Life doesn’t always go the way we plan. Circumstances, challenges, and unexpected events are often beyond our control. But one thing always remains in our hands — how we choose to see those situations and how we respond to them. True happiness doesn’t come from external conditions, but from the mindset and attitude we carry within ourselves.
Let’s understand this through a powerful story – the story of Argentina’s legendary golfer, Roberto De Vicenzo.
A Story of Perspective
Roberto De Vicenzo was one of the greatest golfers of his time. During his career, he won more than 230 tournaments. But he wasn’t remembered only for his incredible game; he was admired just as much for his positive outlook on life.
One day, after winning a tournament, Roberto received his prize money in the form of a check. He spent some time in the locker room, and when he finally stepped out, most people had already left. As he walked toward his car, a woman approached him.
She said with a trembling voice:
“Sir, I don’t have a job and no money. My child is seriously ill. The doctor says if I can’t pay for the surgery, my child will die. Please help me.”
Roberto was deeply moved by her words. Without hesitation, he took the winner’s check from his pocket and handed it to the woman so she could save her child.
A few weeks later, Roberto visited the country club. There, the PG officials informed him that the woman had deceived him — there was no sick child, no surgery, and the story was a complete lie.
Hearing this, Roberto calmly asked,
“So… does that mean no child is sick at all?”
The officials replied, “Yes, that’s right. There was no sick child.”
Roberto smiled and said:
“Then that’s the best news I’ve heard this year — no child is suffering.”
The Lesson
Even after being cheated, Roberto chose not to be angry or disappointed. Instead, he looked at the brighter side – that in reality, no child was dying or in pain.
This story teaches us an invaluable lesson: Happiness is not about what happens to us, but about how we choose to look at what happens.
A positive perspective can turn even the toughest moments into opportunities for growth, gratitude, and peace.
President of Narayan Seva Sansthan Mr. Prashant Agarwal often emphasises, “Our greatest strength lies not in controlling life’s events, but in choosing a perspective that brings peace, courage, and hope.”