Here is a Chinese story,
There were two brothers who lived on the 80th floor of a building.
They went out together for a party without noticing there’s no lift service on the day. The brothers were very frustrated when they realised that they were kind of doomed, but they decided to slowly start climbing the stairs flight by flight.
By the 20th flight, they decided that they were going to drop their heavy knapsacks and planned to pick them up the next day.
By the 40th flight, they started to blame and yelled at one another for not being attentive and missed the notice.
By the 60th flight, they came to accept fate, slowly and peacefully they inch up and eventually reach to their door.
Only then, they realised they left their keys in the knapsacks…
If the keys are like our dream and passion and vision when we have in our 20s: With all the pressing needs in life, like paying off loans, getting a mortgage, finding a partner, raising children, many of us decide to set our dreams aside. Eventually we work hard and move up, from the beginning till the end, in our 40s we start blaming one another for not having the vision and strength to carry forward. And then we come to accept fate and become serene for the rest of our journeys in our 60s. At the end, do you have the keys with you?
Where are you and your keys?
I read the story and something switched today, thought it’d be nice to share with you. Thanks for swinging by.
Riaz Kanani | 29-Jun-09 at 10:06 pm | Permalink
Not heard this before – as you say.. it makes you think!
shireenbee | 30-Jun-09 at 2:19 am | Permalink
told F about this post of yours. we made a pact not to forget the keys!
cathyma | 30-Jun-09 at 3:07 am | Permalink
I wonder if I can actually make copies of the keys? :)
silvia | 02-Jul-09 at 3:25 pm | Permalink
really inspiring cathy :)
Carlo Zottmann | 25-Aug-09 at 12:45 am | Permalink
Nice story. Thanks for sharing.
Here’s a related thought. I’m 35 now, and I can’t remember how I felt when I was 18, or 25. Well, I remember I was happy with 25 (a lot of things had recently changed for the better back then), but the details escape me. I don’t think it’ll be different in another 10 or 20 or 30 years time.
So, how do I know I am making progress and/or haven’t left my keys somewhere?
Cheers from an ex-Y! to another ex-Y!,
C.
cathyma | 25-Aug-09 at 6:31 am | Permalink
Hey C,
I don’t have the answer but to me the key isn’t something like a particular kind of achievement but one’s strength in remaining true to oneself and continue to believe in yourself and your dreams. Of course once in a while we all get challenged, but it’s about getting back on our feet and be compassionate to the life forces around us and have time to appreciate roses on the road side.
That kinda thing. :) or you can haz a cheezeburger. instead of a key :)