changing one's attitude story essay

Frederic Henry’s Change in Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” Essay

In Ernest Hemingway’s novel A Farewell to Arms , the main character experiences a significant change in attitude and perception of war. Initially, Frederic Henry’s position in the war could be described as a bystander role. However, with the change of events in history, the author emphasizes the importance of gaining first-hand experience for changing controlling ideas and a person’s position on war or considering alternative points of view.

The main character finds himself troubled in defining his position in the war due to being a foreigner in Europe. Henry’s reflections on the war initially center on defining which side he would like to be in the conflict. Thus, Henry states that he wishes he was “with the British” because then things “would have been much simpler” (Hemingway, 1997, p. 39). However, Henry immediately refutes his reasoning, deciding that he would have already been killed if he were in the British troops. Furthermore, when facing the military police, Henry decides to run away out of fear of young men who were saving their country. Thus, even though Henry was willing to contribute to the war at the beginning despite having no personal interest, he fled after encountering people for whom war was a way to protect their country.

In my experience, I had a similar change of perspective when I tried to understand the causes of wars and political conflicts. Thus, being an outside observer, it seems that you can always determine the correctness of actions and condemn one of the parties. However, when you put yourself in another person’s position, you understand that the opinions of third-party observers may not correspond to reality. Therefore, I started trying to look at the situation from both sides before sharing my opinion about the problem with other people.

Thus, in A Farewell to Arms , the author forces the main character to change his perspective on war by letting him feel what it is like to be on the other side of the conflict. When Henry was in the position of an outside observer, he could freely think about both sides. However, when Henry faced the execution dressed as a German in Italian uniform, he realized that war means more to those defending their country. Thus, his position as an outside observer does not guarantee his safety in conditions where every life is equally threatened.

Hemingway, E. (1997). A farewell to arms. Scribner.

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1. IvyPanda . "Frederic Henry’s Change in Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”." July 18, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/frederic-henrys-change-in-hemingways-a-farewell-to-arms/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Frederic Henry’s Change in Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”." July 18, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/frederic-henrys-change-in-hemingways-a-farewell-to-arms/.

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Inspiring Short Stories on Positive Attitude: Read These 11

When you have a positive attitude, you see the opportunities and possibilities in every situation rather than the problems and obstacles. You focus on the solutions rather than the complaints. You appreciate what you have rather than what you lack. You celebrate your achievements rather than dwell on your failures. You embrace change rather than resist it. You are optimistic rather than pessimistic. A positive attitude can make a huge difference in your personal development. It can help you grow as a person, improve your relationships, and enhance your well-being.

Sanju Pradeepa

The old, dusty book sat on the shelf of the library, its gold-embossed title gleaming in the dim light that filtered through the high windows. As the young boy ran his fingers over the familiar leather binding, he smiled, knowing the tales of inspiration and hope that awaited him within those pages.

His favorite collection of short stories had seen him through many difficult times, the characters and morals lifting his spirits and reminding him that a positive attitude can change everything.

On days when the world felt overwhelming and bleak, he would pull the book from its place and lose himself in the stirring stories of perseverance against all odds. Though decades had passed since the book was first published, the messages of courage, kindness, and optimism remained timeless.

For any reader seeking to boost their positive mindset and find motivation, this compilation of inspiring short stories on positive attitude still shines as a beacon of light.

Table of Contents

Inspiring short stories on positive attitude.

Having a positive attitude is one of the most important factors in personal development. A positive attitude can help you overcome challenges, learn new skills, achieve your goals, and enjoy your life. A positive attitude can also boost your self-confidence, motivation, and resilience.

18 Characteristics of Positive Attitudes (+5 Benefits)

1. the power of positive thinking: a short story.

The old fisherman sat by the sea, staring at the rolling waves under the night sky. He had gone out to sea earlier that day but caught nothing. His small boat rocked gently beside him, empty again.

For weeks, he had struggled. No matter how early he left or how late he returned, the fish just weren’t biting. His wife tried to reassure him that his luck would turn, but he was losing hope.

As he gazed at the stars, he thought of his father and grandfather, who had both been fishermen. “The sea provides,” his father always said. But the sea seemed to have abandoned him.

Just then, a bright light appeared, dancing on the water. At first, the fisherman thought it was the reflection of the moon, but the light moved and flickered. He realized with a start that it was a flame coming closer.

