The Little Penguin

If you watched BBC recently, you might have seen an animated short titled "The Little Penguin" by World of Happy.  For just a short time, you can view it again on BBC Iplayer. I hope they leave it up for longer, but if you can't find it, try youtube. I hope Giles Andreae doesn't mind me sharing the story here, as it's a very short, beautiful (albeit highly optimistic) lesson on one of the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: challenging negative thoughts.

There was once a little penguin who was frightened of the water.

"This is no way for penguins to behave," said his father. 

"Be gentle," said his mother, "for all of us have fears that others may find hard to understand. Come little penguin, come into the water with me" 

"But what if it's cold," said the penguin, "What if it's dark and deep? What if there is a big fat scary monster? What if I can't swim?" 

"Ahh," said his mother. "But what if it is light and beautiful? What if all your brothers and sisters are there? What if there are fish for you to eat and friends for you to play with? Come little penguin, take my hand." 

And with great courage and great trust, the little penguin slipped into the water, and, for the first time in his life, he felt the joy and freedom, wonder and delight, that every penguin's heart is born to know.

Read on the NHS Choices blog.