Chapter 1: The Wisdom of My Grandmother

Throughout life, no matter how hard you strive or how much effort you put in, there will always be individuals ready to critique, complain, or judge your actions. The harsh reality is that you simply cannot satisfy everyone! As I remember my late grandmother, who often shared a parable about a wise man, I find her lessons echoing in my mind today.

When I was young, I would listen intently to her stories, yet I failed to grasp the deeper meanings behind them. However, her tales resonate with me now, especially when I encounter criticism. Let’s explore this ageless parable of the wise man:

Once upon a time, a wise man known for his insight sought to impart a valuable lesson to his cherished son. He advised, “My dear son, do not anchor your heart in the pursuit of others' approval. It is a path likely to lead to disappointment. Instead, focus on pleasing God.”

The wise man aimed to instill in his son the understanding that attempting to please everyone is a futile endeavor. He wanted him to remain faithful to his values and beliefs, rather than swaying with the fluctuating opinions of others.

To illustrate his point, he came up with a clever plan...

He instructed his son to ride a donkey while he walked alongside. As they journeyed, they passed a group of onlookers who couldn’t resist commenting. One individual voiced their disapproval, saying, “What a rude boy! His elderly father walks while he rides comfortably on the donkey.”

Hearing this, the son dismounted and allowed his father to take the donkey. Their travels continued, but soon they came across another group, this time criticizing the father for riding while his son walked. The elder among them admonished, “You are raising your son poorly! He should not be walking in the heat while you enjoy a ride!”

Once again, the father listened to the criticism and dismounted, allowing them to walk beside the donkey. However, the comments didn’t cease; they were soon met with another group that berated them for not riding the donkey.

In an attempt to appease everyone, they both got on the donkey. As they moved on, they approached a river with a bridge. This time, they drew the ire of yet another group who scolded them, saying, “How cruel to burden that poor donkey with both of you!”

Feeling overwhelmed by the relentless judgments, they decided to take drastic measures. In a misguided effort to satisfy the crowd, they tied the donkey’s legs and attempted to carry it on their backs. Tragically, this led to disaster as the donkey fell into the river and drowned.

In that moment, the wise father turned to his son and remarked, “You’ve witnessed the criticisms we faced. It should be clear by now that you cannot please everyone.” He gestured to the flowing river and continued, “One may build a barrier to stop the river's flow, but silencing the voices of the people is impossible.”

This story serves as a poignant reminder that we cannot control the thoughts or words of others. It emphasizes the futility of attempting to please everyone and the significance of remaining true to oneself. Just as the father and son learned, no matter how much we strive, we cannot silence the multitude of opinions surrounding us.

In our current world, where opinions are shared freely, it’s essential to remember: the tongue has no bone; it speaks without thought. With countless perspectives out there, the true triumph lies in steadfastly following your own path, liberated from the burden of others' judgments.

The first video, How to Stop Being a People Pleaser and Start Showing Up for Yourself by Mel Robbins, provides insights on how to prioritize your own needs and values over external expectations.

The second video, How to Stop Being A People Pleaser and Start Putting Yourself First by Mel Robbins, emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting boundaries to live authentically.

Chapter 2: Embracing Authenticity

In a world filled with opinions, embracing authenticity is paramount. It’s about finding the courage to remain true to oneself, regardless of external pressures. The lessons from my grandmother resonate deeply, reminding me that true fulfillment comes from within, not from the approval of others.