Farmer Thinks He’s Burying the Donkey, but the Donkey Wasn’t Through Teaching Him

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement, he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Moral of the Story

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred – Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries – Most never happens.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less from people but more from yourself.

Related Posts

Senate Finally Passes It with 53 – 46 Vote — Chuck Schumer and Dems LOST!

Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe’s confirmation to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida is more than a routine judicial appointment; it is a strategic brick…

Trump Promises $2,000 ‘Tariff Dividend’ for All Americans: Says Opposing Tariffs Is Foolish

The announcement landed like a lightning strike in an already divided country. To some, Trump’s “tariff dividend” sounded like long-awaited payback for years of economic anxiety—a chance…

The Unforgettable Hairpin That Brought Comfort When I Needed It Most

I can still recall the rush of panic that washed over me the day my four-year-old son slipped out of sight in a crowded mall. One moment…

The Dinner That Reminded Us Why Compassion Matters Most

Some meals linger in your memory not because of the food, but because of a moment that shifts how you see the people around you. After a…

The Courageous Life of Mary Ann Bevan: A Story Far Beyond a Photograph

Mary Ann Bevan is often reduced to a single image in historical archives, yet her real story is one of profound resilience, devotion, and quiet courage. Born…

Shania Twain’s Bold Stage Look Sparks Buzz During Her Las Vegas Performance

Shania Twain—celebrated around the world as the “Queen of Country Pop”—captured attention during a recent stop in her Las Vegas residency. While her vocals and signature stage…