There’s an old fairy-tale called “Peter and the magic thread” …
In the story Peter was a very lively little boy, full of energy and life. His teachers, friends and family all adored him…
But Peter did have one big weakness…
He could never live in the moment.
When he was in school, he dreamed of playing outside and when he was outside playing he dreamed of a summer holiday…
Peter was constantly dreaming, and never taking the time to enjoy the now.
One morning Peter was outside walking in a forest and he felt a little sleepy so decided to take a nap on the grass.
Peter was shocked as he was awoken by someone calling his name. He opened his eyes and saw an elderly woman with long white hair. The women was holding a magical ball with a hole in the centre. There was a long golden thread hanging down from the middle of the ball.
“Peter, this is the thread of your life, if you pull the thread a little bit, minutes will pass in seconds. If you pull a little harder hours will pass in minutes and if you pull with all your might months, even years will pass by in days.” She said.
Peter was very excited with what the women had shown him and asked is he could have the magic ball. And to Peters joy she reached down and gave it to Peter.
The next day Peter was at school feeling restless and bored, suddenly he remembered his new toy and he pulled a little bit of the magic thread…
Peter found himself at home in his garden. Realising the power the ball had to offer and thinking about how he longed he be a teenager Peter quickly pulled hard on the magic thread.
All of a sudden Peter was a teenager with a pretty girlfriend named Elise.
But Peter still wasn’t content. He’d never learnt to enjoy the moment.
So again, yes you’ve guessed it, Peter pulled on the magic thread…
He was now a middle aged adult. Elise was now his wife and Peter had a house full of children!
Still, not happy with what he had Peter pulled on the magic thread one last time and waiting for the changes to appear…
He was now an elderly man. His jet black hair had now turned completely white and his beautiful wife was no longer with him, she’d passed away a few years earlier. His children were grown up and lived away from home.
It was then that Peter realised that not once in his life had he taken the time to appreciate the present moment.
Peter had never flown a kite with his children or taken a late night stroll with his wife, instead he had rushed through his life and never stopped to see the good that was in front of him.
The loneliness of this hit Peter and he felt very sad. He decided to go out for a walk into the forest he once loved walking in as a boy.
He laid down on the grass and fell asleep. But after a minute he heard someone calling out to him.
He looked up in compete astonishment when he saw the very same old women who had given him the ball with the magic thread standing before him.
She asked if he’d enjoyed the gift and Peter glumly explained that it had been fun to begin with, but now he realised he hadn’t taken any time to enjoy the precious moment of his life.
He told her he felt empty inside.
The old women granted Peter one last wish and he wished to go back to being a school boy and live his life over again…
Peter returned to a deep sleep and was once again awoken by someone calling his name. When Peter opened his eyes and saw his mother standing over his bed calling him to get up and ready for school. He was delighted. His wish had been granted.
Peter jumped out of bed that morning and began to live the life he had hoped.
This story teaches the importance of ‘living in the now’ or ‘being present’…
Many parents and carers I talk to say things like…
“I want him to go to a mainstream secondary school..”
“I want her to have friends.”
“I want him to get married.”
“I want him to be independent, and get a job some day.”
But not all of these parents and carers work on the NOW so their child can achieve these things later in life.
The present is the only time we have control over and living in the now with your child is very important.
Just taking one step at a time.
While you’re here…
Join the “Unlimited Autism Success Inner Circle” today and start helping your child achieve their goals, progress quicker and be more independent…
Inside “The Unlimited Autism Success Inner Circle” there are heaps of strategies, tips and advice that cover everything from Diet and picky eating to ways to prevent sensory meltdowns.
Speak with you soon, until then
Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today…
Emma Ottaway
The Ambitious Autism Ambassador
