At Being That Girl, we’re always on the lookout for inspiring voices that spark creativity and foster well-being. It is our pleasure to introduce you to Morgan McKenzie — a voiceover artist, radio personality, and former professor from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Her unique journey into mindfulness led her to create a picture book designed to help children navigate their big emotions.
A Personal Journey to Peace
Morgan’s path to mindfulness began in 2017 when a close friend introduced her to meditation. “I realized early on how transformative meditation could be,” she recalls. “It changed my entire outlook on life and taught me a new way to handle those overwhelming emotions.” With dual degrees in Mass Communication and English & African American Literature from North Carolina A&T State University, Morgan brings both passion and depth to her work. Her experiences have shaped her belief that mindfulness isn’t just for adults — it’s a skill that can empower even the youngest hearts.
Inspiration for Zion’s Happy Place
The spark for her picture book, Zion’s Happy Place, came during her time teaching a kid’s movement class at Millwood Elementary in Oklahoma City. One hectic day, Morgan decided to lead her students through a spontaneous meditation exercise. “I turned off the lights and told them, ‘We’re going to go to our Happy Place.’ The kids embraced it completely. Their excitement and openness made me see that mindfulness could be a joyful journey, even for little ones,” she explains. This moment of clarity fueled her desire to create a book that teaches mindfulness through a fun, engaging story.
Zion’s Happy Place takes children on an imaginative journey with Zion, a character who shows young readers how to connect with their feelings and discover that their emotions are a source of strength and magic. It’s a gentle introduction to mindfulness that’s tailored for early readers ages 3–8, but it’s also a resource for parents, guardians, and teachers looking for creative ways to support emotional well-being.
Who Is This Book For?
Morgan envisions her ideal reader as any child stepping into the world of words and self-discovery. “I designed Zion’s Happy Place with early readers in mind, but I also hope that adults will see it as a tool to connect with their children. It’s about building that bridge of understanding and helping them learn that their emotions are important.” The colorful illustrations and engaging storyline are crafted to captivate young minds while providing practical steps to help them express themselves through mindfulness.
A Creative Process That Flows
Morgan’s approach to writing is anything but rigid. “I don’t force a routine. I write when I feel inspired, and I always keep a notepad handy to capture my thoughts,” she shares. Currently juggling a couple of other book projects, Morgan embraces spontaneity as part of her creative process. This flexible approach not only fuels her creativity but also keeps her connected to the emotions and experiences that shape her work.
A Message for the Next Generation
The heart of Zion’s Happy Place is a simple, yet profound message: your emotions are powerful, and learning to listen to them is a vital skill. Morgan hopes that by introducing children to mindfulness early on, she can give them a tool that will help them navigate the ups and downs of life with grace. “I want kids to know that when they take a deep breath and tune in to their feelings, they’re unlocking a superpower,” she says.
Morgan McKenzie’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest moments — like finding a quiet space to breathe — can lead to the greatest discoveries. Zion’s Happy Place isn’t just a book; it’s an invitation for children and adults alike to explore the magic of mindfulness.
Learn more by connecting on Instagram @morganmckenziemedia
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