Once upon a time, a snake started chasing a firefly that was flying low over the grass.
After a while, the tired firefly stopped and said to the snake:
“Can I ask you three questions?”
The snake replied: “Yes, you can.”
The firefly asked the first question:
“Am I part of your diet (i.e. do you eat me for your food)?”
The snake replied: “No.”
The firefly asked the second question:
“Have I ever harmed you?”
The snake replied: “No.”
The firefly asked the third question:
“Then why do you want to eat me?”
The snake replied without hesitation:
“Because I can’t stand your light.”
The moral of the story:
Sometimes your light—your happiness, your peace, your success, or your natural beauty—can be a source of irritation to others. Not because you’ve done anything wrong, but simply because you’re shining. And that light can create toxic reactions in certain people.
Some people can’t stand the happiness of others. Some people wish they had what you have. While others wish you had nothing.
That’s why sometimes it’s wise to celebrate your happiness in silence. True happiness doesn’t need applause. And true envy doesn’t need a reason—just your existence and your radiance are enough for the envious.
Beware of people who want to be like you…
And those who want to erase you from existence.
