Cyclic Steam

This morning I went off on a little tangent that led me to  an adorable yet poignant video of "The Little Engine That Could."  After watching it twice, I found half a dozen life lessons that would pertain to single moms, but I think the most touching lesson is not that the little engine "thought she could" but that she WANTED to. She stopped and listened to the plight of the train of cars, piled with good intentions but that ran out of steam. In her desire to help, she also learned something very important for her own self esteem; that you must try first to succeed.
I was going through my newsfeed on facebook

when I came across a poster that someone shared that read: "It's not who you are that holds you back, its who you think you're not."  I was inspired to write about this, as this seems to currently be something that i am struggling with right now.  I am starting with a company that I believe in, yet I feel that I am lacking in the skills in some areas that would stop me from being successful.  And the word "stop" seemed important to reflect upon.  What stops me and why?  Am I afraid to fail?  Am I afraid to even try because of this fear of failure? It reminded me so much of a book from my childhood, "The Little Engine That Could."  But to be honest with you, I couldn't remember the entire story so I wanted to read it again!  So I looked online and came across a video of the book.
The first time I viewed it, the black stuffy engine that didn't want to help the train of cars reminded me of corporate America's mentality where people don't help others unless there is some gain in it for them.
  "Its not my business to pull a little nobody like you," he snorts. "I pull finer trains than you!"  I know we want to dwell on these "nasty big engines" and talk about the nasty people we have come across,  but lets stay focused for a moment! Lets give attention where attention is due.
Here is a train full of good intentions that has broken down!  The most powerful engine won't help her.  Along comes a weaker engine who wines " I know I can't" and he doesn't!!   But then comes the little blue engine.  She notices all the toys in the cars, she sees the good intention of the train of cars, and she stops to help..  She wants to at least try!!
So I think the moral for me at this point in my life, as I relate to the train full of good intentions, is to pick friends and cohorts wisely.  The friends that listen when listening is all they can give, the new friends that support me in my new venture and say "I believe in you" and "hang in there!" are the ones we want to tap into, and in return be that person for someone else.  We want to be hopeful and represent hope for someone else.   I want to say that its very important to have a support system when we run out of steam.  And its never a better time to build that support system.  Heres to all you little blue engines who make the mountains of life easier.Thank you!!  Here's to all the moms that have their good intentions and are tired or financially broke or both.  Hang in there.   I believe in you!!

Now,  as a treat, take a 14 minute break,  grab your favorite beverage, put your feet up, and discover a lost little book from your childhood.

http://youtu.be/8EhpqcXoxGI