We sometimes forget that encouraging individualism can bring about positive inward and outward change in children. But actress and mother Angelina Jolie had some powerful words of encouragement during her acceptance speech at the Kids Choice Awards this past weekend.
Angelina made headlines last week after the New York Times published a personal essay in which she publicly addressed her decision to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. She carries the BRCA1 gene mutation that makes her susceptible to cancer and opted to have the surgery done as a preventative measure, despite it pushing her into early onset menopause.
The Kids Choice Awards was Angelina’s first public appearance post-surgery, and she was nominated for her role in Maleficent. Upon winning the award for best villain, her children, who'd accompanied her to the event, embraced her in a heartwarming moment, after which Angelina took the stage to give her powerful acceptance speech.
“When I was little, like Maleficent I was told I was different,” she says. “And then one day I realized something — something I hope you all realize. ‘Different’ is good.”
Her words were met with a boom of applause, and her speech has been lauded for encouraging kids to embrace their creativity.
What her full speech in the video below, and if you were inspired by Angelina’s powerful words, SHARE this video with your friends on Facebook!
