The rumor kitchen was cooking in the forest. Unfortunately, the Bear had written a death list, and all the animals in the forest were nervous. Who had the Bear put on his dreaded list? The Deer was feeling particularly brave, so he walked up to the Bear and politely asked, “Bear, am I on your death list?” “Yes, you are Deer,” replied the Bear. Within two days, the Deer was found lifeless in the woods. A wave of intense fear penetrated the forest now. Who else among the animals might suffer such a terrible fate? The Boar couldn’t stand worrying any longer about his future, so he too found the courage to go to the Bear and ask the same question. “Bear, am I on your death list?” asked the Boar. “Boar, you are on my list,” said the Bear. A day later, the Boar too was found dead. Sheer panic was felt among all the living creatures in the forest. Now all the animals knew the Bear’s death list wasn’t a rumor but a reality. “Who among the animals was next on the list wondered both the brave and the meek?” wondered both the brave and the meek. Much to the animals’ surprise, the Rabbit tracked down the Bear to ask the question that burned in each of their minds. “Bear, am I on your death list?” inquired the Rabbit. “Yes, Rabbit, you are on my list,” answered the Bear. “That’s too bad,” said the Rabbit. Then before he hopped away the Rabbit asked, “Bear, can you take me off your list?” “Sure, no problem!” replied the Bear.

The moral of the story is this: Life experience is directly tied to the quality of the questions you ask. For instance, instead of asking the question, what is wrong with me that I was laid off? Ask a different set of questions. For instance, is there anything I could have done differently to avoid being laid off? Did I give that job my very best? Is there a blessing in disguise as a result of this opportunity for change? Am I in the right job today? What is my ideal job? How can I find a job that is best suited for my skills? Who can help me find the job of my dreams? Do I need a career coach? Should I go back to school? What do I enjoy doing most? What am I truly passionate about? All these are questions focused on looking for a solution and seeking the life lesson in every situation. Questions like these can help you find important answers, expand yourself, and enjoy life more in the process.