The Kind Princess and The Duckling

Once there was a princess, kind and beloved by all. Every day, the people of the land and all the animals would sit, talk to her, and feel her love.

One day, the princess went on a walk in the forest and saw a little grey duckling. The princess was amazed, having never seen a grey duckling before. She sat down and spoke to him.

"Hello, little one, how are you?" The grey duckling ignored her. The princess was bewildered, and a bit sad.

But the princess was patient and decided to give the duckling time.

3 hours later, the duckling stammered, with a tear in his eye, "Please, don't go."

Bit by bit, the little duckling told his story. A great storm had destroyed his home, his family and all his friends. He had nowhere to go. "Can you help me?" he asked.

The princess was very pleased that the duckling finally opened up to her. She said, "Yes, little one. Come stay with me. From now on, you'll never feel alone again."

** So, they lived happily ever after, right?

I certainly hope so! Well, there is an important teachable moment in this story.

How did the princess feel when the duckling opened up to her, about his loss of home, family and friends?

So here's my provocation/reflection exercise for you today.

Are you trying to rescue someone else, or are you trying to rescue yourself?

Is it even possible to do both, at the same time?