A group of successful alumni came together to visit their old university professor.

As they caught up, the conversation quickly turned to complaints about the challenges and stress they were facing in their work and personal lives.

In an effort to share a valuable lesson, the professor decided to use a practical example.

He went to his kitchen, returned with a big cup of coffee, and brought out various mugs some were made of porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, and ranged in price from ordinary to expensive and exquisite.

The professor encouraged them to pour themselves some coffee.

Once everyone had a cup in hand, the professor pointed out, “Did you notice that all the beautiful cups are taken, and only the cheapest ones are left?”

“While it’s natural for everyone to strive for the best, it often becomes a source of problems and stress in their lives.”

“The cup itself doesn’t improve the taste of the coffee, in most cases, it’s usually more expensive and hides what we’re drinking.”

Continuing with the analogy, the professor highlighted that what everyone really wanted was the coffee, not the cup.

Despite this, each person consciously chose attractive, expensive cups and began comparing them with others.

“Let’s think of life like coffee, and jobs, houses, cars, possessions, money, and positions as cups.”

“The type of drink we have doesn’t define or change our quality of life.”

The professor concluded by urging them to focus on what is truly important in life rather than dwelling on superficial aspects.

Moral of the story

Being happy doesn’t mean everything around you is perfect. Happiness resides in you, not in your career, job, car or the house you have.