Stop Chasing Happiness

Have you heard the story, "The Little Cat Who Told His Tail"?  I first heard a version of the story from Wayne Dyer, the renowned self-help author and motivational speaker.

The Little Cat Who Told His Tail
Once upon a time, there was a little kitten and an old alley cat.  They were out in the alley and the little kitten was chasing his tail.  He was chasing and chasing and chasing his tail.  He ran in circles hoping to catch his tail.  But no matter how hard he tried, his tail remained just out of his reach.

The old alley cat watched this for a while and then asked him, "What are you doing?"

The kitten tells him, "Well, I've just got back from the great Cat Philosophy School, where I learned two things:  First the wise elders at the school told me that the most important thing in the world for a cat is happiness and second, that happiness is located in my tail."

He continued, "So, I'm chasing and chasing and as soon as I get a hold of my tail I'll get a lock on eternal happiness."

The old alley cat looked at him and said, "You know, I didn't have the same benefits you did.  I've been out in the alley scratching for my food for a long time.  But funny thing, I've learned the same thing you did.  I also learned that the most important thing in the world for a cat is happiness and that indeed it's located in my tail."

Then he said, "The difference between you and I is that I found out that if I go about my business and live my life the way I want to, it follows after me wherever I go."

A Lesson for All of Us
The story reminds us that as long as you approve of you, follow your own purpose and inner values and principles, while you may encounter disapproval from some, true happiness and a life of fulfillment will follow you wherever you go, too. 

True happiness lies within, and it's not something we need to chase endlessly.  Instead, it is about appreciating life, finding joy in the simplest of moments, accepting ourselves just as we are, and following our own inner calling and principles.

To hear Wayne tell the story in his own words, watch the YouTube video below:

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Have an amazing journey today!

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Alan Mikolaj is a coach and leadership development consultant with 15+ years of experience.  He is passionate about helping leaders transform their leadership, their teams, and their organizations.  Impactful, professional approach driven by a passion for meaning and purpose, a growth mindset, and a commitment to excellence and service in order to drive change and results.

Alan maintains the ethics and standards of behavior established by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), including the standards regarding confidentiality.  You can learn more about them on the ICF website.

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