“To be born in a duck’s nest, in a farmyard, is of no consequence to a bird, if it’s hatched from a swan’s egg. “

–the Ugly Duckling
by Hans Christian Andersen

When I was a little girl I thought that the Ugly Duckling was telling me that one’s appearance could be changed when she grew up and would become more beautiful and graceful if she worked hard on herself. 

Even some people said that the ugly duckling could become swan was not because how hard it was trying but it was born to be a swan.

But now when I read this story again, no, the story is not talking about appearance, it’s about being who you are.

The Hen said that you were useless because you could not lay eggs.

The cat said that you were not smart because you could not raise your back and throw out sparks.

All other ducks said that you were ugly because you looked different.

So what?

You were not born to be a duck, or a hen or a cat.

You were born to be a swan.

So the first day when he met swans, ” he knew not the names of these birds, nor where they had flown, but he felt towards them as he had never felt for any other bird in the world.”

On the way to find who you are and who you belong to, you may suffer sorrow and troubles, but in the end, it would enable you to enjoy so much better all the pleasure and happiness.

Follow your heart, never give up, one day, you will become a swan and find your swans there.

Mowen Li

the Persian Princess in THE UGLY DUCKLING
Acrylic on Paper
390mm X 540mm
2017.4.2. Philippines