WholeHearted Wednesday #50

?? My Christmas Hero: Rudolph ??

For as long as I can remember, I’ve watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer every holiday season. At this point, that’s more Christmases than I’d care to count!

Rudolph’s story is a classic: a young reindeer with a luminous red nose that sets him apart. At first, he tries to hide his difference. When his nose is discovered, the ridicule begins, and Rudolph, ostracized and hurt, runs away with his unlikely friend, Hermey the elf.

But the magic of Rudolph’s story lies in his transformation. On one fateful, foggy Christmas Eve, Santa realizes Rudolph’s glowing nose is exactly what’s needed to guide the sleigh through the storm. In that moment, the trait that once caused him so much pain becomes his greatest strength. Rudolph saves Christmas—and earns the respect of his peers in the process.

For me, Rudolph isn’t just a heartwarming holiday character. He’s a hero.

You see, as a kid, I had my own version of a red nose. ??

I suffered from severe nosebleeds, the kind that wouldn’t stop until my parents rushed me to the emergency room for cauterization (a hot poker up the nose to stop the bleeding). It wasn’t just painful; it was isolating.

The sight of blood on a tissue would send me into a panic. Kids teased me relentlessly, calling me names, pointing out my “red nose” as if I didn’t already feel different enough.

I learned to shrink back, trying to hide what made me stand out.

And then came Rudolph. Watching him face the teasing, the rejection, and then ultimately owning his red nose felt like someone was handing me permission to see myself differently. Rudolph didn’t just survive being different; he turned his difference into a superpower. His big, glowing nose didn’t just save Christmas, it helped him claim his rightful place as a leader.

That’s the lesson I carry with me, and it’s one I share often in my work with clients. We all have something about us that sticks out, something that feels like a liability. But what if it’s our greatest strength?

When we identify and embrace our unique traits—our superpowers—we unlock a wellspring of energy, confidence, and flow.

These strengths help us shine in ways that can inspire others and create meaningful impact.

So, this holiday season, let me ask you:

• What’s your red nose? What about you sticks out?
• What unique strength or superpower have you been hiding or shrinking from?
• How can you, like Rudolph, turn what makes you different into your greatest asset?

Rudolph reminds us that our light—however unconventional—is needed in the world.

So, like Rudolph, let it shine. ??

Have a WholeHearted Week!

TC