Hi, this is Sophia Cartman, host of Dreaming Podcast Show, place to learn, laugh, and grow.
Big Dreamers, let me ask you a question.
Have you ever had a feeling so big, so loud, so full of energy, you didn't know what to do with it?
Maybe you were sad, but you didn't know how to explain why.
Maybe you were angry and you didn't want to yell or hurt someone.
Or maybe you just felt super worried, but kept it inside, hoping it would go away.
We all have those moments.
And guess what?
Big feelings are totally normal.
But here's the thing.
What we do with those big feelings really matters.
And today we're going to explore something magical.
How to handle big emotions with gentle words, soft hearts, and a quiet strength.
And we're going to have help from four very unlikely friends.
Nope, not real people.
Storybook characters from one of the most beautiful books ever written The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy.
Let's dive into their world and the big lessons they gently whisper into ours.
This is episode 463 of the Dream Big Podcast, and it's time to dream big.
Are you pumped yet?
It's showtime.
Let's rock and roll.
Welcome back, Big Dreamers.
This story starts with a boy walking through the wild.
He meets a mole, then a fox, then a horse.
And through their gentle conversations they teach each other about courage love, fear and friendship.
At one point, the boy asks, what's the bravest thing you've ever said?
The horse replies softly, help.
Isn't that powerful?
Sometimes we think brave means yelling loud or standing tall like a superhero.
But maybe real courage is quiet.
Maybe not.
It's when you're feeling broken or small and you need to reach out and say, help.
That's brave.
That's beautiful.
And that's something we can all do.
Now, the mole is a curious little creature.
He loves cake, like me.
Really loves cake.
But he also loves asking deep questions.
One of my favorite quotes is when the mole says, Isn't it odd?
We can only see our outsides.
But nearly everything happens on the inside.
That line stopped me in my tracks.
Because...
How many times do we think someone's okay just because they're smiling?
Or assume someone's mad at us just because they're quiet?
The mole reminded me.
We don't always see what people are carrying inside.
So what can we do?
Be kind.
Always.
Even if you don't understand.
Even if you're confused.
Even if something's a little different from you.
Because gentle words can be the soft pillow somebody's heart needs.
The fox is the quietest character in the story.
He barely says anything.
At first, he seems shy.
Maybe even a little unfriendly.
But then we learn the fox has been hurt before.
He doesn't trust easily.
He doesn't always have the words.
But he's there.
He listens.
And slowly, as the others show him kindness, he starts to open up.
Big dreamers.
This part reminded me that not everyone talks when they're sad.
Some people go quiet.
They just need time.
Shelter animals are a lot like this fox.
They need time to open up.
I remember when we got Alice, my bunny.
After a while, she was ready to She nudged me.
When she got mad at me, she bit me.
But before, she was very quiet.
She liked hiding in things.
She still does.
But now she's more open.
She's more happy.
People and animals who go quiet just need time.
They're full of love. waiting for a safe space to share it.
So if you ever meet a quiet kid at school or anywhere, or for adults, even somebody who feels distant, don't push, don't tease.
Just sit beside them and say, it's okay, I'm here when you're ready.
That's how trust grows.
Now let's talk about the horse.
He's big, strong, but wise.
And yet, he doesn't try to fix everything.
There's a beautiful moment when the boy falls down.
He's tired, maybe overwhelmed.
The horse doesn't lecture him, doesn't give advice.
He just stands by the boy.
Quiet, still, present.
That's what real love looks like.
Sometimes we think we have the perfect words when someone's upset.
But sometimes all they need is someone to just be there.
Hold a hand, sit close.
Say softly, I'm with you.
That's real friendship.
And that's what I hope to be for others too.
So big dreamers, here's what I learned from the boy, the mole, the fox, and the horse.
Number one, big feelings are okay.
They don't make you weak.
They make you human.
Number two, you don't have to fix everything.
Just being there is a gift.
And number three, gentle words are more powerful than we think.
So next time someone tells you, I'm scared or I feel sad, you don't need to give them a long speech.
Just say, that sounds really hard.
I'm here.
Or, I care about you.
Or even just give a quiet smile and a hug.
That's more than enough.
This week, Big Dreamers, your challenge is called Say It Gently.
Here's how it works.
Choose one moment from each day and use a gentle word with a sibling, a parent, a friend or even yourself.
You could say I understand.
You don't have to do this alone.
Or let's figure it out together.
And maybe write your favorite quote from this episode and hang it in your room.
Or go to our Instagram account or Facebook and you'll see it there.
Here's one of my favorites.
Big feelings need gentle words.
You never know how much someone might need to hear it.
Thank you so much for listening, big dreamers.
Remember, the world doesn't need more shouting.
It just needs more softness, more kindness, and more people who say, I'm here.
So this week, speak gently, feel deeply, love boldly the way life is meant to be.
If you love this episode, please remember to leave us a view at dreambigpodcast.com slash iTunes.
Please share with your friends and family.
As always, the show notes will be at dreambigpodcast.com slash 463.
Remember to check out our YouTube channel and please hit the like and subscribe button.
That's all for today, big dreamers.
This is Sophia Cartman reminding you that you have unlimited potential.
Your dreams are not optional.
You need to make them essential.
So take massive actions and turn those big dreams into reality.
Live with passion the way life was meant to be.
See you next episode.
Bye.