A small boat drifted into view, lit by a lantern. In it sat a young boy, no more than 10 years old, holding a fishing pole. The boy called out, “Have you had any luck today, sir?”

The fisherman sighed. “Not today, I’m afraid.”

The boy smiled. “Don’t lose hope! My father always says that patience and perseverance will pay of f. The fish will come. You’ll see.”

With that, the boy’s boat drifted back into the night. The fisherman sat in silence, pondering the boy’s words. His optimism and faith pierced the darkness like that small flame, rekindling the fisherman’s own hopes. He knew then that luck would find him again if he met each day with faith and determination . The sea provides, after all, for those who persevere.

2. The Opportunity in Every Difficulty: An Inspiring Tale

The old farmer sighed as he looked over his ruined crops. A terrible storm had swept through the valley the night before, and his once lush and verdant fields were now battered and muddy. His neighbor, a kind young man named Thomas, came by to offer his help.

“This is a calamity,” the farmer said. “My family has always been able to survive on the yield of this harvest. I don’t know what we will do now.”

Thomas thought for a moment. “I see this not as a calamity but as an opportunity,” he said gently.

The farmer looked at him in disbelief. “How can this be an opportunity?” he asked.

Thomas smiled. “Now you have a chance to try something new. You’ve always grown beans and squash. Why not try planting different crops that will thrive in this soil? You can diversify and strengthen your farm.”

The farmer considered this. Thomas was right—he had become set in his ways. This disaster could push him to make his farm sustainable in new ways.

“You have given me hope again,” the farmer said. He clapped Thomas on the back. “Thank you for showing this old man the opportunity in this difficulty. My farm will be better for it.”

And so the farmer planted new, hearty crops and introduced more diversity to his farm. Though the storm ruined one harvest, it ended up saving many more. For in every difficulty lies an opportunity, if only we dare to see it.

3. The Traveler: A Story About Choosing Your Perspective

The old traveler sat down for a rest under the shade of a large tree. A young boy approached and sat down next to him. “Where are you going?” asked the boy. The traveler replied, “I’m not sure where this road will lead me.”

The boy was surprised. “How can you not know where you’re going?” he asked. The traveler smiled. “I don’t know my destination, but I’m sure I’ll know when I get there. The beauty is in the journey, not the destination.”

The boy still didn’t understand. “But how will you know you’ve arrived if you don’t know where you’re going?” The traveler replied, “When I arrive, there will be peace and contentment in my heart. The journey is what shapes us and makes us grow.”

The boy considered this. He had always focused on goals and destinations but never appreciated the journey. He realized there was wisdom in the traveler’s words. “I think I understand,” he said. “It’s not about where I’m going, but how I choose to see the journey.”

The traveler nodded. “You’re learning. Our perspective shapes our reality. Choose to see each moment as an opportunity to learn and grow. Appreciate all the simple beauties around you. Find peace in the journey, not the destination.”

The boy smiled, thanked the traveler, and continued down the road with a new sense of meaning and purpose. He realized the journey ahead held endless possibilities if only he chose to see them. His reality was shaped by his perspective. The destination didn’t matter; his journey was just beginning.

4. The Two Frogs: A Short Story on Maintaining an Optimistic Outlook

Two frogs, Tom and Tim, were enjoying the summer sun near a pond. Tom was young and optimistic, while Tim was older and more pessimistic.

As Tom was hopping around the pond, he fell into a bucket that someone had left out. He tried to jump out, but the bucket was too deep. Tim came over and saw Tom’s struggle.

“It’s useless,” said Tim. “You’ll never get out.”

“Don’t be silly,” said Tom. “Someone will surely come and get me out.”

Just then, a little boy walked by and heard Tom’s calls. He lifted the bucket and tipped it over, freeing the frog. Tom hopped happily away, calling out to Tim:

“I told you I’d get out! An optimistic outlook always pays off.”

Tim grumbled as he hopped into the pond. A while later, Tim’s pessimism got the better of him again. As he was swimming, a big fish swam by and grabbed him in its mouth. Tim shrieked:

“Help! I’m going to be eaten!”

Tom heard the commotion and swam over. He told the fish:

“Please release my friend. He did not mean to disturb you.”

