Aesop, believed to have been a Greek slave who lived around 600 BC, accomplished what most writers can only dream of: longevity. He wrote timeless, meaningful pieces that have been told and retold for over 2500 years now. Wow!
I was reading a collection to my kids when one particularly hit me. It’s called The Lion and the Donkey. It is a very short but the point hit home.
A lion is walking through a forest and all the other animals are making way for him except for the donkey who brays a scornful remark. At first the lion was angry until he realized it was only the donkey, a fool, who had spoken. He walked quietly on, not even deeming to respond.
Moral: Do not resent the remarks of a fool. Ignore them.
I wish I could do that. I do take things so personally. I couldn’t get over 30 comments of people telling me where to go in my newspaper column. I just couldn’t. The same with this blog. The hurtful things people have said in the past still stings.
Part of me wishes I would. But the other part doesn’t. Because I think it’s this part that makes my writing better than average. That makes it unique. That tells the story as only I can. That will one day fulfill my dream. And purpose in this fleeting life.
This is at least what I cling to. Hope. God. Family. Purpose.