"I Think I Can"

I have always enjoyed the story of  "The Little Engine That Could." It is the story of the underdog, the story of someone who is supposed to fail but does not. Please read the story below and we will discuss it.

This story is in its original 1930's book format. I thought everyone would enjoy reading it that way. Click on the link to access the story.

The Little Engine That Could

When I read about each engine, I realized that each of them had different attitudes towards the situation. The first engine to come along thought he was better than everyone else and too good to haul the toys and treats. The second engine as well thought that he was too good to pull the little train up the hill.

The third engines response was even more interesting. He thought that he was too old and simply did not have the energy to go over the mountain. The third engine's attitude was simply "I can not, I can not, I can not."

The next engine that came by was the little blue engine.  She was willing to help and rescued the day by pulling the train over the mountains. The little engine's motto was: "I think I can," I think I can," I think I can." Later on, the Little Blue Engine's motto changed to, "I thought I could," I thought I could."

This story teaches many things. The most important that I think it teaches is the value of a positive attitude. Even though the little train had a challenge, it believed that it could get through the challenge with the right attitude.

When times get tough and we have a steep mountain or trial in our path, we should have the attitude of the Little Engine who thought he could.

"I think you can."
"I think you can."
"I think you can."

Mr. Joe