Hello everyone, today I’m taking you to the Chinese countryside for a tale about the keys to happiness. 🌱
A young man, probably traveling, is walking through a small village when he notices a shop advertising itself as “The Shop of Successful Living.” Intrigued, he decides to take a look. Amidst the incredible bric-a-brac, he discovers an old man who warmly welcomes him:
“Welcome, my friend! Here, we offer everything you need to be happy!”
The man, skeptical but curious, asks:
“Really? Anything to be happy?”
The old man then replies enthusiastically:
“Absolutely! And what’s more, it’s free! That’s our concept!”
Seduced by the speech, the man then begins a series of requests:
“First of all, I would like to have a loving wife, wise and intelligent children, and loyal friends.”
He explains that he also wants good health, a new, better-paid job, charisma and humor.
The old man replies:
“That’s our monthly promotion! I can offer you the ‘Iron health, perfect wife, wonderful children, devoted friends, stimulating job, all in a splendid house with a garden and an indoor pool’ package.”
The man, delighted, then asks:
“When can I have all this?”
The old man smiles at him and replies:
“Right away!”
He slips away for a moment into the back room and returns with a small leather bag.
The man, surprised, asks:
“What is this little bag?”
The old man, calm and collected, replies:
“Your order.”
The frustrated man exclaimed:
“But this isn’t at all what we agreed to! Where are my family, my job, and my home?”
The old man then wisely replied:
“Sir, everything I promised you is in this bag. They are the seeds of your happiness. However, we can only offer you what we have: seeds. Now it’s up to you to make them grow.”
🌼 So, the next time you’re looking for happiness, remember the lesson of this old Chinese sage:
Happiness surely lies in our ability to cultivate a few seeds and nurture the opportunities that life throws our way. 🌻
📍 See you soon for new inspiring stories from around the world.
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphael-renaux-37b5551/
🎙️ January 2025 podcast produced by Francaisdanslemonde.fr: Radios & podcasts for French speakers preparing for or experiencing international mobility.
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