The fish opened his mouth and let Tim go. Tim was ashamed of his pessimism. He told Tom:

“You were right. Positivity and optimism do pay off. I will try to be more optimistic from now on.”

Moral of the story: Having an optimistic outlook can open up more opportunities and lead to better outcomes. Maintaining positive thinking and hopeful expectations can help overcome difficult situations. Like Tom, the frog approaches life with optimism and faith in good outcomes.

How Optimism Affects Happiness: +8 Ways to Develop Optimism

5. the story of the farmer and his luck.

There once lived a farmer in a small village. He was considered the luckiest man in the village. The farmer believed that God was kind to those who worked hard. He was a very hardworking farmer.

One day, the farmer was working in his field. He saw a traveler walking by. The traveler asked the farmer, “How did you get so rich?” The farmer replied, “Hard work.” The traveler was surprised and said, “Many people work hard but are still poor. There must be some luck involved too!”

The farmer thought for a while and said, “You’re right. Let’s say luck and hard work are like two horses pulling a wagon. With only one horse, the wagon won’t move. Hard work alone is not enough. Luck alone will not take the wagon far. When luck and hard work come together, that’s when the wagon starts moving!”

The traveler was very impressed with the farmer’s wisdom. He asked again, “What about times when you face bad luck? How do you deal with it?”

The farmer smiled and said, “When times are good, I work hard. When times are bad, I work even harder. Hard work can turn bad luck into good luck!”

The traveler thanked the farmer and continued his journey enlightened by the farmer’s positive attitude and simple wisdom. Like the traveler, we too can learn from the farmer’s story.

Success comes to those who work hard and maintain a positive attitude, regardless of luck, good or bad. Luck is fleeting, but hard work and a positive attitude can overcome all odds.

Is Success Luck or Hard Work: Unpacking the Success Equation

6. the story of the elephant and the rope.

The massive elephant strained against the thick rope around its ankle, trying in vain to break free. A young girl noticed the elephant’s distress and approached the handler. “Why does this elephant not just use its strength to break the rope and escape?” she asked.

The handler smiled and replied, “When this elephant was just a baby, it was tied with the same rope. At that time, the rope was strong enough to restrain the little elephant. It has grown up believing the rope can still hold it, even though now it could easily snap the rope.”

The elephant’s limited belief in the power of the rope had imprisoned it for life. Like the elephant, many of us go through life trapped by false beliefs and self-imposed limitations. We become accustomed to thinking in a certain way and continue to see the world through that lens, even after we have outgrown it.

To break free from these mental constraints, we must first recognize that the beliefs holding us back are no longer true. We have to realize, as the elephant eventually did, that we now have the power and ability to break those bindings. We just have to open our minds to growth and change.

The elephant can teach us an important lesson: we are only as trapped as we believe ourselves to be. With an open and willing spirit, we can release ourselves from the ropes that bind us.

7. The Blind Boys and the Matter of Perspective

The old monastery sat atop the hill, isolated from the village below. Two blind boys, Timmy and Jimmy, lived there, taken in by the monks at a young age.

One day, the boys were playing in the yard when they started arguing about what color the sky was. Timmy claimed it was blue, while Jimmy insisted it was gray. The argument escalated as each boy refused to accept the other’s perspective.

Hearing the commotion, the head monk came over. He told the boys, “You are both right. The sky’s color depends on the way you observe it.”

The boys were puzzled. “But how can it be both blue and gray?” asked Jimmy.

The monk smiled gently. “While you see with your eyes, you perceive with your mind. The sky appears blue to Timmy because that is how his mind perceives it based on what he has learned and experienced. To Jimmy, it seems gray for the same reason.”

“So which color is really right?” asked Timmy.

“The sky has no inherent color. It appears differently to each observer based on their perspective. Right or wrong does not apply here.”

The boys grew silent, grasping the meaning behind the monk’s words. Though blind, their vision expanded in that moment as they understood, for the first time, the power of perspective .

While the boys continued to see the world differently, they learned to appreciate how those varying perspectives enriched their lives. They realized that by embracing diversity of thought, one can achieve a more colorful and meaningful view of life. By opening their minds, the blind boys gained true sight.

8. The Mountain Story

The old man sat with his grandson by the fire, under a blanket of stars. “Grandson, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all,” he said.

The First Wolf

“One is evil. It is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity , guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride , superiority, and ego.”

The Second Wolf

“The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.”

