Steve and Kynthos were working outside in the yard, tasked with sanding a large stack of rough olive wood boards. It was a tedious, dusty job.
Suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept across the yard, sending a cloud of sawdust directly into their faces.
"Oh, great,"
Steve complained loudly, throwing his hands up. "Now we have to clean our faces too. Just perfect."
A short while later, heavy rain began to fall. Grandfather called out from across the yard,
"Boys, bring the wood inside so it doesn't warp!"
Steve let out a loud, heavy sigh, throwing his hands up in frustration. "Oh great," he muttered. "Now we have to move everything. This is the worst."
Grandfather walked over and looked at Steve.
"The wind blew the dust. The rain fell from the sky. These are just facts of the world,"
he said calmly.
"Value judgements are for yourself, not everyone and everything else,"
Grandfather continued. "The rain simply makes the wood wet. But your sighs and your complaints—those belong entirely to you. Your attitude makes your own mind miserable and invites others to be miserable too. You are a leader, Steve, do you want to invite others to misery or towards joy?"
"Look at Kynthos,"
Grandfather pointed out. "He is carrying the same wood, but without the complaints. Every time you say 'oh great', you are choosing to put a heavy rock on your own pile. You'll carry it either way. Why make it heavier?"
Steve looked at his younger brother, who was humming a tune while carrying a board inside. Steve realized the complaining hadn't stopped the rain; it had only made the work feel twice as hard.
He helped Kynthos with the next board and smiled. "The wood won't move itself. Thanks for helping me, little brother. You're the best!"
Steve didn't know Kynthos could look even happier. He realized attitudes are contagious, for better or for worse.
