There’s no better way to find joy in a harsh life than this one.
In a quiet little village, there lived an old grandmother named Siriya, nearly eighty years old, in a simple brick house. She had silver hair and was always smiling. Sadly, she had lost her husband many decades ago and had since lived alone. Her only son had gone to the big city to work and never returned. The villagers were always amazed that even with such a difficult life, she could still smile every day.
That summer, a 20-year-old girl named Tanra from Mumbai came to visit the village. She was depressed from repeatedly failing exams, facing betrayal from her friends, and constant criticism from her parents. She often asked herself why life had to be so rough.
One morning, Tanra saw Siriya feeding birds, and in her eyes, she noticed peace. Curious, she spent days quietly observing Siriya before finally approaching her and asking to sit together. Siriya welcomed her warmly. Tanra then asked how she managed to endure so much suffering and yet still smile.
Siriya laughed gently and explained that her smile was something she had earned only after weathering many storms in life. She then shared her story.
She had once married a loving husband and they had a son who brought her great joy. But one day, her husband suddenly fell ill and passed away in her arms, leaving her with the words: “Stay strong.” For the sake of her son, she worked tirelessly—cleaning houses, washing clothes, doing everything she could to raise him and send him to school.
Years later, her son found work in the big city and left the village. Over time, his letters and calls stopped. Siriya realized he had married and built his own family, forgetting about her existence.
Shocked, Tanra asked why Siriya didn’t go and look for him. Siriya explained she had gone once, saw him from afar with his new family, and then left quietly. “Sometimes love is not about holding on, but about letting go with compassion,” she said.
Tears streamed down Tanra’s face. She asked, “Don’t you feel lonely and betrayed?” Siriya smiled peacefully and shared three truths that had saved her:
1. Accept what you cannot change.
She accepted that she couldn’t make her son remember her, so she chose peace over sorrow and resentment.
2. Always be grateful for what you have.
She found gratitude in simple things—the birds, the trees, the sky, and her own beating heart. She valued even the smallest blessings.
3. Give more than you take.
Feeding the birds, helping children, sharing herbal medicine with the sick—these gave her a sense of purpose and made her feel alive.
Hearing this, Tanra felt her own pain and sadness begin to ease. For the first time, she smiled and thanked Siriya for healing her heart. That evening, under the stars, they shared stories, laughter, and even tears together.
When Tanra returned to Mumbai, she started each day with gratitude. She stopped chasing after those who had left her, and instead began helping people in need. She started a new life.
This story teaches us that true happiness is not the absence of pain, loss, or sadness. Real joy comes from facing hardships with acceptance, gratitude, and compassion. In the end, instead of trying to change what you cannot control, focus on what you can. The world may be harsh—but with this mindset, you can still become the happiest person alive.
