The Barking Pig: Lessons in Individuality and Authenticity - The Story of Norman

Individuality and Authenticity: Norman stands out as a unique individual who is comfortable with himself. He doesn't conform to societal expectations or peer pressure, even when it comes to choosing a role in a play. His willingness to be different and authentic is a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself.

Creativity and Innovation: Norman's decision to create a new character, the pig, in a well-known story like Cinderella demonstrates his creativity and innovation. It shows that sometimes thinking outside the box and embracing unconventional ideas can lead to surprising and delightful results.

Dedication, Enthusiasm, Passion: Norman's commitment to his role as the pig is evident through his dedication and enthusiasm. He fully immerses himself in the character, mirroring Cinderella's emotions and even barking with joy at the end. This teaches us that regardless of the role we play in life, giving it our all and showing enthusiasm can make a significant impact.

The Power of Emotion: Norman's pig character serves as a mirror for Cinderella's emotions, highlighting the power of emotional connection in storytelling and human interaction. It emphasizes that understanding and expressing emotions can create a deep and meaningful connection with others. This reminds me of the three things that Guru Nanak said, Singing, Listening and Loving (Guru Nanak said Bhao, which could be interpreted as emotion). 

Recognition of Unconventional Success: The standing ovation that Norman receives at the end of the play demonstrates that success doesn't always follow traditional paths. Norman's unconventional approach and dedication lead to his recognition and applause, highlighting that there are many ways to excel and make a positive impact.

An elementary class was putting on the play Cinderella. The best parts get passed out first, of course, and upon asking who wanted to play Cinderella and the handsome prince, the hand of every girl and boy shot up.

'Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!'

Soon, the students realized only two people could have the choicest parts, so many of the requests quickly changed to: 'Can I be the ugly stepsister?' and 'Can I play the mean stepmother?' Being the wonderful diplomat she was, the teacher soon navigated thru the selections until everyone had a part. Except for Norman.

Norman was a quiet young man who didn't say much in class. It wasn't that he was super-shy or bashful; he just didn't like talking as much as everyone else. Norman thought talking where nothing was really said was a waste of time, so he talked only when he really had something to say. Norman had a mind of his own and was completely comfortable just being himself.

Knowing all the parts were taken, the teacher approached Norman and asked: 'Norman, I'm afraid all the big parts are taken. Is there a part you're interested in?'

'I'd like to be the pig,' said Norman.

'The pig?' said the teacher. 'But I'm afraid there is no pig in Cinderella.'

'There is now,' said Norman.

Norman designed his own costume - a paper cup for a nose and pink long underwear with a pipe cleaner for a tail. Norman's pig followed Cinderella around everywhere on stage and became a mirror for the main character. If Cinderella was happy, so was the pig. If she was sad, so was the pig. Afraid, afraid. Worried, worried. One look at Norman and you knew the emotion of the moment. At the end of the play when the handsome prince placed the glass slipper on Cinderella and they walked happily offstage arm in arm, Norman went wild with joy, dancing around on his hind legs and barking with incredible enthusiasm. In rehearsal, the teacher had tried to explain to Norman that pigs don't bark. But, as she expected, Norman calmly explained that this pig barked.

The presentation was a smashing success - and really, surprising to no one - guess who received the standing ovation? Norman, the barking pig - who was, after all, the real Cinderella story.

What I love about that story is Norman's persistence, impervious to intimidation - Norman refused to believe he had no place.