3 Steps to Be a Better Me

(Adapted by the Buddhist story: The Ant in the Rain Barrel, author unknown)

Once upon a time there were three little snails that lived in a very affluent neighborhood, each was settling in their own special garden. Day after day they enjoyed frolicking in their garden ever so slowly and nourishing themselves with the gardens’ fresh soil. As winter approached, the snails’ looked for warmer ground.

One cold day, the three snails began to take cover as they noticed the holiday season was upon them. The hustle and bustle of decorations, lights, and flowers began to surround them. Soon each owner came out to the garden to plant their newly bought blossoms.

The first owner began to sow the soil and took notice of the snail in his beautiful garden. The owner grumbled harshly, “A snail! How dare you sit in my precious garden!” Almost simultaneously the owner came down upon the poor little snail. SMUSH! No more little snail.

SELFISHNESS

In the next house, the owner began to sow the soil and took notice of the snail in his garden. The owner gave the snail a once over and became perplexed on what to do. The owner reluctantly looked at the snail again and uttered, “Oh, it’s a very cold day and you’re not really going to hurt anyone. Go ahead and sit in my garden.”

TOLERANCE

Down at the third house, the owner began to sow the soil as he gazed upon the snail in his garden. And without anger or ambivalence he immediately reached out his hand and gave the snail a bit of apple.

LOVE

Which owner are you, 1, 2, or 3? If you are 1 or 2 how can I help you transition? If you are a 3 share your story. DrPattiMartin@gmail.com