There was once a farmer in ancient China who owned a horse. “You are so lucky!” his neighbours told him, “to have a horse to pull the cart for you.” “
Maybe,” the farmer replied.
One day he didn’t latch the gate properly and the horse ran off. “Oh no! This is terrible news!” his neighbours cried. “Such terrible misfortune!”
“Maybe,” the farmer replied.
A few days later the horse returned, bringing with it six wild horses. “How fantastic! You are so lucky,” his neighbours told him. “Now you are rich!” “
Maybe,” the farmer replied.
The following week the farmer’s son was breaking-in one of the wild horses when it kicked out and broke his leg. “Oh no!” the neighbours cried, “such bad luck, all over again!” “
Maybe,” the farmer replied.
The next day soldiers came and took away all the young men to fight in the war. The farmer’s son was left behind. “You are so lucky!” his neighbours cried. “
Maybe,” the farmer replied.
Things that happen to us are what they are and whether we see them as an opportunity or a disaster largely depends on us and how we respond. This type of story shows us that we don't ever TRULY know how things will all turn out and I use it as a way to keep things in moderation in my life and not get too reactionary or stressed to environmental things.
-Maybe this period is a time to draw closer to your family, spend time with them and make memories that you never would have in the "everyday rat race" world where you got stuck in that same old routine.
-Maybe this period is a time that you are extremely lucky to actually be at home when your puppy is needing the most training and bonding. If the world were "normal" would you guys be coming home to all kinds of puppy messes, torn up things, a puppy learning that his life is being crated for 12 hours a day vs. having all his family around him for you and the kids to bond with? Maybe this experience becomes one where you will look back some day and see that this is how your "best" boy" became your "goodest boy".
-Maybe this period is a time when it helps take stock of your job or lifestyle (mental, exercise, spiritual, etc) and compared to is this how you enjoy living life.
Otis is a smart cookie and only he walks in his own shoes but the message is "
maybe" see the opportunities here as much as the very real challenges (those are all legit) and "
maybe" the stress won't seem so stressful. Best of luck.