Last fall, Sue Higgins was feeling blue.
Higgins, who goes by “Mama Sue,” was disheartened by the division in the country, and the negativity that was appearing daily on social media.
“I felt my own heart grow heavy,” Mama Sue says.
One morning, while preparing to go out with Norbert Barkah, her 7-year-old rescue pup, Mama Sue had an epiphany.
“If I feel calm, I’ll have a calm Norbert,” she says, adding that she decided to start sharing daily pep talks with her pup while driving in her truck.
“As a hypnotherapist, I know repetition of positive affirmations spoken aloud can soothe the subconscious and transform challenging days into better ones," she says. "I started sharing these morning pep talks on Norbert’s social media, hoping to help others face fears with courage and heart, and to spread calmness, one story and one affirmation at a time.”
A few years earlier, Mama Sue had created social media pages for Norbert on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, in order to help build up her own platform as an author.
Although Mama Sue had enjoyed writing stories for over 50 years, she says her storytelling heart remained untouched – that is, until Norbert arrived.
After Mama Sue’s first tale, “Tug of War Lesson,” got a positive response from followers, she was inspired to start illustrating the story, and looking for a self-publisher.
This first story in the “Norbert Barkah Chronicles” series was published in July by Crystal Heart Imprints.
While Norbert’s accounts already had a solid following due to Mama Sue’s talents as a storyteller, her decision to start sharing daily uplifting messages with Norbert caused the social media pages to increase in popularity.
Today, Norbert’s accounts have a combined 56,000-plus followers.
“Through Norbert’s platforms, I share stories and advice on kindness, calmness, and positivity – uniting people through kindness,” Mama Sue says.
With Norbert at her side, Mama Sue posts a variety of uplifting content, including daily affirmations to combat negativity and inspire positive thinking.
For example, in a recent “Norbert’s Wednesday Wisdom” post, Mama Sue wrote:
If today feels too big…
If your heart feels heavy or your mind won’t slow down—
Norbert wants you to know something:
You don’t have to do it all.
You don’t have to be okay every moment.
You only have to pause… and breathe.
Right here.
Right now.
He’s right here.
And so am I.
You are not alone.
Mama Sue also posts stories about Norbert and his fairy friend Lyra that teach kindness, empathy and chaos survival skills.
“Guided meditations are woven into these stories, helping viewers find stillness and peace amidst life’s challenges,” she says.
Finally, Mama Sue posts videos she calls “Norbert Living His Best Life” that showcase his joyful spirit and love for kids, horses and little dogs.
As Mama Sue shares her affirmations and stories, Norbert can be seen paying close attention.
“What you see on social media isn’t staged – just snippets of our real life in 30-second glimpses. He’s my ultimate confidant – a great listener who never judges or interrupts.”
Looking back, Mama Sue is thankful that the negativity she felt in the country inspired her to create something positive.
“Our mission is simple – spread kindness and create a safe space from hate and anger.”
TikTok: @NorbertBarkah225 | Instagram & YourTube: @NorbertBarkah | NorbertBarkah.com
"Mama Sue" Higgins shares her original artwork and excerpt from “Norbert Barkah and The Tug of War Lesson” with Ahwatukee City Lifestyle.
“Today is a great day, Norbert. Remember to use your heart as a compass and lead with kindness. True strength comes from being yourself and not letting the actions of others influence how you behave. Fighting doesn’t help, and arguing gets you nowhere,” Mama Sue said with warm encouragement.
“When two dogs argue, it’s like a game of tug-of-war. You both strain against the rope, each determined to win, pulling, tugging, and making each of you angry. The rope will either break, and you both fall, or someone lets go, and only one tumbles.”
Norbert cocked his head, confusion flickering in his eyes. “Am I a coward if I drop the rope?” he questioned, his voice tinged with curiosity. “Not at all, my sweet boy. It takes two to tug on a rope. You show strength and courage by letting go first. With your heart as a guide, you will always find a solution. Do your best to consider how you can work together instead of trying to win the fight,” Mama Sue said.
“I know repetition of positive affirmations spoken aloud can soothe the subconscious and transform challenging days into better ones."