Life's Uncertainties - Why You're Unhappy

Was there a hole in the sky? It rained endlessly here a few days ago. I sat on the low steps, listened to the rain, and unfolded your letter.

The ink soaked into every corner of the letter paper, like flower petals blurring in the rain. Words that sprang from the depths of your heart reached me through a single sheet of paper.

It was as if even the sound of the rain subsided, and the whole world focused on your story.

'Why do unfortunate things happen in our lives? Why do we have to suffer because of bad people?' Your words plunged me into contemplation after a long time.

You said I'm someone who shines too brightly, but even I have days when my light is smaller than a candle. It's a secret nobody knows, but I've also been tormented by self-reproach, wondering, 'Is it because I'm a bad person that bad things happen to me?'

But everyone experiences moments of weakness and self-doubt, don't they? And enduring those dark moments brings the gift of maturity.

"If I'm a good person, I should meet good people, but it feels like all this misfortune is my fault."

But no matter how much you think about it, doesn't it seem strange? The one who caused the hurt is the other person, not you. You did your best to be polite.

Can you blame yourself for the other person's rudeness?

I don't think so. The only thing we can control is ourselves. The other person's actions and attitude are entirely dependent on their character.

And life is too short to feel guilty or self-reproachful because of someone who doesn't even have basic manners. I don't want you to suffer because of bad people.

You said that you're only getting hurt and that there's no happiness or growth in your life, but think about it carefully. You've probably gained a clearer understanding of your boundaries through this experience.

In his book, *Life Isn't Long Enough to Live Mediocrely*, Yusuke Suzuki writes, "The more sensitive you become to the intrusion of others, the more you understand what you dislike, what you don't need, and what you truly feel comfortable with and desire."

Looking back, I've had similar experiences. I've met people who didn't know how to be grateful, and while they complained about others not being grateful, they themselves were shamelessly ungrateful. At that time, I realized, 'Oh, I don't get along with people who don't have basic manners,' and I avoid deep interactions with such people.

As you know, it's rare to find someone who truly feels gratitude towards others among those who make such remarks. It's like a scammer saying, "While I may not be a scammer...".

As I finished reading your letter, another thought came to me.

Perhaps the times you've been hurt and struggled because of people are similar to a brief shower you're experiencing to meet better people. Rainbows usually appear after a downpour, don't they?

We can't change anyone, but we have the right to choose whether or not we interact with them. I believe that the pain and sadness you've experienced are just a short shower before you meet someone better.

Don't forget that the bad things we experience and the bad people we meet in life are a signal that good things and good people are coming soon. A rainbow will soon appear for you.

P.S.

I'll tell you other stories in a letter soon. Be much happier today, like a shining star.

A proverb derived from the content of *Renjun*, a section of the ancient Chinese text *Huainanzi*, from the Western Han Dynasty. Literally translated as 'the old man's horse on the frontier,' it means that the fortunes and misfortunes of life are subject to many variables, making it difficult to predict or determine. Simply put, it means 'you never know what life will bring.'

It is commonly used in the forms 'Sai On Ji Ma' or 'Insaeng Mansae Sai On Ji Ma.' It means that the affairs of life are like the old man's horse on the frontier.
-Source: Naver Encyclopedia