My new book Through the Thought Clouds is now available!

elinap logo

Creates Illustrations & Books

Character Strengths in Ink With Animals

by | Nov 17, 2017

Week 2

I’ll draw one ink drawing a day in November about character strengths.

I’ll pick an animal that best represent the strength and draw it to do something that humans with that top strength could be doing.

These are first posted on my other website which is in Finnish and called Tarinatädin värityskuvat (Storyteller Auntie’s Coloring Pictures). Tarinatäti is about inspiring children into storytelling and teamwork through making each individual in a group to be seen and heard. (Meaning I create coloring pictures for groups of children based on their ideas) I have met already over 700 children and loved every idea!

Mira(cle)Doodles by elinap

HONESTY

Ahhh, how relaxing it is to see yourself in the mirror just the way you truly are – as a lovely, loveable being! This hippopotamus is listening to its inner guidance and wouldn’t like to be anyone else. When it’s true to itself and others it finds it easier to walk its own path and live a life it always dreamt of.

Is honesty effortless and natural for you?

Mira(cle)Doodles by elinap

ZEST

This blissful little ferret throws itself toward new challenges because that’s inspiring for it! It makes other animals (and humans) around it always smile and its enthusiasm is contagious.

Are you overflowing of love of life and excitement for a new day?

Mira(cle)Doodles by elinap

PERSEVERANCE

The lizard runs persistently toward its goals even on the water if needed. Not even the burning hot desert sand disturbs it as it goes. There has been lizards in our world since the dawn of life and it know it can handle any challenge or struggle put on its way. It just needs to take one step after another. Always forward.

Are you proceeding persistently toward the goals you find meaningful?

Mira(cle)Doodles by elinap

SISU

When all the grass has been eaten and there’s no hope left, pushing the wall down is the last thing the bull can do. It knows there’s a better world for it on the other side and is ready to continue until the wall crashes. We are not talking about perseverance anymore, sisu is what is needed now.

You have it inside too – the ability to go beyond even in the face of adversity.

Do you need to use sisu often in your life?

Sisu is added in the character strength list by Finnish researchers. SISU. It has no word in other languages, but although we Finns consider it as a deeply rooted strength in our people, it is universal. What is sisu? It is the power to go beyond, it starts where grit and perseverance stops.
Mira(cle)Doodles by elinap

KINDNESS

The kind sheep notices when little sheep has hurt feelings and brings it some lovely flowers. It loves to cheer others up with kind words and little gifts. It thinks nothing is more fun than meeting new sheep because it can always give out more flowers then (which means that it can fulfill kind intentions)!

Are kind actions blossoming on your path?

Mira(cle)Doodles by elinap

LOVE

Everyone feels great in this flock of swans. Love warms up the hearts of the little ones and reflects back from their hearts to the whole flock. All of them feel free to be themselves as they feel so connected by love to each other. They help each other and are curious and excited to learn more about the world. Love supports them!

Is love leading your actions?

Mira(cle)Doodles by elinap

SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE

The meerkat cub stands up for the first time in its life. It listens carefully and observes the gang. When it grows up it wants to be just like its uncle who makes any situation feel good for them all. The uncle knows how to make others laugh and cheered up but it also knows how to just be quiet and there for others. Whatever the situation requires. This tiny meerkat learns super fast!

Is it easy for you to be with others?

Mira(cle)Doodles by elinap

COMPASSION

Today hasn’t been going very well for this little Bambi, but luckily its compassionate brother is there for it. Bambi brother brings quiet comfort in this situation with its presence. It feels good to little Bambi that its brother isn’t trying to fix or mend anything. It knows that nothing is broken – All you need is love and support here.

Can you easily put yourself in other one’s shoes and bring comfort in their life?

Mira(cle)Doodles by elinap

JUST BE YOURSELF

This joyful little platypus know exactly what its strengths are and who or what it is – And see how relaxed and happy it is!

Can you easily put yourself in other one’s shoes and bring comfort in their life?

Inspired by

viacharacter.org
Huomaa hyvä! -Cards (Lotta Uusitalo-Malmivaara ja Kaisa Vuorinen)
And multiple websites about spirit animals

Read all the character strengths stories here

WEEK 1 – WEEK 2 – WEEK 3WEEK 4

Artist, Illustrator, Author & Life Coach. Turning struggles into loving laughter with her illustrations.
Creator of Mira(cle)Doodles.

Enjoy more doodles at Patreon