Weekend Story- Discovering Meaning

In a big city, a wealthy heiress once struggled with a sense of emptiness despite all her wealth. She felt like she was leading a life with no meaning.

So, one day, she went across to a Counselor to figure out a way to feel better.

After listening to the wealthy lady’s predicament, the counselor, on a hunch, decided to call over the old lady who cleaned the office every day.

The counselor introduced the cleaning lady to the heiress, “I will ask Mary to tell you how she found meaning and happiness in her life. All I want you to do is listen to her.”

So the old lady put down her mop and sat on a chair and narrated her story:

“A couple of years back, my husband passed away because of Pneumonia, and three months later, my only son was killed in an accident. I had nobody. I had nothing left. My despair knew no bounds. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat, and there was nothing to live for. I even thought of taking my own life.

Then one evening, as I was returning home from work, a little kitten followed me home. I felt sorry for that kitten; It was cold outside. So, I decided to let the kitten come into my house. I poured warm milk into a bowl, and the kitten licked it clean. Satisfied, the kitten purred and snuggled against me. For the first time in months, I felt a positive emotion. I smiled.

Something stirred inside me. If helping a little kitten could make me smile, maybe doing something for people could make me happy.

The next day, I woke up with a flutter in my heart. I baked some biscuits and took them to my neighbor, who was sick in bed. The weary smile on my neighbor’s face filled me with contentment.

From that day onwards, every day, I made it a point to do something nice for others. I found meaning and happiness in the happiness of others.

Today, I don’t know anyone who sleeps better than I do.

I’ve found my happiness by giving it to others.”

The wealthy heiress was moved by what the cleaning lady shared. She understood that her contentment was not in the wealth she possessed but in the contribution to others.