The Happiest Bird

Once upon a time, there was a crow who lived in a forest. One day, he saw a beautiful white swan. A family was feeding the swan and taking pictures with it, and the crow thought to himself, "That swan must be the happiest bird in the world."

Curious, the crow flew over to the swan and said, "You're so white and beautiful, while I'm just dark and plain. You must be the happiest bird in the world. How does it feel?"

The swan replied, "I used to think I was the happiest bird in the world, but then I saw a parrot. The parrot has two colors, and I only have one. Maybe you should go and ask the parrot what it feels like to be the happiest bird in the world."

So, the crow flew over to the parrot and asked, "How does it feel to be the happiest bird in the world?"

The parrot said, "I once thought I was the happiest bird in the world, but then I saw a peacock. The peacock has so many beautiful colors, while I only have two. If you want to know what happiness looks like, you should ask the peacock. The last time I saw him, he was at the zoo."

The crow flew to the zoo, where he found the peacock surrounded by people taking photos. When the crowd dispersed, the crow approached and said, "Dear peacock, you are so beautiful. Every day, people come to admire you, while they chase me away. You must be the happiest bird in the world. How does it feel?"

The peacock sighed and replied, "I always thought I was the happiest bird in the world because of my beauty, but because of it, I am trapped in this cage. I have come to realize that the only bird not caged here is the crow. In my solitude, I've often thought, 'The crow must be the happiest bird in the world, free to roam wherever he pleases.' So, my friend, tell me—how does it feel to be the happiest bird in the world?"

Lesson learned: The cycle of comparing ourselves to others is endless and futile. When we measure our happiness against others, we play a game we cannot win. In the end, those who find contentment in what they already have are the happiest of all.

Improving our quality of life is important, but we must also appreciate what we have along the way. True happiness lies in valuing what’s already within our grasp.

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