continued to walk among the trees in the forest.

Hampton began to explain his story, “I grew up in a very supportive family, filled with love, afforded every opportunity I could imagine.”

“So, what is the problem?” asked Anabelle.

Hampton, looking dejected, explained, “I am just not sure what I am doing in this life or where I am going.”

Anabelle had different experiences from that of Hampton.

She had no family, often didn’t feel loved, and lost much hope for her future.

Despite these circumstances, she believed in herself and her abilities.

Anabelle did not let anything put her down.

She knew she was different, but she chose to look at those differences as opportunities to prove not only to others but to herself, as well, that she could change the world.

Anabelle, in a stern voice, said to Hampton, “Always remain positive. Each day brings new challenges, and with each day, special new opportunities await you.”

“But, so much can go wrong,” Hampton interjected.

Anabelle replied, “And so much can go right.”

“How do I know where I belong or what I am supposed to do?” questioned Hampton.

“Everyone has a place in this world; you just need to find your place!” exclaimed Anabelle.

“What good can I do? I am just an ugly, little hedgehog,” stated Hampton.

Anabelle explained to him, “Never underestimate what you can do, Hampton, and the differences you can make.”

“No one is going to listen to a small, weird-looking animal like me,” Hampton reasoned.

“You are a gift to this world,” Anabelle stated, “and the world needs someone like you.”

“Do you think I can make something of myself?” asked Hampton honestly.

“Your time will come one day,” explained Anabelle, “and then, you will make the biggest difference and change the world.”

The two walked for a while longer and continued down the path of trees.

“You know,” Hampton confessed, “I feel like I have nothing to contribute to this world, but you made me realize how truly special I can be.”

“Everyone is special in a unique way, Hampton,” answered Anabelle.

Hampton promised, “From now on, I am going to focus on what makes me special.”

Anabelle turned away for just a moment.

When she turned back to Hampton, he had walked around a group of trees, and he seemed to have disappeared just as quickly as he arrived next to Anabelle.

Annabelle ran after him to thank him for talking and walking with her.

She tried to catch him, but he vanished behind the trees.

Anabelle looked at the ground; there was a piece of paper.

She read the paper “Never miss an opportunity to make a difference in this world.”

Anabelle saw this as a new beginning, a chance to start afresh.

She walked through the woods for a while longer.

What could this day bring that would change everything?

It seemed odd that she met Hampton in that part of the woods.

He was so down on himself, but she was able to be positive and encourage him not to give up.

Anabelle thought about their conversation.

She realized that she told Hampton what she should have been telling herself.

As Anabelle strolled along the path, she looked up and stared directly into a rifle’s barrel.

Anabelle had stumbled upon a hunter.

He held the rifle securely in his hands, pointing it directly at her, but strangely, he did not shoot; he paused.

“Where are you going?” gruffly said the hunter.

“I am taking a walk through the woods,” explained Anabelle.

“I have never seen a unicorn like you. What is your name?” inquired the hunter.

“I am Anabelle. What is your name?” responded Anabelle.

“Terry,” said the hunter, “I am glad to meet you, Anabelle.”

“It is nice to meet you, too, Terry,” Anabelle replied.

“Did you ever think you could hurt someone with that gun?” asked Anabelle.

“I know,” said Terry, “I should be more careful.”

“I was just walking through the forest trying to gather my thoughts,” explained Anabelle.

“I often do that, too,” Terry confessed. “I love being out in nature among the trees and animals.”

“I love seeing all the different types of animals and plants, as well,” Anabelle admitted.

The two of them talked about nature and animals for a while and all that is out in the world to see.

“I thought hunters shoot animals,” asked Anabelle.

“Sometimes,” replied Terry, “I guess I was just taken by the beauty of nature around me.”

“Nature is beautiful!” exclaimed Anabelle.

“Nature runs in our family,” Terry said.

“Nature is my family,” Anabelle replied.

“My daughter, Christine,” Terry explained, “is in charge of an animal refuge where people can come see many different animals, spend time with them, and bring children to pet and play with them.”

“That sounds like a nice place,” replied Anabelle.

“It is,” said Terry, “there are so many different animals and people interacting with each other and appreciating how each contributes to our world.”

“That sounds like a place I would like,” replied Anabelle.

“Would you like to come see the refuge?” asked Terry.

