The Third Wish By Joan Aiken

Have you ever had to make an important decision? In “The Third Wish,” a story by Joan Aiken, Mr.Peters is granted three wishes, and wants to use them wisely, but he is faced with many difficult choices along the way. So, Mr. Peters uses empathy and mindfulness to assist him. He learns the importance of these characteristics when making hard decisions, and how they can help shape the outcome. “The Third Wish” spans the life of Mr.Peters, but the story opens on him as a young man. Subsequently to Mr.Peters rescuing a swan from a thorn bush, the King of the forest grants him three wishes. Mr. Peters decides to wish for a wife. However, he is oblivious to the consequences that his choices might hold for Leita, his new wife. After discovering her unhappiness at being separated from her sister, Mr. Peters uses his second wish to turn Leita back into a swan so she can be with her sister again. He dies a happy man alongside loved ones. “The Third Wish” by Joan Aiken demonstrates how mindfulness and empathy can help us gain gratitude and assist in making important decisions.

Peters, rescues a swan from a thorn bush. Little does he know, the swan is actually the King of the forest. “Three wishes, he wants. Clever man. Well, I have yet to hear of the human being to make good use of his wishes.” The King of the forest remarks. The king of the forest’s doubtful remark motivates Mr.Peters to think through his wishes very cautiously and mindfully, and how important it is to be mindful of what you wish for. After much thought, Mr.Peters wishes for a wife “as beautiful as the forest.” His wish is granted, and he and his new wife, Leita, are