My Hidden Treasures

We all reach a point in life where we feel stuck — unsure of what to do, where to go, or which path is truly ours.
Aditya found himself in exactly that place.

He was restless, confused, and weighed down by questions he couldn’t answer. A friend finally suggested something unusual:
“Go to the sage in the forest. He has guided many people. Maybe he can guide you too.”

Curious and hopeful, Aditya set out early the next morning. After a long journey, he reached a quiet woodland where the sage lived in a small, thatched hut with his disciples. The sage looked unusual—long hair, a flowing beard, and dressed entirely in orange. He sat in deep meditation, calm and unmoving.

Aditya wondered whether this strange-looking man could truly solve his problems. He had left important work behind and travelled miles to be here. What if this was all for nothing?

A disciple gently invited him inside and offered him fruits. Soon, Aditya found himself sitting before the sage, sharing his worries — his confusion, his fear, his search for purpose.

The sage listened without interrupting.

Then, without a word, he placed two stones in Aditya’s hands:
one diamond, one gold.

“The diamond is the work the world admires — difficult, demanding, prestigious, and celebrated.”
“The gold is the work your heart admires — what you love, what you are naturally good at, what makes you unique.”

A disciple added gently,
“You may take both stones now. Later, you can return one… or keep both. The choice is yours.”

Choosing the Diamond — and Losing Himself

On his way home, Aditya convinced himself that the diamond was the “right” choice.
After all, society valued it. Everyone chased it.

He applied for many jobs, worked tirelessly, and finally landed a respected position. But within days, he realised the truth — he hated it. The tasks drained him. The pressure felt suffocating. The work had prestige, but no meaning.

Eventually, he quit.

And for the first time, he asked himself a question he had avoided for years:

“What do I love?”

Rediscovering the Gold Within

One afternoon, he remembered something he had forgotten — his childhood paintings. He dug out an old box and opened it.

What he saw stunned him.

Colours. Imagination. Life.
His own forgotten talent staring back at him.

“Why am I searching everywhere for answers?” he whispered.
“The answer has always been with me.”

He began painting again — first revisiting old styles, then creating new, vibrant, imaginative works. His art grew richer, more natural, more alive.

Eventually, he submitted his paintings to a to a major art exhibition. As the awards were announced from tenth place upward, his name didn’t appear. His heart pounded.

Then came the final announcement.

First place: Aditya.

The hall erupted in applause. He received many prizes — including a beautiful gold stone. People praised his extraordinary, creative, and natural artwork.

The Sage’s Final Lesson

Filled with gratitude, Aditya returned to the sage. As he approached, he overheard the sage advising another visitor:

“Look within yourself first. Only you know why you are here. When you discover your true strength, no one can take it from you.”

The words felt like they were meant for him.

He bowed before the sage and said,
“I no longer need the diamond. I choose the gold. In fact, I have found my own gold stone — my art.”

The sage smiled warmly.
“Keep my gold stone as a gift. You chose the path of your heart. Continue with dedication. Do not waver. Become the best version of yourself.”

Aditya left with clarity — and purpose.

He devoted himself to painting, worked with passion, and eventually became a renowned and respected artist.

A Reminder for All of Us

Most of us spend our lives chasing diamonds — the jobs that looks good, the life society approves of, the path others admire, the jobs that impress others and the goals that look good on paper.

But true fulfilment lies in the gold — the work that feels natural, joyful, and deeply ours.

Sometimes, the answers we search for aren’t out in the world.
They’re hidden in an old box inside us, waiting to be rediscovered.

Useful Expressions

Likes

Simple Expressions:

• I like…
  • I like reading books before bed.
• I love…
  •  I love listening to music while working.
• I enjoy…
  • Example: I enjoy hiking in the mountains.
• I’m into… (informal)
  • I’m really into photography these days.
• I adore…
  • Example: I absolutely adore Italian food.
• I’m a big fan of…
  • I’m a big fan of action movies.
• I have a soft spot for…
  •  I have a soft spot for animals, especially cats.
• I’m interested in…
            I’m interested in photography

Stronger Affection:

1. I’m crazy about…
   • Example: I’m crazy about painting—it’s my favorite hobby.
2. I’m passionate about…
   • Example: I’m passionate about environmental protection.

Dislikes

Simple Expressions:

1. I don’t like…
   •  I don’t like loud music.
2. I dislike…
   • I dislike waking up early in the morning.
3. I’m not fond of…
   • I’m not fond of spicy food.
4. I’m not a big fan of…
   • I’m not a big fan of horror movies.
5. I’m not keen on…
   • I’m not keen on shopping.

Stronger Dislike:

1. I can’t stand…
   •  I can’t stand being stuck in traffic.
2. I can’t bear…
   • I can’t bear the cold weather during winter.
3. I hate…
   •  I hate waiting in long lines.
4. I absolutely despise…
   • Example: I absolutely despise injustice.

Neutral Expressions

1. I don’t mind… (indicating neither like nor dislike)
   • I don’t mind working on weekends if needed.
2. It’s not my thing. (informal)
   • Camping is not my thing, but I’ll try it once.