“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” ― Philip Pullman
Stories inspire people as much as quotes do. This is especially true about real life experiences that resonate with us.
These real life stories of the ordinary people as authentically shared in the Tiny Buddha are as thought-provoking as they are heart-warming. These stories are imbued with positive virtues and values that give me strength and hope in times of adversity.
Here are five lessons learnt from the anecdotes of real life experiences:
Life Experience #1: Kindness
This is a heart-warming story of kindness. Mary’s husband was dying from cancer and she was devastated. Yet, what stood out at that time was the tiny little gestures of kindness people show to her. She learns not to get annoyed with people’s actions easily and not to take things personally. This is how she pays kindness forward.
You Never Know What Someone Is Going Through, So Be Kind
Now, whenever I get frustrated or annoyed with someone’s actions, I remind myself that I don’t really know what’s going on in their life. I try to take a breath, not take it personally, and trust that they are doing the best they can. – Mary-Frances Makicehn
Life Experience #2: Equanimity
When Jeff was playing the rubric square when the plane was suddenly jerking violently in all directions and people were screaming on top of their lungs. He was he was going to die but he kept calm by focusing on playing his toy which inspired calmness and peace to the people around him.
Calmness Is Contagious, Even If You’re Faking It
By Jeff Urmston
Having spent the time focused on the cube in front of me, I was surprised when the guy sitting next to me said, “Man, I was freaking out. I was about to lose it, but then I looked over and saw you two just playing with those things. You two were so calm that it helped me calm down too.” – Jeff Umston
Life Experience #3: Authenticity
Jess perceives herself as a tomboy and she has always been living in the expectations of others, rather than following her own heart’s desires. Eventually, she lets go of preconceived notion and embraces her true self by pursuing her passion in health and wellness.
Stop Trying to Fit In and Start Embracing Your True Self
By Jess Stuart
To find true happiness we must be true to ourselves, live our own dreams, and be proud of what makes us unique instead of feeling the pressure to follow the crowd.– Jess Stuart
Life Experience #4: Self-Esteem
This is an inspirational story of how a former head of Human Resources becomes a cleaner without compromising her own perception of self-worth and dignity. She understands that our self-worth is not defined by external factors such as a job or career.
By Paula Lawes
It’s not that you are a cleaner, or a garbage collector, or whatever you decide to do while you work on your dreams. You are a planner, an achiever, and you are courageous enough to do what has to be done to make sure your dreams happen. – Paula Lawes
Life Experience #5: Relationship
Matt used to be cynical and judgmental which undermines his true connection with people. He realizes that in order to connect powerfully with others, he needs to connect with himself through the practice of meditation.
True Connection Happens When We Release Cynicism and Judgment
But before we can make powerful connections with others, there’s someone else we need to connect with—ourselves. – Matt Richards
