the story of: goldilocks and the three bears and them

Last week I told the story of Goldilocks, with a slight change in the ending. I also shared with you some thoughts I had on the story, and today I have the pleasure of presenting the thoughts that my wonderful sponsors have had. The really great thing about stories is that different people can take different things from them, and this is so true with what you're about to read.

Here's what I asked: When you think about the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, what is something that you might learn from it? Something that applies to your own life? Or perhaps just a part that really sticks out to you?

Here's what they said:
All I can think as a lesson to learn from the story is "Be adventurous! And it doesn't hurt to take a friend to help you make the leap and be a look out" :) -Tara from Sew Tara

It's been a long time since I've read Goldilocks and the Three Bears, but the thing that sticks out most for me is that you have to keep trying. If something doesn't work or feel right the first time, it doesn't mean you have to necessarily give up. It just means you have to keep trying until you find something within your comfort zone that works for you. On the other hand, I believe we also need to step out of our comfort zone in order to grow and change. -Brianna from Girl Seeks Place

Sometimes it seems that I am Goldilocks and all the things she "tries" are my crafty pursuits. I've tried several crafts that have been too tedious or forced...I think I have found the ones that are just right (for now, anyway). Hopefully, though, three bears won't come home and find this mess I've made! -Daphne from Sunrise Folk (image from Daphne's creative space)

The first thing that I think about when I read the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is of course why Goldilocks was wandering through the forest on her own! I mean, there's a family of bears living out there! Why did she think it would be safe to go out there all on her own. That hardly seems like a good idea!
I also wonder if there's an untold Goldilocks story from the view of the three bears (you know, like the untold story of the Three Little Pigs!). Where were they that day? Why didn't they lock their door before leaving? Why did they leave their porridge on the table uneaten? They should be eating all that porridge and getting ready for winter! What did they really think when they saw Goldilocks sleeping in the baby bear's bed? I highly doubt they were going to eat her, but Goldilocks ran away anyway! Maybe this story is the reason we're all afraid of bears ;) -Cristina from Craftee

If everyone if willing to sacrifice there is always room for one more. -Isabela from Ooh Leela! (image found by Isabela; source unknown. Anyone know where it's from?)

In all of the original stories I read, whether Goldilocks was an old lady or a little girl, she was definitely portrayed as someone devious, and not deserving of any of the comforts she took from the bears. However, I wonder if Goldilocks would have behaved as badly had she ever been invited in by the bears to share in those comforts. I find a caution here in being careful not to encourage envy in others, and not to become envious ourselves. We need to be aware that not everyone around us has the same level of comforts and blessings as we do, and we ought to be sensitive to that and willing to share what we have with those around us. On the other hand, we need to be careful not to become so envious of others that we grow desperate and find ourselves willing to compromise our own moral compass for the sake of a bowl of soup, a rickety chair, and a half a minute of sleep! Not to mention the weariness of running away once we've been caught or "woken up". -Nichole from I Was Only Stitching

I think that I can relate to Goldilocks in the way that I also have a habit of being impulsive when curiosity gets the best of me. Goldilocks wasn't trying to be a pain, or rude, or take what didn't belong to her. She was captivated by the experience of something new and unknown. It's ok to explore and push the boundaries, but we have to remember that not everyone thinks the same way or understands our motives and proceed with some caution (and a please or thank-you). -Jill from Lune Vintage

(image links to source)

The other day I was looking for a version of the Goldilocks story. The one which speaks to me is where just after she is found out and starts to run, the baby bear calls after her to come back, that he has forgiven her. She changes her ways + they become good friends. When I read that, I recognize the power of forgiveness. That happens sometimes. I get hurt + I don't want to forgive. But I know that
holding on to hurt feelings only hurts me. And when I do forgive, a great shift takes place. The shift in my heart takes over and smooths out the hurt edges in me. I become softer. I would much rather live in forgiveness than muck around in hurt. -Andee from Bearing Fruit

Thank you so much ladies! Be sure to visit my sponsors. They help support what I'm doing, they go the extra mile with the "homework" I send them, AND they all have wonderful stories that they are sharing through their blogs.