This week’s post is going to require you to think but trust me it will be worth your investment. A wise man gave me this fable when he worked for me and I have used it very often.
Many times we are faced with situations that are stressful, overwhelming, sometimes appearing insurmountable. While we envision all the scenarios that could play out, the reality is only one will…
Next time you’re in this position, think about this tale and realize that some things will resolve themselves and others require your intervention.
To recognize which is which is the challenge. Let me know how it works for you.
The Emperor’s Horse
Once upon a time in China, there lived an Emperor who owned a majestic white stallion, the finest beast in all the Kingdom, One night, a thief tried to slip in and steal the horse, but was captured by the palace guards and thrown into the dungeon.
The next morning, he was dragged before the Emperor’s court. “How dare you.” Bellowed the Emperor, “lay hand on my royal steed! Jailor, put this thief to death!”
Immediately, the thief bowed deeply. “Your judgment is peerless and wise, O Emperor,” he calmly replaced, “but my life is of little value. I should offer you a gift before I depart. Your mount is quite a fine one, but if your eminence would spare my life for a year and a day, I swear to you I can teach that horse to sing!”
The court burst into laughter at that, but the Emperor was intrigued. After all, he didn’t get to this high position by turning down freely offered gifts, no matter how far-fetched they seem.
To the surprise of all, the Emperor quickly accepted the offer.
As they were leaving the chambers, the jailor whispered to the thief, “You are a fool!”
“I am a fool?” replied the thief, smiling broadly. “Much can happen in a year and a day. The Emperor may die. The horse may die. I may die…or maybe the horse will learn to sing.”
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
First, I didn’t know I had a facebook address…
Second, you told that beautifully!
Third, …were you caught in the stables recently???
LL
Hello my dear Wise Man,
For my blog readers, this is the man who introduced me to The Emperor’s Horse.
Indeed you do have a facebook profile, your lovely wife and I have become friends.
Thank you for the compliment and I can only imagine that getting caught in the stables would be delightful given my love of horses.
Please come again, I think you’ll recognize the new post, Rambo Mom.
Hi,
I have my own particular way to do the same. I ask myself, “If I am like you then who am I?” This statement is particularly useful when I am angry or I need to give a suggestion in a discussion or any form of response to a situation.
The stress is rooted in that inherent sense of failure or embarrassment or a fear of facing consequences or an unknowing of the consequences. If we could just leave conscious control & worry of things and focus on doing your best then things just tend to happen by itself.
Going by The Secret rule - You attract only what you think.
Cheers
So nice that you “got” my post. So many of our reactions are caused by our fears. I remember wanting to be promoted and trying everything to make it happen but when I relaxed and just did my best, things fell into place. Also focusing on things within our control is key.
I personally lived in fear of not being loved, so I became a major league “pleaser”. Now I work to give when I truly want to.
I totally agree with the attraction rule. Positive energy attracts positive reactions and vice versa is true. Also you train people how to treat you.
Thank you for your feedback. Please come back to read “True Intentions”, I think you’ll like that one.