Why modesty really makes you strong!

The Neflental valley in winter and the power of modesty

A new season begins in the heart of the Neflental. Winter has arrived. The snow glistens everywhere. The rivers are dormant. And there is an almost magical stillness on the snow-covered lake. The lake is frozen over. Glowing lights dance on its ice and the sky above shines in icy blue, midnight blue and soft white.

A special invitation to the Sonnenfedertal

Rosa Periwinkle wakes up early in the morning. The icy wind whistles around her window. But today she feels particularly curious. A soft sound calls from outside. It is birds that live in the nearby Sunfeather Valley. These birds are something very special. They have golden plumage and their song sounds like light and joy. Rosa Periwinkle decides to visit the Sun Feather Valley.

A surprise awaits in the Sonnenfedertal

She can feel the fresh snow under her feet from the very first step. On her way, Rosa Immergrün meets other friends from the Neflental. Many of them want to see what makes the golden birds so happy today. When she arrives in the Sun Feather Valley, she marvels at the beauty of the golden birds. They dance from branch to branch and fill the air with music. Many young inhabitants of the valley want to be admired just as much as the birds.

Who is really strong here?

Some Neflental children also want to shine. They bring out their most precious gemstones, brandish their most beautiful capes or perform unusual feats. They think that if everyone admires them, they are particularly strong. But nobody really takes any notice. Because everyone looks at the golden birds and listens to their song.

Rosa Periwinkle watches quietly. She claps her hands in a friendly manner, but does not push herself forward. The golden birds, however, suddenly land next to her. As if by magic, they perch on her arm. The golden feathers glisten in the snow next to her hand. Everyone is amazed. Rosa Periwinkle laughs a little embarrassed, but she remains calm and friendly. Then the others ask: "Why do the birds come to you?"

Rosa Periwinkle replies quietly: "I just wanted to hear their song and be happy with them. You don't always have to be the centre of attention to be strong and happy." The golden birds chirp in agreement, as if they have understood.

The return to the snow veil lake

As she walks back to Snow Veil Lake in the evening, the ghost lights sparkle in the ice. Rosa Periwinkle sits down on the shore and thinks. The starry sky is reflected on the smooth surface. Suddenly the lights around her shine even brighter. Many from the valley had wanted to show their strength. But the magic of modesty shines stronger than any vain glitter.

Rosa Periwinkle knows that real strength often lies in the quiet, the gentle and the modest. She looks at the snow, smiles and feels safe. She wasn't loud. She didn't want to shine. Nevertheless, she made everything shine - without showing off. The golden birds fly back to her in her dream and the winter evening feels warm.

What do we learn from this?

Humility is a wonderful gift. It makes you strong because you open your heart and give joy to others without making a fuss. In Neflental and especially at the Snow Veil Lake, everyone realises that those who listen to others, who honestly empathise, have a special strength. Together with Rosa Immergrün and her friends, you can discover that it is sometimes better to help in the background than to be in the limelight.

You want the book Order "Pink evergreen and the golden oak leaf" - click here!. Also like to take Contact the author Kira Kimmelmann at or read more short stories by Pink evergreen here.