Tales of the Eggs - A Self Reflection

I understand from my parents that when I was a kid, I wasn’t really the best person to be around with. I was selfish and would only have the best for myself. Eventually, everyone left me, even my best friends. I have never faulted myself and only redirected my mistakes, blames to others and even went as far as to criticise them. Nonetheless, my dad taught me some very important life narrative principles.

One day, he cooked two bowls of noodles and laid them on the table. One had an egg clearly displayed on top and the other bowl didn't have any, which he then asked me to choose a bowl between them. Back then, eggs were hard to come by and we only got to eat eggs during special occasions. Without any hesitations, I naturally chose the bowl with the egg. As we started eating, I was overjoyed and almost proud of my wise judgement call and happily consumed the egg. To my surprise, as my father ate his noodles, there were TWO eggs at the bottom of his noodles. I regretted very much and even scolded myself for being too hasty with my decision. My father smiled and said to me;- ”You must remember my son that whatever your eyes see may not always be true albeit if you intend on taking advantage of people, then you will definitely end up losing!”

The next day, my father again cooked two bowls of noodles: one bowl with an egg displayed on top and the other bowl with no egg shown. Again, he put the two bowls on the table and said to me;- ”My son. You choose carefully. Which bowl do you want?” This time I was smarter or at least, I thought so. I chose the bowl without any egg on top. To my surprise, as I separated the noodles on top, there was not even a single egg at the bottom of the bowl. Again my father smiled and said to me;- ”My son, you must not always rely on experiences because sometimes, life can cheat you or play tricks on you. Nonetheless, do not be too annoyed or disappointed, please. Just take this as a lesson learnt and move on.

The third day, my father cooked two bowls of noodles again and like previously, one bowl with an egg clearly placed on top and the other bowl with no egg shown on top. He put the two bowls on the table and likewise said to me;- ”My son. You choose wisely now. Which bowl do you want?” This time, I told my father;- ”Dad, you are the head of the family and contributed the most to us. So, you have the first choice please.” My father did not decline and chose the bowl with one egg on top. As I ate my bowl of noodles, I was certain in my heart that there was no egg inside the bowl. To my surprise, there were TWO eggs at the bottom of the bowl.

My father smiled at me with love in his eyes;- ”Son, you must always remember this. When you think for the good of others, good things will naturally happen to you.” From then onwards, I have been living my life with these three principles. In everything I do, regardless if they are of personal or business in nature, I’ve always try to place myself in the position of others and think of their interests first before mine.

Last but not the least, deserving credits to my parents for, to be a good father or good mother truly requires that the parents defer many of their own needs and desires in favor of the needs of their children. As a consequence of this conscientious sacrifices, parents develop a nobility of character and learn to put into practice the selfless truths - they teach that work, sacrifice, perseverance, competitive drive, selflessness and respect for authority is the price that each and every one of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile. Similarly, great leadership is not selfish or self-centered. Often than not, they are really not about the leaders at all, nor his or her recognition, promotion or preeminence. Have a great day.

(Disclaimer : I offer articles of differing perspectives that have some raw truths that I identify with, albeit in no way am I saying that this is right or correct as we all have our own heart to follow. I'm open to many perspectives and thoughts and it's my way of sharing my ever evolving thoughts and understanding, of my own realizations, self love and journeys, which comes from time spent in solitude and self reflection. These are mirrors to help us, to help me understand ourselves / me better.

All rights and acknowledgement goes to the author / originator of these stories, not just me.)