⭕️ The Taoist Farmer and His Son

Hey friend,

Yesterday I got rejected for an award that would give me 50,000 for growing Leaders of Today.

It was one of those things I had applied for and felt extremely confident about winning.

I was feeling quite disheartened for a couple hours but before I went to bed last night, I reminded myself this story of the Taoist Farmer and His Son.

Think you will really like this one…

read time: 3 mins

Here’s a really cool opportunity I encourage you to apply to this week:

[FELLOWSHIP] Western Union Global Fellowship Program – 1 Jul
Eligibility: Global
Description: The Western Union Global Fellowship Program is a fully-funded Impact Fellowship, empowering individuals supporting or hailing from refugee, highly-marginalized, or  forcibly displaced communities around the globe. Through this experience, Fellows will gain essential skills, resources, and networks to scale their ventures and accelerate their impact. This program is supported by Western Union.
Link: Apply here

Opportunities This Week

If you’re looking for more opportunities, check out our living document of 25+ opportunities here

The Parable of the Farmer and His Son

There was once an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day, his horse ran away.

"Such bad luck," his neighbors said sympathetically.

"Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see," the farmer replied.

The next morning, the horse returned, bringing with it three wild horses.

"How wonderful!" the neighbors exclaimed.

"Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see," replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg.

The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy.

"Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see," answered the farmer.

The day after that, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing the son’s broken leg, they passed him by.

"How lucky!" the neighbors said.

"Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see," said the farmer.

Why This Matters to Us

As young leaders, we’re constantly trying to predict the future.

We overthink every outcome. We celebrate wins like they’re the final answer and take losses like they’re the end of the road.

But the truth is:

Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.

Real Talk

When I didn’t get the internship I really wanted? I was crushed. A few months later, I met a mentor on a completely different path who ended up opening doors I never imagined.

When my podcast didn’t get the traction I hoped for? I thought I had failed. That same podcast helped me build the foundation for this newsletter you're reading right now.

When I burnt out and had to step back from everything? That forced pause helped me completely redefine how I manage my time and take care of myself.

None of it made sense in the moment. Now? It all connects.

What the Farmer Teaches Us

The point is:

• Not every "win" is as good as it seems

• Not every "loss" is as bad as it feels

• Everything is still unfolding

So instead of jumping to conclusions:

• Practice patience

• Trust the process

• Hold your emotions with gentleness

Equanimity doesn’t mean you don’t care. It just means you have the wisdom to pause before labeling something as good or bad.

My friend, let life play out. You’re doing better than you think. The universe is working in your favor, even if it’s hard to see. The best is yet to come.

Let me know, was this story helpful for you in your journey? How are you going to apply this in your life right now?

Sending you good vibes my friend,

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