When Fred went to bed that night it was with lots of thoughts in his mind about the conversa-
tions he’d had during the day. What could he learn from the things his friends did? Could he ask his
mom to read him a story, to absorb his thoughts in some interesting tale? That had worked some-
times in the past. Could he check his room—like Philip did with his honey pot—to reassure him-
self there was no need to be afraid? Like Tabby, could he weigh up whether it was appropriate for
him to be afraid? Was there any real risk? If there was, what could he do about it? If there wasn’t, how
could he relax and drift into a comfortable sleep? Could he do what Tom did, and remind himself
that feelings like fear will pass and won’t stay around forever?
What do you think he did? Whose advice did he follow? Did he do some of these things or all
of these things? Or did he perhaps think of other things that he might be able to do himself? What-
ever he did, I do know that it was possible for Fred to snuggle up at night in the hole in the wall in
the corner of the house and sleep a comfortable, rested sleep.
STORY 70
THE SECRETS OF SUCCESSTherapeutic Characteristics
Problems Addressed
■ Dealing with rivalry
■ Facing a challenge
■ Setting goals
■ Finding the means to succeedResources Developed
■ Acknowledging strengths
■ Acknowledging weaknesses
■ Using strengths
■ Making choices about weaknesses
■ Training and preparationOutcomes Offered
■ Focusing on your strengths
■ Applying yourself toward your goal
■ Developing your personal best
“Grandpa,” asked Thomas on the phone, “can we walk the Bibbulmum Track next weekend
and stay at Hewitt’s Hill Hut?”
“That could be possible,” said Grandpa, thinking of the previously enjoyable hikes they had on
the local backwoods trails and how Thomas had a particular preference for Hewitt’s Hill Hut.
“Could I bring some friends? Daniel, Bon, Luke, and Willo?”
170 Healing Stories, Teaching Stories