Lessons Learned from The Three Little Pigs

The foundational moral of the classic fairy tale The Three Little Pigs has always stayed with me. Its simplicity holds profound relevance, no matter what season of life we’re in. The thoughts we entertain and the people we encounter shape the lives we lead—sometimes in ways that either build us up or tear us down, both in the short and long term.

As adults, we step into the world with a mix of lessons, tools, and goals, formed by both nature and nurture. Much like the three sibling pigs, we choose how to build our lives using whatever resources are available to us. The results? They often reflect how wisely we select our materials, how intentionally we plan, and how diligently we follow through.

Each of the three pigs left their parents’ home with a loving sendoff and a clear warning: Beware of the Big Bad Wolf. They each chose to build separately, in different locations, with different strategies and levels of investment. In the end, the two who rushed their process found refuge in the home of the third sibling—the one who chose a better foundation, better resources, and a sustainable location.

The first little pig opted for speed and convenience, building a home of straw. Unsurprisingly, it couldn’t withstand the huffing and puffing of the Big Bad Wolf. In our own lives, the “wolf” comes in many forms—adversity, unhealthy relationships, financial stress, poor choices. If we invest little in our emotional, spiritual, or mental foundation, we risk collapse when pressure comes.

The second pig did slightly better, building with sticks. A little more effort, but still insufficient when tested. Like the first, this pig also fled to the home of their more prepared sibling.

The third little pig, however, took the time to build wisely—with bricks, with planning, and in a resource-rich environment. Their home wasn’t just a shelter—it was a fortress. When the Big Bad Wolf came, not only was the structure secure, but the pig had anticipated the attack and had a pot of boiling water waiting at the chimney. That level of preparation sent the wolf running for good.

The moral is clear: life isn’t meant to be lived in isolation, nor should it be built on haste or shallow foundations. We are meant to grow in community—connecting, learning, and becoming more resilient together.

So choose your building blocks carefully. Be mindful of what you allow into your heart and mind. Why? Because your thoughts become actions, your actions form habits, and your habits shape your lifestyle.

Let the declaration “Not by the hairs of our chinny chin chins!” become your stand for strong values, intentional living, and unshakable community. More on that in a future post.

Until then—

Live well. Be well.