A Matter of Perspective

When I was a consultant I came across this story and instantly fell in love.  

It has such a powerful message!  

I used to read it to my groups and I always got choked up.  :) 

 I wanted to share it with you, too! 

Please enjoy The Frog Story and let me know what you think!  

The Frog Story

A group of frogs were hopping contentedly through the woods, 

going about their froggy business, 

when two of them fell into a deep pit. 

All of the other frogs gathered around the pit 

to see what could be done to help their companions. 

When they saw how deep the pit was, 

they agreed that it was hopeless 

and told the two frogs in the pit 

that they should prepare themselves for their fate, 

because they were as good as dead.

Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, 

the two frogs began to jump with all of their might! 

Some of the frogs shouted into the pit that it was hopeless, 

and that the two frogs wouldn't be in that situation 

if they had been more careful, 

more obedient to the froggy rules, and more responsible.

The other frogs continued sorrowfully shouting 

that they should save their energy and give up, 

since they were already as good as dead!

poor frogs!

The two frogs continued jumping with all their might, 

and after several hours of this, were quite weary. 

Finally, one of the frogs 

took heed to the calls of his fellow frogs. 

Exhausted, he quietly resolved himself to his fate, 

lay down at the bottom of the pit, and died.

The other frog continued to jump 

as hard as he could, 

although his body was wracked with pain 

and he was quite exhausted. 

Once again, his companions 

began yelling for him to accept his fate, 

stop the pain, and just die.  

The weary frog jumped harder and harder and, 

wonder of wonders, finally leaped so high 

that he sprang from the pit!

Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his freedom 

and then gathering around him asked, 

"Why did you continue jumping 

when we told you it was impossible?"

The astonished frog explained to them 

that he was deaf, 

and as he saw their gestures and shouting, 

he thought they were cheering him on!!!!! 

What he had perceived as encouragement

 inspired him to try harder and to succeed 

against all odds!!

This simple story contains a powerful lesson. 

Your encouraging words can lift someone up 

and help them make it through the day. 

Your destructive words can cause deep wounds; 

they may be the weapons that destroy 

someone's desire to continue trying. 

Be the light!  Be conscious of your words.

Speak kindness to others AND to yourself!!

Love to You!

Kristie

I googled this story and found it at:

http://www.crystal-reflections.com/stories/story_73.htm