Anabelle thought about it momentarily and responded, “Why would they want me there?”

“Because you are special,” Terry replied, “And you are here for a reason.”

“But I am ugly,” Anabelle reasoned, “And I have a crooked horn.”

“You are a gift to this world,” explained Terry, “And you have a place where you are needed.”

“How do I know if I belong there?” asked Anabelle.

Terry reassured, “Be positive because each day brings new challenges and new opportunities.”

“But what if something goes wrong?” Anabelle interjected.

Terry replied, “And what if something does go right?”

“How do I know what I am supposed to do in this world?” questioned Anabelle.

“Everyone has a place where they are needed in this world,” exclaimed Terry.

“What good can I do? I am just a unicorn with a crooked horn,” stated Anabelle.

Terry said, “Never underestimate the power of the differences you can make.”

“No one is going to listen to an ugly animal like me,” Anabelle reasoned.

“You are not ugly; you are unique,” Terry stated, “and the refuge needs you.”

“Do you really think there is a place for me?” asked Anabelle.

“Absolutely!” exclaimed Terry.

Anabelle thought about being surrounded by people, animals, and especially children, all working together and encouraging each other, especially during tough times.

She loved the idea of finding her place and making a difference, didn’t she?

Maybe this was the change in her life that she needed.

“Yes, that sounds like a place I would like,” Anabelle concluded.

She arrived at the refuge early one morning.

Anabelle spent most days talking to people and children, interacting with everyone, and providing comfort to others who were struggling, always remaining positive and encouraging.

Everyone was extremely kind, and the environment was calm and conducive to working together.

Anabelle felt completely comfortable at the refuge, and she instantly felt at home among so many different animals and people.

One of the best parts of the job was that Anabelle spent time with young children who were going through medical procedures at the nearby hospital, and they needed some encouragement.

Conversations with the children helped them take the focus off of their medical conditions.

The children could escape the world for a while and be out among the animals and nature.

She was also able to help injured or ill animals rehabilitate in a safe and caring environment.

Anabelle was making a difference in the lives of others by being positive and encouraging.

Each day brought her into contact with such wonderful people and animals.

She loved every part of helping others and watching people and animals work together.

Anabelle never knew it was possible to interact with people and animals in a natural environment and make such a difference in the lives of others, encouraging them in every way.

She felt very positive about being a part of this refuge.

Annabelle now had a family and a place in this world. About a year went by, and Anabelle was taking a break, walking, when just outside the fence, she saw something out of the corner of her eye.

She was not sure what she saw at first, but she turned to look toward the commotion.

It was Hampton!

He said, “Hello, Anabelle. How are you?”

Anabelle was overcome with excitement to see her friend.

“I am great! How are you, Hampton?” asked Anabelle.

Hampton exclaimed, “I am good. I see you found your place.”

Anabelle told Hampton about her adventures and how fortunate she was to run into Terry in the woods.

“Sometimes,” Anabelle explained, “You just need a chance …”

“… to find your place and make a difference …” finished Hampton.

“… and change the world,” concluded Anabelle.

After several minutes, the two discussed sharing their thoughts in the woods the other day.

They realized that when friends feel down. It is important to remain positive and encourage them.

It was amazing how such simple ideas led to regaining perspectives about the world.

“You know, Hampton,” said Anabelle, “I should listen to my own advice sometimes.”

Hampton replied, “It sounds like you did,” as he chuckled.

Anabelle got distracted by some children and animals who had walked past them.

She did not realize it, but when she turned around, Hampton had vanished again.

“Why does he keep doing that?” questioned Anabelle.

On that day, Anabelle realized she had found her place, and she was ready to make a difference and change the world.

She turned around and looked over her shoulder at the refuge behind her.

Anabelle belonged to this special place, among animals and people, just as nature intended.

How did the events of the past year bring her to this refuge?

It takes time, but people find their places in this world.

We will never know when the spark will occur that ignites each of us to find where we are going.

It might take a chance encounter to realize what is important to each of us.

Maybe a hunter in the woods saves a life instead of taking one.

There are many opportunities to make a difference.

It takes time for people to understand where they belong.

A hedgehog may meet you in the woods and help you find your place in this world.

Or, a hunter may find you and guide you in the right direction.

Finding your place is the key to making a difference and changing the world.

Even for a unicorn who has a crooked horn.