With all the challenges we face daily in the world, we thought we’d share a short story inspired by the “carrot, egg, and coffee” metaphor, illustrating different ways people push through adversity.
This parable reminds us that when we get into hot water, we can’t control what’s happening, but we can control our response and change the environment into something fabulous!
A young woman was facing some tough challenges in both her professional and personal lives and felt like giving up.
Tired of struggling, she visited her wise grandmother for support.
When she arrived, her grandma took her hand and guided her to the kitchen, lovingly offering her a seat at the table.
Without saying a word, the older woman filled three pots with water, placed carrots in the first, eggs in the second, and ground coffee beans in the third, boiling each for about 20 minutes.
When the time was up, she turned off the stove. She fished out one carrot and placed it in a bowl, then did the same with an egg. Finally, she poured the coffee into a mug and looked at her granddaughter.
“Tell me, what do you see?” she asked. “Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” the young woman replied, slightly confused.
The grandmother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noticed they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.
Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled as she smelled its rich aroma and tasted its rich flavor.
The young woman looked at her grandma and asked, “But, what does it mean?”
“Look closer,” her grandmother said. “Each of these faced the same boiling water, but each reacted differently.”
The carrot, once hard, became soft and weak. The egg, fragile at first, hardened on the inside. But the coffee beans did something remarkable — they transformed the water.
The grandmother smiled. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you like the carrot that becomes weak, the egg that hardens, or the coffee beans that turn the challenge into something beautiful?”
Her grandmother explained that each of these objects faced the same adversity – an environment boiling over – but each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard and unyielding. However, after the root vegetables were exposed to boiling water, they softened and became weak.
In its pure form, the egg was fragile – a thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior. But, after sitting in the bubbling hot water, it became hardened and stiff inside.
The coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they changed the water.
“Which are you?” the grandmother asked the young woman, who still looked confused. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?”
What are you?
Are you the carrot, egg or coffee bean?
The carrot seems strong but, with pain and adversity, it wilts, becomes soft and yields to the heat. Do you tend to give up your power when faced with challenges?
The egg starts with a fragile shell protecting a soft heart that becomes hard with the heat. When faced with a challenge, does your shell look the same while your fluid spirit becomes unrecognizable and your heart hardened?
Or are you the coffee bean? When the water gets hot, the bean transforms itself and the water into something more beautiful, filling the air with its perky aromas and flavors. While the bean does change, its response to the water – the very environment that brings the pain – is something fantastic.
If you are the bean, when life hits a boiling point, instead of becoming soft or hard, you elevate to another level and change the space around you.
The message of this story is that we cannot control the events that occur in our lives, but we can control our response to them. So, when you find yourself in some proverbial hot water, don’t let the heat change who you are. Instead, respond in a way that has a positive impact and be the perky bean that motivates many people!
Are you a carrot, egg or coffee bean? Please let us know and then share this story so we can hear from others!
READ MORE
Real-life Prince Charming takes girl with special needs to prom after her date cancels
This high school heartthrob’s evolution into TV legend is truly inspiring
Share
Popular
Laura Ingraham
Laura Ingraham – now we know why the talkshow host has never been married
Polar bear attacks woman who jumped into enclosure at Berlin Zoo
Stock Tattoo Image. Credit / Shutterstock
35-year-old shocks the world by transforming into “black alien”
Prince Louis. Credit: Getty Images
Opinion: Why Prince Louis should be stripped of his royal titles
Cellphone – Credit / Shutterstock
Hidden smartphone tricks you probably didn’t know about
Read more about…
coffee grandmother inspirational life hack
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle go ‘separate ways,’ expert claims
Fans say ‘time has not been kind’ to Johnny Depp
Blinkist: Andrew Ng’s Reading List
|
Sponsored by Taboola
Co-Founder of Google Brain, Andrew Ng, Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around
Demi Moore’s shocking transformation leaves fans speechless
This little-known Elvis moment changed everything for his singers
Skip AdDiscoverRead More
Co-Founder of Google Brain, Andrew Ng, Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around
Andrew Ng, computer scientist and technology entrepreneur focusing on artificial intelligence, shares the five books he thinks will change your life.
Blinkist: Andrew Ng’s Reading List
|
Sponsored
If you have a mouse, you will never turn off your computer again.
Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted. No Installation. Play for free.
Panzer.Quest
|
Sponsored
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle go ‘separate ways,’ expert claims
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle go ‘separate ways,’ expert claims. Newsner give you the news that truly matters to yo
en.newsner.com
Looking for a soulmate!
Share your feelings and emotions with someone.
Japansdates
|
Sponsored
Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around
Andrew Ng, computer scientist and technology entrepreneur focusing on artificial intelligence, shares the five books he thinks will change your life.
Blinkist: Andrew Ng’s Reading List
|
Sponsored
You will never turn off your computer again. No Install. Play for free.
PanzerRush
|
Sponsored
Demi Moore’s shocking transformation leaves fans speechless
This year, Demi Moore took her Halloween costume to the next level, pushing the boundaries of horror-themed costumes.
en.newsner.com
If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted.
No Installation. Play for free.
Combat Siege
|
Sponsored
If you own a mouse, you will never turn off your computer again.
PanzerRush
|
Sponsored
Cambodia: Jewelry On Sale For Half Price (See Price List)
Lookup Luxury | Search Ads
|
Sponsored
This little-known Elvis moment changed everything for his singers
Little-known Elvis moment changed everything for his singers. Newsner give you the news that truly matters to you!
en.newsner.com
Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted.
Play this game for free. No Installation.
BaseAttackForce
|
Sponsored
If you have a mouse, this game will keep you awake all night long.
Play this game for free. No Installation.
