Because I Gotta Have Faith, Faith, Faith

 

Today, we want to share a little story with you from the book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff … and It’s All Small Stuff we think you’re going to LOVE.

There once was a village that had among its people a very wise old man. The villagers trusted this man to provide them answers to their questions and concerns.

One day, a farmer from the village went to the wise man and said in a frantic tone, “Wise man, help me. A horrible thing has happened. My ox has died and I have no animal to help me plow my field! Isn’t this the worst thing that could have possibly happened?”

The wise old man replied, “Maybe so, maybe not.”

The man hurried back to the village and reported to his neighbors that the wise man had gone mad. Surely this was the worst thing that could have happened.

Why couldn’t he see this?

The very next day, however, a strong, young horse was seen near the man’s farm. Because the man had no ox to rely on, he had the idea to catch the horse to replace his ox – and he did.

How joyful the farmer was. Plowing the field had never been easier. He went back to the wise man to apologize.

“You were right, wise man. Losing my ox wasn’t the worst thing that could have happened. It was a blessing in disguise! I never would have captured my new horse had that not happened. You must agree this is the best thing that could have happened.”

The wise man replied once again, “Maybe so, maybe not.”

Not again, thought the farmer. Surely the wise man had gone mad now.

But, once again, the farmer did not know what was to happen. A few days later the farmer’s son was riding the horse and was thrown off. He broke his leg and would not be able to help with the crop.

Oh no, thought the man. Now we will starve to death. Once again, the farmer went to the wise man.

This time he said, “How did you know that capturing my horse was not a good thing? You were right again. My son is injured and won’t be able to help with the crop. This time I’m sure that this is the worst thing that could have possibly happened. You must agree this time.”

But, just as he had done before, the wise man calmly looked at the farmer and in a compassionate tone replied once again, “Maybe so, maybe not.”

Enraged that the wise man could be so ignorant, the farmer stormed back to the village.

The next day troops arrived to take every able-bodied man to the war that had just broken out.

The farmer’s son was the only young man in the village who didn’t have to go. He would live, while the others would surely die.

So often we feel like whatever’s happening is the worst thing possible, only later to discover it was a blessing in disguise.

If we’re lucky, we see a silver lining rather quickly, but sometimes it takes weeks, months, even decades to realize what we once considered an absolute disaster, was truly a gift.

We see we wouldn’t be where we are now had our lives played out otherwise.

Next time you have a, “This is the worst thing that could ever happen!” moment, remember this story and keep in mind: maybe so, maybe not.

It could make a world of difference in how you feel.

Be good to yourself today!

XO

 

Quote du jour

“Everything’s always working out for you.” — Esther Hicks

 

READ MORE LIKE THIS:

Expect Great Things

Get in Tune With Your Intuition

Over Overwhelm? Here You Go!

 

 

Latest Feel-Good Notes

Make Time for Your Dreams

Make Time for Your Dreams

What’s one thing you could do that would make this year stand out from the rest and make you feel like you took a big leap in your life?

These days, many of us are so pressed for time that we give ourselves few moments to do what actually excites us. But even if your day feels impossibly stuffed, you can make time for what really matters.

Sounds nice, but how, you may be wondering? I’m so happy you asked!

You Are Enough, Right Now

You Are Enough, Right Now

Some days you may feel like you’re not good enough, or doing enough. You may wish you could snap your fingers and turn into a version of yourself you think you should be with a perfect job, spotless house, and exciting hobbies (or whatever your definition of an ideal life may be).  

But here’s something you need to know … You are wonderful, just as you are. You are enough, right now.

7 Ways To Add More Happiness To Your Day

7 Ways To Add More Happiness To Your Day

Imagine rolling out of bed with a smile on your face, laughing throughout your day, and going to bed feeling calm and content?

While not every day will be sunshine and rainbows, there are so many things you can do to add more joy to each day.

Here are seven of my favorite ways:

A Less Stress Summer

A Less Stress Summer

Summer is synonymous with relaxation, but sometimes we find ourselves stressed out and not living our best, “feet in the sand, good book in hand,” season.

Worries happen to all of us. But, one of the easiest ways to feel more carefree is to take a moment to declutter your brain. Because here’s the deal: Our brain can only handle so many thoughts at once. Anything extra bouncing around distracts you from enjoying otherwise happy moments.

Here’s how: