I recently reread one of my absolute favourite books. An absolute gem, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackey.
This wasn’t what I planned to write about today but I had said about 2 posts back I would try to focus on more problem-solving pieces this year but will share stuff as the spirit leads. I felt encouraged after reading it and decided to share my favourite parts with anyone who might need a little pick me up.
The book as the name implies is about a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse, the unlikely friendship they form and the real meaning of love.
You should all own this book and read this book. It’s so tiny, you can get through it in 20 minutes but it packs a punch.
Here we go:
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” asked the Mole. “kind,” said the boy. “Mmm,” said the mole. “Nothing beats kindness”
“Imagine how we would be if we were less afraid,” said the boy. “Most of the old moles I know wish they listened less to their fears and more to their dreams” replied the mole.
“One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things”
“Everyone feels a bit lost sometimes”
“Doing nothing with friends is never doing nothing” (the boy after rolling around in the snow with the mole and the horse)
“ I am so small,” said the mole. “ yes, replied the boy “but you make a huge difference”
“Tears fall for a reason and they are your strength, not weakness”
“I think you believe in me more than I do,” said the boy to the horse. “You’ll catch up. Life is difficult but you are loved” said the horse.
“The fox never really speaks,” said the boy. ‘No. And it's lovely he is with us” said the horse”. “To be honest, I often feel I have nothing interesting to say,” said the fox. “Being honest is always interesting” said the horse
“What’s the bravest thing you have ever said?” asked the boy. “Help,” said the horse. “Asking for help isn’t giving up,” said the horse, “it’s refusing to give up”. (This is my favourite)
“When the big things feel out of control, focus on what you love right under your nose”
“This storm will pass”
“It seems like we have such a long way to go,” said the boy. “I know”, said the horse “but look at how far we’ve come”
“You know, sometimes your mind plays tricks on you. It can tell you, you’re no good, that it’s all hopeless. But I have discovered this- you are loved and important and you bring to this world things that no one else can, so hold on” said the fox.
I hope you found some of those excerpts as heartwarming as I did.
Keep going,
Ije.
This is such an encouraging read! Thanks again for another brief; yet inspiring write up