2 Short Stories
I am sure you might have come across these 2 short stories at some point, but referencing them here as a powerful reminder.
The first short story is about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important task that needed to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got very angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
… Do you see this happening in your daily life?
… What is the most important task for you today?
… Who do you associate with the most from this story?
The second short story is about 2 flowering seeds.
There were 2 flowering seeds lying on a fertile soil. They were the best of best friends.
One seed said, “I want to grow up! I want to put down roots deep into the ground, and sprout up high from there. I dream to blossom into delicate buds and proclaim the coming of spring. I want to feel the warm rays of the sun and the dew drops on my petals!”
The other seed was skeptical and worried. In a shuddering voice she said, “If I put down my roots into this ground, I don’t know what they will face there. If I grow tender stems, they can be damaged by the wind. If I grow flowers, they may be plucked away by humans. My green leaves may be eaten away from animals and birds. So, I’d rather wait for a safer and more certain time. I am scared right now.”
The first seed tried everything she could to explain the possibilities of a beautiful and fulfilling life, but the second seed felt uncertain to blossom and wanted to just wait lying there on the ground. She felt safe doing nothing at the moment and chose to remain in this comfort zone.
Finally, the first seed dug its roots into the fertile soil, and slowly and patiently grew up into a beautiful flowering plant. What happened to the second seed? It became a meal for the brown hen who happened to pass by in a few days.
The daily choices we make tend to be from our comfort zone. What is this comfort zone? The comfort zone is a belief combined with a behavioral pattern that is repeated so much until it’s automatic. Our comfort zone becomes predictable and familiar, even if it’s not the best situation to be in. Our comfort zone trades fulfillment over predictability, creativity over continuity, and growth over the current sense of safety.
… Do you want to seek adventure and action, or do you want to stay in your rut?
We are not hardwired for life. With new experiences, new neuronal pathways and new neural networks are formed. Remember that new choices that lead to a departure from your comfort zone will at first be uncomfortable and uncertain. They will be unfamiliar. They may not guarantee the best choice, but that’s what life is really all about — making choices, experimenting, and progressing.
