Years ago when I was in coaching school, my class discussed ways in which we could assist our client to stay optimistic, get past obstacles, and persevere toward coveted goals. The instructor shared a story about exactly how children achieve this at Halloween. I liked the idea so much that I turned it into a poem. It is whimsical, and I hope you enjoy it. More importantly, I hope that you and your children are inspired by it!

Life Lessons From Halloween

Today’s message is short and sweet
about how kids teach us to stay upbeat.
When you think about how they behave on Halloween,
there’s an inspiring lesson we can glean.
During trick-or-treat rounds, kids dart from house to house.
Occasionally however, they encounter a louse!
This louse is the one who isn’t around,
house dark, candy nowhere to be found.
“So what,” say the kids, “There’s an easy cure.
Other houses have candy, of that we are sure!
No need for us to stop and whine.
There is hope indeed. Everything will be fine.
The next house has lights and plenty of sweets.
We must, we will indeed, have our treats!”
So the kids run with joy to knock on the next door,
dedicated, persevering, confident at their core.
The goal is candy, no matter what;
no dark houses an obstacle … no “ifs, ands, or buts!”
So how can we take this lesson and learn
to choose optimism at ALL of life’s turns?
It doesn’t matter if one house is dark.
We must persevere. We must make our mark!
Kids teach us to stay focused on our goal,
ignore the dark houses and stay in control.
There’s one more idea before I close
(we’re almost done with this whimsical prose).
On Halloween kids will easily excite,
but what happens when it is homework night?
When their mood is down and their motivation is ill,
remind them they possess a mighty skill.
The positive attitude that inspired them on Halloween,
if resurrected, will render the best success they’ve seen.
Good luck to all as you pursue your goals
This I say from my heart and my soul!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!