Trust Yourself: The King Loves His Clothes…
“Don’t take anything personally. As you make a habit of not taking anything personally, you won’t need to place your trust in what others do or say. You will only need to trust yourself to make responsible choices.” Don Miguel Ruiz
Trust Yourself: A King displaying his finery....
Get Over Yourself: What You Think Is Not Always What You Get…
Recently, I was reminded about the powerful ways in which the mysteries of life present themselves. Sometimes we look at events and imagine all kinds of wounds; bows and arrows and aspersions cast at us by unknown or imagined forces; when quite frankly, these events have less to do with us and more to do with the main characters involved.
In an ancient town there lived a well regarded, yet very proud tailor whose fame was known far and wide. The tailor was quite talented but was known to not listen but to decide what was best for his clients. Most went along because of his skill and for those who didn’t like his approach; the door was always open for them to seek help elsewhere.
One day, he was invited to a neighboring king’s palace to take measurements of the king and members of his large family for an upcoming coronation. The tailor was proud about this opportunity for even though he was well known, the king had never asked for his services. He brought his assistants with him and was surprised to see the king’s austere quarters.
Nevertheless, he visualized an extravagant coronation with much pomp and pageantry. Soon the tailor had all 150 members of the King’s palace measured and assured the King he knew exactly what everyone should wear. “I see how you live and I know what would fit the occasion,” he insisted, even as the King made suggestions.
Off the tailor went and soon had selected fine fabrics for the upcoming event. He headed back to his shop to make the outfits. The tailor and his staff spent many nights creating an array of exquisite clothes; rich and colorful silks trimmed with the finest velvet, organza, suede and lace fabrics. Once finished, he gathered up the gowns and capes and headed back to the King’s abode.
As he approached the palace, he saw a group of people congregated outside the king’s palace, speaking in hushed tones… Being a curious man, the tailor inquired why they were gathered and looked so morose. “Ah, we just heard that the King hired an outsider to make him clothes and that he plans to execute the Palace Tailor after the coronation for embarrassing him in front of visiting dignitaries last week.” One person offered.
“How did he embarrass the King?” The tailor asked, both alarmed and eager to find out so he could protect himself. “Oh, we don’t know… he told us” said another pointing at a seemingly wise, older man. The older man said, “I know… the guards told me. Our King is known for his frugality and didn’t like the fancy silks and extravagant lace clothes the tailor showed the visiting guests when they visited the palace sewing room.”
The tailor was devastated as he realized his extravagant collection might not pass muster with the King. He turned to his staff and for the first time, in a state of panic, asked their advice. “Let’s leave now and make some new clothes.” “Let’s leave town quickly as we don’t have time to replace the clothes.” The suggestions came fast and furious until, in a daze; the tailor decided to face his fate. He went to meet the King.
With great trepidation, he presented the clothes to the king and his family and waited for the King’s guards to whisk him away to meet the executioner’s axe. To his surprise, there was silence, then admiration, followed by applause. The King loved the clothes. The tailor was paid handsomely and as he was about to leave, asked what had happened to the Palace tailor. The King replied, “He was dismissed because when the dignitaries came to visit; the gift robes and gowns were unfinished and he was nowhere to be found.” The tailor thanked the king and left; grateful he had followed his heart.
On the way home, he met the same group and told them what happened. They were astonished and turned to the now not-so-wise older man who was cowering, looking for a way to leave. What they didn’t realize was that He was the dismissed Palace Tailor. “Where did you get your story from?” They all asked in unison… He hesitated and then his eyes lit up; “Oh, the dismissed tailor told me …. And the king, dismissing him had said; sorry, it’s business, it’s not personal!”
Hmm mm was it? Was the dismissed Tailor trying to protect his reputation or discourage the new tailor? Did he even know the new tailor? You decide…
For Creative Rejuvenation & Inspiration: Check out DailyOM
What are your thoughts? How do you make decisions on matters that directly affect you?
Positive Motivation Tip: Search your heart and trust yourself to make responsible choices even in the face of objections… remember it’s their business, it’s not personal.
Related Articles
- In Transit: Tours of a London Palace Offer History and Ghosts (intransit.blogs.nytimes.com)
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: A King in his finery via Wikipedia
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
sorry that link is http://www.dailyOM.com/
Not to worry… I knew what you meant! 😉
As soon as I started reading your post, the words, “It’s not personal…it’s business” flashed into my mind. 🙂
Unfortunately, many children are not taught the skills of thinking for themselves and trusting their own opinions. Parents (and teachers) often encourage children to follow the crowd, go with the majority and subdue their own individuality.
Thank goodness some of us live long enough to learn to speak up for ourselves and continue on, sometimes in the face of opposition or failure. And when we do, we gain strength and courage so that the next time, it is easier to strike out on our own path.
Another post that makes us think past what you wrote…definitely the mark of a great writer! 🙂
It is very important to pay attention to our instincts and know when to look beyond the stories… For some, it comes early in life with parents encouraging their kids to follow their own instincts. Unfortunately, for some of us it comes later in life; but better late than never right? Thanks for stopping in Viv! Off to read you latest post. 🙂
E
I am a huge fan of dailyom.com I love the inspiration. This is a great article and quote in the start of it. Elizabeth everyone needs to read your writings. Have a great night.
Yes, it is a terrific site… They also offer online courses on a wide range of topics. I’ve taken a few over the years.
Thanks for stopping by Jackie! 🙂
E
sometimes it’s personal and I HAVE to resist or leave the scene searching for better human beings …
Touche! I understand and that is a valid option … if you have all the facts. Who was it that said, if you observe humans closely, sooner or later they will reveal themselves. I do think we should give each other the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.. 🙂 No?
Eliz
I thought the new tailor was a bad businessman for not listening to his clients, but the king loved his clothes, so that shows what I know 😮
I love the work of Don Miguel Ruiz. And how clever, to tie the infamous fairy tale in with this lesson. LOVE IT!!
So grateful to be here today!
I love reading your blog postings. You are being so creative writing inspiring characters to add to your topics for thought, and living life with a added spirit of inspiration.
I learned this lesson about being myself, and not taking seriously what others percept my intentions. Trusting my heart and my own instincts, has been working fine for me.
Haha I was totally expecting the old story about the emporer and his new clothes! Oops! I liked this story!
Oh so timely! This has been one of my biggest lessons this year!
What a great story Eliz. So thought provoking. I must admit that if I had been the tailor and see the asture manner in which the King lived combined with the King’s wishes regarding his new clothes, I would have looked, listened and created according to what I believed my client wanted rather than what I believed they wanted/needed. The tailor showed much courage and conviction to follow his intution despite the perceived opposition. A great example of being ‘true to yourself’…thank you for sharing. 🙂
Wonderful story.
Just trust yourself . . . and you will know how to live. ~ Goethe
I enjoyed reading your blog and the quote really got me hook. Good post.. 🙂
What a great story! I really,really enjoyed reading 🙂