Anyone else remember being read "The Little Engine That Could" as a child?
I do...
I remember our teachers telling the simple story of a long train of freight-cars that asks a powerful locomotive for help taking them over a high hill.
"You're too heavy for me," says the big engine, "I can't do it!"
So the train asks another engine, and then another, only to hear a string of excuses and refusals. (Our teachers would adopt various voices and accents to distinguish between each one.)
Finally, in desperation, the train seeks help from a little switcher locomotive, only designed to tow railcars short distances and assemble them into long trains for bigger engines to pull.
"I think I can", puffs the little locomotive, and puts itself in front of the long, heavy train.
So, up the mountain it goes, bravely puffing faster and faster. "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!"
I won't spoil the ending, but there is ONE thing that I NEVER remember our teachers emphasizing:
That train was absolutely, undeniably a SHE/HER/GIRL! (Feel free to look it up.)
I don't recall ANYONE talking about that, way back then.
Imagine all the #empowerment lessons that could have been taught with just that one simple, powerful little tale.
It could have helped SO many little girls (AND boys, too!) appreciate that strength, courage and determination are not specifically masculine OR feminine traits.
After all, how many female heroes did YOU learn about in school?
I'm curious: Were YOU taught this story differently? I'd love to hear your take below!
#ImOfficiallyOldNowSoImHopefulThingsAreBeingTaughtBetterToday
#AndNoThisIsNotAPoliticalStatementInAnyWay
Wellness Transformational Coach | Keynote Speaker | Author | Corporate Wellness Consultant | Self Defense Instructor
4moHell yeah ! Most production jons were filled during ww2 by women ! This is why my company empowers them will self defense skills 🥊