What a Pity

There was a story told of a man who wanted to know the secret to being happy. The wise man of his village told him that in a high mountain somewhere in the Himalayas lived a hermit who knew the answer to his question. But, there were two conditions. One, he could ask only that one question and nothing else. The village sage told him that he should take care not to ask other questions as this would forfeit his chance to know what he wanted to know. And two, he had to walk to the mountain as using any means of transportation was unacceptable.

The man went on his journey. After a long arduous walk that took seven years he saw the mountain. What he thought was journey's end proved to be false. Visual sighting did not match actual distance. It took another year to reach the foot of the mountain. Then, another two years of climbing before he reach the top.

I neglected to tell you that on his journey the man met with many distractions and temptations which would have prevented any lesser mortal from continuing with the journey. But, this man was no ordinary mortal. He was strong in his resolve. He was firm in the pursuit of his quest.

Upon setting foot on summit, he was welcomed by the most beautiful creature he had ever seen! He expected the hermit to be old, withered, wrinkled, stooped and with beard flowing down to the ground. But, what he saw was a young and a very, very beautiful woman. Well-proportioned, perfectly balanced, well-poised and simply, simply, simply beautiful in all respects.

His jaw dropped. It took a moment before he could regain his breath. And, the question that rushed out of his mouth was, "Excuse me miss but, are you married?" End of story.

Goal-setting, stretch and reach. Hit your mark! Hit your mark! I've heard that so many times before. You must admit the beautiful woman was one heck of a goal stopper. In your face, Gonzo! How many times in your life, when you were about to grab the elusive grail of your dreams, did you lose focus and missed it? Then,you had to start all over again? The man of our story missed the opportunity of a lifetime because of a pretty face. What was your "pretty face?"