Things happen. Opportunities come. Some are planned. Some are unexpected. What do you do?
Remember the children’s book, The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper (pen name of Arnold Munk)? Let me refresh your memory or if somehow this 1930 publication evaded your childhood experience, it’s worth your acquaintance.
When the engine of a long freight train filled with toys for children on the other side of the mountain failed, it went in search of help. It approached several engines including a big one, built for hard work. ‘I can’t.’ replied the big engine. ‘That’s too much of a load for me.’
After several other engines refused, out of desperation it asked a little blue switch engine, ‘Can you help me?’ The little blue engine looked at the grade of the mountain and the heavy load and replied, ‘I think I can.” and placed itself in front of the train. As the little blue engine started up the mountain, it puffed and puffed and kept repeating, ‘I think I can.’ ‘I think I can.’ Getting faster and faster. ‘I think I can.’ ‘I think I can.’ It was almost at the top. ‘I think (the words came slower) I can.” As it pushed its way over the peak of the mountain, the little blue engine repeated it once more, ‘I think I can.’ ‘I thought I could!’ ‘I thought I could!’ it sang as it made its way down the other side of the mountain.
The Little Engine That Could was voted as one of the “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children” by the National Education Association in 2007, yet I believe it has an important lesson for us today.
Do you look at an unexpected happening as being insurmountable saying something like, ‘That’s too much of a load for me.’? Are you hesitant to step out and explore new possibilities that could bring joy to others and new meaning and purpose for you? Do you want to do something of significance in 2019?
Let’s look at what you can learn from that Little Blue Engine:
What do you believe? About yourself? Your capabilities? Your purpose? Is the road ahead too tough? Do you question your ability to cope? Are you afraid of failure? Are you unsure where to start? Do you struggle with focusing on your limitations? Are your thoughts preventing you from pursuing your dream? Do you have a purpose or need it clarified? Then act today!
My friend, Nancy Jones and I are offering the Living in Purpose and Service Conference here in Tucson on March 15 & 16. If you answered yes to some of the questions I just mentioned, this conference is for YOU.
Take advantage of the early registration discount today at www.purpose-and-service.com and make 2019 truly a new start.
Remember the children’s book, The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper (pen name of Arnold Munk)? Let me refresh your memory or if somehow this 1930 publication evaded your childhood experience, it’s worth your acquaintance.
When the engine of a long freight train filled with toys for children on the other side of the mountain failed, it went in search of help. It approached several engines including a big one, built for hard work. ‘I can’t.’ replied the big engine. ‘That’s too much of a load for me.’
After several other engines refused, out of desperation it asked a little blue switch engine, ‘Can you help me?’ The little blue engine looked at the grade of the mountain and the heavy load and replied, ‘I think I can.” and placed itself in front of the train. As the little blue engine started up the mountain, it puffed and puffed and kept repeating, ‘I think I can.’ ‘I think I can.’ Getting faster and faster. ‘I think I can.’ ‘I think I can.’ It was almost at the top. ‘I think (the words came slower) I can.” As it pushed its way over the peak of the mountain, the little blue engine repeated it once more, ‘I think I can.’ ‘I thought I could!’ ‘I thought I could!’ it sang as it made its way down the other side of the mountain.
The Little Engine That Could was voted as one of the “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children” by the National Education Association in 2007, yet I believe it has an important lesson for us today.
Do you look at an unexpected happening as being insurmountable saying something like, ‘That’s too much of a load for me.’? Are you hesitant to step out and explore new possibilities that could bring joy to others and new meaning and purpose for you? Do you want to do something of significance in 2019?
Let’s look at what you can learn from that Little Blue Engine:
- Optimism is invigorating! It can make what seems impossible possible.
- Taking action can be personally rewarding.
- Others can benefit from actions you’re willing to take.
- Serving others makes a significant difference like the little blue engine making sure the toys got to the children on the other side of the mountain.
- Hard work pays off.
- Do what you can because others you think will or could, might not.
- Refusing to compare yourself to others helps you stay focused on the task at hand.
- What you believe about yourself and what you have to offer is vital!
What do you believe? About yourself? Your capabilities? Your purpose? Is the road ahead too tough? Do you question your ability to cope? Are you afraid of failure? Are you unsure where to start? Do you struggle with focusing on your limitations? Are your thoughts preventing you from pursuing your dream? Do you have a purpose or need it clarified? Then act today!
My friend, Nancy Jones and I are offering the Living in Purpose and Service Conference here in Tucson on March 15 & 16. If you answered yes to some of the questions I just mentioned, this conference is for YOU.
Take advantage of the early registration discount today at www.purpose-and-service.com and make 2019 truly a new start.
Bobbie Rill, M.A., LPC
Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist/Natl. Trainer
A well-loved speaker and counselor, Bobbie has been guiding individuals successfully for over 25 years.
The Grief and Wellness Group, Inc.
www.GriefTheThief.com
RSS Feed