Pooh’s Zesty Wisdom
Lately I’ve been revisiting the old classic Winnie-the-Pooh—a beloved and well-worn book that’s been gracing many children’s bedrooms for decades, and I’ve realized that no matter what age you are, the tales from Hundred-Acre Wood are truly evergreen.
Filled with nugget after nugget of zesty wisdom, Pooh inspires us with his philosophical musings and his mindful way of life. Pooh and Piglet teach us so much about what friendship is and how it’s expressed. Even through the most blustery of days, the answers are there on how to always walk beside each other…
Pooh’s way of life
Pooh has an effortless way of going about life. Rather than trying to control or change things, he just lets life happen. Pooh reminds us that life and relationships don’t have to be so complicated. He never casts judgement on his friends; Pooh loves his friends for who they are and understands that, at times his friends have simply lost their way, and need help.
I’ve compiled some of the wisest lessons from Winnie-the-Pooh, and I’ve found it’s definitely worth taking a moment each day for a regular Pooh…quote.
“What day is it?” asked Pooh. “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favourite day,” said Pooh.”
Is it Sunday? Tuesday? Friday? The right answer is today. We’re always looking to the future, planning and worrying, but Pooh teaches us the importance of the moment.
“Some people care too much. I think it’s called love.”
Caring holds us together and true friendship is built on love.
“A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey.”
Pooh shows us the importance of making time for your friends, because these relationships are what makes life a little sweeter.
“A little consideration, a little thought for other, makes all the difference.”
You can find ways to help others when you start thinking about their needs. Once you know others needs, you can often solve them—even through simple little things that you may have overlooked. Pooh also teaches us that even though life is mostly sunny, there are some moments that can be less than perfect. And it’s perfectly okay if you don’t always take those in stride.
Piglet: “How do you spell love?” Pooh: “You don’t spell it, you feel it.
Being truly connected to another person happens organically. It takes a certain amount of time, space, energy and vulnerability to grow naturally.
“If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”
Practice patience and give others the benefit of the doubt. Choose not to become frustrated or offended; instead seek to understand. Be patient with others. They might be distracted or struggling with something you may not be aware of.
“You can’t always sit in your corner of the forest and wait for people to come to you… you have to go to them sometimes.”
You need to meet people half way. Pooh teaches us that sometimes you have to take the first step forward if you want or need something.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Value the people in your life and show gratitude for the moments spent with your friend.
“Doing nothing often leads to the very best something.”
Doing something is not always the answer. That’s because doing something often results in doing too much. We end up forcing things, which ironically works against us. Relax and find your flow. And don’t let yourself be so focused on work that you cannot have fun with our friends.
“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.”
Cherish your friends and never take them for granted. If we remember that we could lose someone at any moment, we would love them more fiercely and freely, without fear. Not because there’s nothing to lose, but because everything can be lost.
“I don’t feel very much like Pooh today,” said Pooh. “There there,” said Piglet. “I’ll bring you tea and honey until you do.”
A good friend is always by your side when you need them, and they will try their best to cheer you up when you’re feeling down. Good friends will remind you of your magic when you’ve forgotten.
“A hug,” said Pooh “is always the right size.”
Hugging is the best therapy. It allows the other person to know that they matter and it has the ability to melt stress away.
“Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
Pooh and Piglet teach us that it’s the little things and the smallest gestures of kindness that have the greatest meaning—the little things is where the magic is.
“There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
Piglet is often a little nervous, anxious, and timid, but he never lets that stop him from doing what he needs to do. He often relies on Pooh to keep him safe, but the lesson he teaches is that it’s okay to be nervous or worried when working to overcome your fear. He talks himself into being brave, and when he does, he ends up doing more brave and wonderful things.
“I always get where I’m going by walking away from where I’ve been.”
In order to get where we’re going, we must walk past where we’ve been and into the present moment. When we understand this lesson, we embrace the uncertain journey of life.
Friends forever
“We’ll be friends forever, won’t we, Pooh?’ asked Piglet. Even longer,’ Pooh answered.”
With a conscious effort and sensitivity, it’s very possible to maintain a lasting relationship. Through understanding differences and accepting one another exactly as they are, it opens space to meet at a common point and offer unconditional love and care.
Piglet and Pooh show us the beauty of being a loyal confidante and friend, who loves all of their friends, despite any flaws, and stands by them no matter what.
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