Once upon a time, there were three bricklayers.
When asked, “What are you doing?” the first bricklayer replied:
“I’m laying bricks.”
The second bricklayer was asked the same question. He answered:
“I’m putting up a wall.”
The third bricklayer, when asked the question “What are you doing?” responded, with pride in his voice:
“I’m building a castle.”
I always liked this analogy, because it says so much about attitude.
We decide if we look at ourselves as just a bricklayer, or if we have the courage and confidence to dream big? Do we see the bigger picture?
Is our job and what we do important, or do we just make a living? The way we approach things in the morning, defines who we are in the evening. I am firm believer of that.
How we look at ourselves is important. Am I just a factory worker, or am I part of a crew that builds beautiful cars? Am I just a housewife, or am I the manager of my family?
Years ago I worked two and three jobs to make ends meet during my college years -we needed the money, they were just jobs.
Then, when I started a career I decided to build a wall -mostly around me. I trapped myself and didn’t really see where I was going.
Somehow over the years, my outlook changed and I decided to build castles. I take pride in my work, regardless if it is at home or in my workroom. Some of my castles are so small that you need a magnifying glass to see them, nevertheless, they are beautiful.
My vision leads the way~!
I’ve never heard this analogy before and I really like it. When I was growing up, I was rather grandiose in my thinking and my mother discouraged it in a major way. She considered it being self-important and “putting on airs”.
I’ve spent my adult life clawing my way back to that boldness of thinking.
If someone is stuck thinking small, there was likely someone along the way imposing their reality.
“If someone is stuck thinking small, there was likely someone along the way imposing their reality.” oh my friend you nailed it. I believe that to be true as well. I think doubt is like a weed, it grows small and takes over everything.
Wonderful analogy and points out how attitude can determine your altitude! 🙂
On any paperwork I fill out that asks my occupation I used to put Logistical Manager of Household when I was hauling kids around. Not I put Zookeeper. I sh*t you not!!! People actually laugh and get it. 😀
As long as you are proud to be a zookeeper, everything is alright 🙂
Interesting that you should say that. Since my role seems to be falling away, changing, I’m not so into it any more. I guess I’m kind of puzzled as to what that means for me. Right now there’s nothing I’m doing a paid housekeeper couldn’t do. Does that mean that’s my role now? 🙁
Do you want it to be your role? I don’t think you do. My friend this is your life, your rhythm…you walk to your own drums. There is no such thing than an insignificant job. It’s how you feel about it that counts, not what you do..but you knew that already didn’t you?
Oh dear, Bridget…”There is no such thing than an insignificant job. It’s how you feel about it that counts, not what you do..but you knew that already didn’t you?” I actually DON’T know where you’re going with that. Perhaps an email is in order?
No worries. I was just referring to the post. Bricklayer or Castle builder 🙂
I’ll have to go back and reread it
Thank you for this analogy; I love this post. Inevitably we hit rough spots in life. However, attitude can have a huge impact on the outcome.
Thank you for stopping by. I am glad you liked it.
A great reminder that you can make your life hell or heaven just with your mindset.
Thank you Bernadette. Have a great weekend.
Great parable about perspective and attitude. Love it. Even if everyone else thinks all we do is lay bricks or build walls, if we take the approach that we are building castles, there is the potential for happiness.
I really do believe that we chose who we want to be. It has nothing to do with material things or health or status, it comes from within us.
This is so true! How you see yourself is so important.
Yes, I believe it is. Thank you for stopping by 🙂
I love this post. Perspective is everything!
It truly is. Thank you for reading and commenting.