In 1930, Watty Piper wrote “The Little Engine That Could.” The most famous line in the book is, “I think I can. I know I can.” Nearly one hundred years later, the lesson of believing in yourself remains the same. The Little Blue Engine never told herself or let anyone else tell her she couldn’t. Though her experience was lacking, she faced many fears head-on. Together with her friends to support her, she forged ahead bravely. Her friends on the train cars were equally determined to make it over the mountain. Can’t wasn’t a part of their vocabulary.
Growing up, the word “CAN’T” wasn’t a word we said either. Our mother never supported the term. She would tell us, “Can’t never did nothing.” Her point was that there’s always a way to figure things out. “The Little Engine That Could” is my clearest memory of Mom’s lesson. We read it a lot. I wasn’t interested in locomotives, but the message always reminded me to think positively, “I think I can. I know I can.”
That century-old book parallels life with additional meaningful messages, too. It is also, “I think YOU can. I know YOU can.” We are responsible for supporting each other as we push through our fears or struggles. Other engines that could’ve helped refused, saying they were too important, good, or old. They turned away from helping. Part of the reason The Little Engine could is because she wasn’t alone in her determination.
Everyone benefits when we work together to overcome obstacles in life. Good little girls and boys might not be waiting for goodies and toys, but someone is counting on you. Don’t let “can’t” stand in your way, or nothing will get accomplished. Some old lessons are worth the reminder.
Revisit the book for yourself here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2EhWYGbi5o.