BaseAttackForce
|
Sponsored
You will never turn off your computer again, if you own a mouse.
Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted. No Installation. Play for free.
Panzer.Quest
|
Sponsored
Florida man arrested for vulgar sticker on truck
A Florida man was arrested for displaying an obscene bumper sticker on the back of his truck, one that either expressed…
en.newsner.com
Bangkok hotel deaths: Suspect claimed she was Dubai billionaire’s wife, says victim’s mother
CNA
|
Sponsored
You will never turn off your computer again, if you were born before 1985.
The most realistic game 2024. No Installation. Play for free.
CombatSiege
|
Sponsored
If you have a mouse, you have to play this game.
Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted.
DesertOrder
|
Sponsored
The photographer recognized he had captured something unique after taking this picture
It’s quite fascinating to watch Diana and Michael Jackson together. Sadly, they’re both gone before their time under strange circumstances.
en.newsner.com
Senior Singles Connection
Share your feelings and emotions with someone.
Koreadates
|
Sponsored
Kruos: Earn Money with Surveys [Join Now]
Get paid to share your thoughts with YeloSurvey. Join today and start earning.
Start Surveys
|
Sponsored
Currently the best free game. Play for free. No Installation.
Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted.
DesertOrder
|
Sponsored
Why you should never touch a cowboy boot left on a fence
Diversity truly is a beautiful thing. In all corners of the world people have their own traditions and customs and boots, which is…
en.newsner.com
The Speed Camera Detector That’s Got the Authorities Worried
Auto News
|
Sponsored
Not a typical dating platform
Share your feelings and emotions with someone.
PhiliTallks
|
Sponsored
Meet the Car Device That Detects Speed Cameras 2km Ahead
Auto News
|
Sponsored
Fans say ‘time has not been kind’ to Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp’s transformation from his younger, heartthrob days to a 61-year-old grizzled actor is sparking lively conversations…
en.newsner.com
Dating for Mature Singles
Share your feelings and emotions with someone.
PhiliTallks
|
Sponsored
Kruos Modular Homes: See Prices
Mobile Homes | Search
|
Sponsored
‘You are not my maid. You are my Aunty’: When domestic helpers become family
CNA
|
Sponsored
Seek your perfect soulmate
Share your feelings and emotions with someone.
Koreadates
|
Sponsored
Crossout: New Apocalyptic MMO
Check out the new Crossout 2.0 for free. Discover PvP and PvE in our upgraded Action MMO. Countless unique Vehicles, PvE and PvP, Trading. Are you ready? Destroy vehicles your opponent took hours to craft and enjoy. Join now for Free
Crossout
|
Sponsored
Cambodia: Jewelry On Sale For Half Price! (See Price List)
Lookup Luxury | Search Ads
|
Sponsored
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘secret’ date spot everyone has missed
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘secret’ date spot everyone has missed. Newsner give you the news that truly matters to you!
en.newsner.com
Crossout 2.0: Supercharged
Check out the new Crossout 2.0 for free. Discover PvP and PvE in our upgraded Action MMO. Countless unique Vehicles, PvE and PvP, Trading. Are you ready? Destroy vehicles your opponent took hours to craft and enjoy. Join now for Free
Crossout
|
Sponsored
Earn Money Today with YeloSurvey [Join Now]
Get paid to share your thoughts with YeloSurvey. Join today and start earning.
Start Surveys
|
Sponsored
More Than a Stay: Lub d Phuket Patong!
Welcome to the heart of the action at Lub d Phuket Patong! A short stroll to the beach, we’re your gateway to unforgettable experiences. Trendy, budget-friendly, and full of life – it’s where friendships are made and stories are told.
Lubd
|
Sponsored
Influencers drown at yacht party after refusing to wear life jackets
Two Brazilian influencers tragically drowned during a yacht party off Brazil’s coast, after reportedly refusing to wear life jackets.
en.newsner.com
Play War Thunder now for free
Fight in over 2000 unique and authentic Vehicles. Fight on Land, on Water and in the Air. Join the most comprehensive vehicular combat game. Over 2000 tanks, ships and aircraft.
War Thunder
|
Sponsored
You will never turn off your computer again.
No Install. Play for free. The most realistic space game 2024.
planetcapture.io
|
Sponsored
Golden Ticket to Patong Beach Fun — Lub d
Welcome to the heart of the action at Lub d Phuket Patong! A short stroll to the beach, we’re your gateway to unforgettable experiences. Trendy, budget-friendly, and full of life – it’s where friendships are made and stories are told.
Lubd
|
Sponsored
War Thunder – Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players
Fight in over 2000 unique and authentic Vehicles. Fight on Land, on Water and in the Air. Join the most comprehensive vehicular combat game. Over 2000 tanks, ships and aircraft.
War Thunder
|
Sponsored
Are you ready to conquer a planet?
No Install. Play for free. The most realistic space game 2024.
planetcapture.io
|
Sponsored
Modern energy sources power Japan’s plan for a greener lower-carbon future
Discover how Japan is embracing modern energy sources for a greener future
scmp
|
Sponsored
Best Beautiful Dresses 2024 (See The List)
Beautiful Dresses
|
Sponsored
Beautiful Dresses at Low Prices: Where to Find Them in United Arab Emirates
Beautiful Dresses
|
Sponsored
Do you speak English? Work A USA Job From Home In Cambodia
US Jobs Online | Search Ads
|
Sponsored
Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You
Villas In Dubai | Search Ads
|
Sponsored
Belly Fat Removal Without Surgery in Cambodia: The Price Might Surprise You
Belly Fat Removal | Search Ads
|
Sponsored
Cost Of Infrared Sauna Might Surprise You
Infrared Sauna | Se
