I Know This!

Maya was known for her sunny disposition and infectious laughter, even in the face of adversity. One rainy afternoon, as Maya was walking home from school, she found herself caught in a sudden downpour. With her books getting soaked and her clothes drenched, Maya could have easily felt upset and frustrated. But instead, she reminded herself, “I Know This!”—happiness isn’t about what happens outside, but how we respond within.

Instead of letting the rain dampen her spirits, she saw it as an opportunity to dance in the rain. With a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face, Maya started twirling and splashing in the puddles, enjoying every moment of the unexpected shower.

Passersby stopped to watch in amazement as Maya’s joy radiated through the dreary streets. Some joined her in dancing, while others simply smiled at her infectious enthusiasm. It was as if Maya’s presence was a living reminder that I know this truth—that joy can bloom even in life’s storms—wasn’t just a thought, but something real and practical.

As Maya reached home, dripping wet but beaming with happiness, her mother asked her how she managed to stay so cheerful despite the rain. Maya simply shrugged and said, “My reaction is my internal equation. The rain is just a tiny part of the picture.”

Through Maya’s simple yet profound wisdom, her mother realized that external circumstances only have as much power as we give them. Maya’s ability to find joy in the rain reminded her mother that happiness truly comes from within, and it’s our reactions that shape our experiences, not the situations themselves. And from that day forward, Maya lived by a principle she carried deep in her heart: I know this—true happiness is always an inside job.