"Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene."
- A. C. Benson, English writer (1862-1925)
Sometime ago I read a little story about two men who had moved to a new town. Upon arriving, the first man encountered one of the town's patriarchs and began asking him about his new home. "What are the people like who live here? he asked.
The old man responded with a question of his own. "What were the people like in the city you came from?"
"They were unfriendly, uncaring and mostly had sour dispositions," he responded.
Taking a moment to reflect on his answer, the old sage said, "You'll find the folks here about the same as the ones you left."
The next day the second man appeared at the gates of the town and encountered the same old fellow. "What are the people like who live here? he queried.
The old man replied with the same question he had asked the first man. "What were the people like in the city you came from?
"Oh, they were friendly, really cared for each other and mostly had sunny dispositions," the second man answered.
Again, the aged counselor thought a moment, then responded to his questioner, "You'll find the people here about the same as the ones you left."
I've moved many times during my lifetime and always found what the old man said about new neighbors to be true. My own behavior always sets the tone for the type of relationship I'll have with my new acquaintances.
I've known people who have moved away because they haven't been happy with the folks who lived nearby. In most cases, I haven't followed up, but I would venture they're not any happier with their new neighbors than they were with their old ones.
When you're not happy, looking outward, rather than inward, hardly ever gives you a lasting solution.
4 comments:
This has been one of my favorite stories since I first heard it! I have quoted it frequently. It's up there with Lincoln's quote that most people will be just about as happy as they make up their minds to be.
Great Story! I first heard it about 7 years ago. It applies in business and the workplace just as much as to where you live. I know people who grumble about work and are always looking for a "better" job only to find the same problems and issues at the next place of employment. There's always something that could be better about where you live or where you work; you can complain about the problems or you can do something to make them better. There's far more satisfaction in the latter choice.
Wonderful story! Thank you for sharing ... I remember hearing this once before.
Smilin Mon
Happiness is indeed a state of mind! I am a very happy person. Most people I know are:) At least they are the ones I hang around with.
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