11/18/2024
At a certain point in life, you should be wise enough to understand this truth:
1. Don't tell people more than they need to know, respect your privacy.
2. The family you create is more important than the family you come from.
3. Train yourself to take nothing personally to save yourself from 99.99% of mental problems.
**Lessons from the Smoky Mountains**
Maya had always wanted to visit Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and explore the Smoky Mountains. She booked a small group hike led by a local guide named Sam, a cheerful older man who had lived in the area his whole life.
As they started up the trail, Sam spoke to the group. “Y’all know, life has a way of teaching you some truths if you pay attention. Three of them, in particular, can make your journey—whether in these mountains or in life—much easier.”
Curious, Maya asked, “What are they?”
Sam chuckled. “I could tell you, but it’s better if you figure them out yourself.”
The first truth revealed itself soon enough. A fellow hiker began peppering Sam with personal questions: Was he married? Did he own his cabin? Sam answered politely but didn’t give much away. Instead, he steered the conversation back to the beauty of the mountains. Watching him, Maya realized something important: *You don’t need to share everything with others. Keeping some things private is a way to respect yourself.*
Later, as they paused at a lookout point, Maya found herself scrolling through old photos on her phone. One picture, a group selfie with her closest friends, made her smile. These friends had supported her through thick and thin, more than some of her actual family ever had. As she watched a family hiking nearby, laughing and helping one another, the second truth clicked: *The family you create is more important than the one you’re born into.*
As they neared the summit, Maya stopped to snap a photo of the view. A grumpy hiker behind her muttered, “Could you not block the trail?”
Normally, Maya would have felt embarrassed or upset, but this time, she just stepped aside and let the comment slide. *It’s not about me,* she thought. And there it was—the third truth: *Don’t take things personally. Most of the time, it’s not worth the stress.*
When they reached the top, the view was breathtaking: rolling green peaks disappearing into soft, blue mist. Sam turned to Maya and asked, “So, did you find those truths I mentioned?”
Maya nodded, smiling. “I think I did.”
She left Gatlinburg with more than photos and memories. The lessons she learned on that trail stayed with her, making every step forward in life a little lighter.