The grandson thought about this for a minute and then asked, “Grandfather, which wolf wins?”

The old man smiled. “The one you feed.”

This short story highlights that we each have the potential for both good and evil inside us. The traits and behaviors we cultivate through our thoughts and actions will determine which side prevails. Focusing on positivity, kindness, and compassion feeds the good wolf, allowing our best qualities to shine through. Dwelling on negative emotions and harmful actions, on the other hand, gives power to the evil wolf.

Every day, in small ways, we choose which wolf to feed. Make an effort to feed the good wolf within you by maintaining an optimistic attitude, practicing kindness, and spreading positivity to others. Starve the evil wolf of anger, envy, and selfishness. Though it can be difficult, having awareness and making the choice to promote good over evil leads to inner peace and benefits society as a whole.

Feed the good wolf, and let your positive attitude and actions inspire others to do the same. Together, we can cultivate more good in the world.

9. The Sun and the Wind: A Fable on Positive Thinking

The sun and wind were arguing one day over who was the stronger of the two. As they debated, they saw a man traveling along a road wearing a coat. They agreed that whoever could cause the man to remove his coat the fastest would be considered the stronger.

The wind accepted the challenge and blew with all his might, trying to make the man feel uncomfortable enough to remove his coat. But the harder the wind blew, the tighter the man grasped his coat and wrapped it around himself. The wind’s efforts were in vain.

The Sun’s Turn

When the wind gave up, the sun took its turn. The sun shone gently upon the traveler, slowly increasing his warmth and brightness. The sun’s friendly rays felt pleasant to the man, who soon unbuttoned his coat as he walked down the road. Within a few minutes, the man finally removed his coat altogether.

The sun’s kind and optimistic approach succeeded where the wind’s aggression and pessimism failed. The moral of the story is that positive thinking and friendliness often accomplish more than hostility and force. A positive, constructive attitude can go a long way toward resolving disagreements and achieving one’s goals.

The story highlights how positive thinking and an optimistic outlook can overcome negativity and adversity. By taking a friendly, empathetic approach, the Sun was able to achieve what aggression and pessimism could not. With patience and understanding, the sun’s positivity won out.

12 Reasons Why Positivity Matters (+7 Ways to Achieve It)

10. the optimist and the pessimist: a tale of two friends.

The Pessimist

Jake was a pessimist. He always expected the worst in every situation. One day, while walking through the forest, Jake came upon an old abandoned cabin. “I bet this place is filled with spiders and critters,” he thought. As night fell, Jake’s stomach began to growl. He peered inside the dark cabin, worried about what scary things might lurk within. His hunger eventually overtook his fear.

Jake lit a candle and found the cabin empty except for a pot of hot stew still warm over the fire. But Jake didn’t eat. “This is probably poisoned,” he worried, going to bed hungry.

The Optimist

Jake’s friend Tim was an optimist. He always looked on the bright side. The next day, Tim came upon the same cabin. “What an adventure this will be!” he exclaimed. Tim went inside, lit a fire, and found the pot of stew. “How lucky I am to find a hot meal waiting!” he said, enjoying the stew. He slept well that night in the cozy cabin.

A Valuable Lesson

The next morning, Jake told Tim about the spooky cabin. “Really?” asked Tim. “I found an abandoned cabin too, but it seemed quite pleasant.” Jake was shocked. It was the same cabin, yet their experiences had been very different. Jake realized his pessimism had caused him to miss out on a good meal and cozy shelter. From that day on, Jake tried to be more optimistic. He learned that positive thinking can open us up to more happiness and opportunity.

11. Be the best you can be.

The old warehouse towered before Jenny, holding untold stories within its rusty walls. She took a deep breath and stepped inside, determined to overcome her self-doubt.

A Voice from the Past

As Jenny explored the musty rooms, a scrap of paper on the floor caught her eye. It was a page from a diary, dated over 50 years ago:

I know I have talent, but I lack confidence in myself. My teacher says I can achieve great things if I work hard and believe in myself. His encouragement inspires me to push past my self-doubt and give my dreams a chance. Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we often might win by fearing to begin. I will not let my doubts hold me back any longer. My time is now.

Jenny gasped, realizing the message was meant for her. The writer’s words echoed her own feelings and struggles. She knew what she had to do.

Overcoming Obstacles

Jenny pursued her lifelong passion for writing with a newfound determination . She worked diligently at honing her craft, despite facing rejections and setbacks. Her teacher’s support motivated her to keep improving her skills.

After months of effort, Jenny submitted a story to a local contest and won the first prize. At the awards ceremony, she saw a familiar face in the crowd—it was her teacher, cheering her on, pride shining in his eyes.

At that moment, Jenny realized the diary page was a gift to inspire her journey. She had overcome her self-doubt , nurtured her talent, and achieved her dream. The possibility of greatness lives within us all if only we believe in ourselves and rise to meet it.

Importance of Believing in Yourself: Be Your Own Biggest Fan

Final thought.

One of the most important factors for personal development is having a positive attitude. A positive attitude means that you see the bright side of things, you believe in yourself and your abilities, and you are optimistic about the future.It can help you overcome challenges, learn new skills, and achieve your goals. It can also make you happier, healthier, and more resilient.

• Positive Attitude Towards Life, Emotional Expression, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms among centenarians and near-centenarians by Kaori Kato , a   Richard Zweig , b   Clyde B. Schechter , c   Nir Barzilai , d  and  Gil Atzmon e ( Aging Ment Health. 2016 Sep; 20(9): 930–939. Published online 2015 Jun 26. doi:  10.1080/13607863.2015.1056770 ) published in National Library of Medicine – An official website of the United States government

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Inspiring Short Stories on Positive Attitude

Last Updated on May 21, 2024

In today’s society, inspiring short stories on positive attitude matter . That’s because we reached that point where many — if not most — people are about instant gratification .

So in this article, we’ll dig into that subject.

Let’s discuss what inspiring and positive stories in English about life can do. We’ll also check out five inspiring short stories about positive thinking .

What inspiring short stories on positive attitude can do for you

According to studies, a positive attitude towards life is good for your health. It boosts your immune system, raises positive emotions, and reduces anxiety.

Inspiring and positive thinking story in English allows you to appreciate good. They help you realize and understand how some people’s situations in life improve because of their attitude. They also provide you with the opportunity to maximize those benefits for yourself.

Plus, they help you realize these things:

• Never give up (quickly) – Challenges may come. But with positivity, you’ll have the strength to continue chasing your goals .
• There’s a silver lining in a dark cloud – With a positive attitude comes an open mind. It also comes with the power to see the good in unpleasant situations.
• Responses are important – A problem is only a problem if you insist on seeing it that same way.

5 inspiring stories on positive attitude

Doubt that a positive attitude is good for you?

Then read this positive thinking story below to get some reassurance.

Here are five inspiring and positive attitude stories for employees, yourself, friends, and students with morals :

1. Rocks, pebbles, sand, and more

This story tells of a professor of philosophy who once stood in front of his class with an empty glass jar.

With his students watching, he filled the jar with rocks. Then he asked his students if the jar was full.

The response was in unison:

Upon hearing this, the professor then told them they were wrong. He proved it by adding small pebbles to the jar’s contents. He then raised the same question before.

“Is the jar full?”

Again, his students answered yes. To him, they confirmed the jar containing rocks and pebbles was full.

To this, the professor responded similarly to what he said earlier. And to prove his students wrong again, he added sand into the jar. Once he filled up the jar with sand, he asked his students “the” question:

“ Is the jar full?”

And again, they answered it was complete. But the professor once again informed them they were wrong.

This time, he didn’t take out anything. Instead, he informed them of the point he was making.

He told them the jar was a metaphor for life. And the rocks, pebbles, and sand were also a metaphor for things that fill a person’s life.

The rocks symbolize essential things in a person’s life. The rocks could be a person’s loved ones and anything they hold dear. He then added these things should be a person’s priority.

Meanwhile, he said, the pebbles and sand also represent things that fill your life. And while they mean a lot to you, they carry little weight. Compared to your rocks, they’re replaceable.

Then the professor left with these words of wisdom:

“You can pour water into the jar. Any liquid will do. And this represents things that could fill up your life even more. But like the pebbles and sand, they’re replaceable.”

2. A better gift

This inspirational short story is about a young man who asked his father for a car as a gift for his high school graduation.

The young man felt confident his father would buy a car for him because his old man’s salary could afford such a purchase.

Imagine his disappointment when graduation day came. Instead of a car, his father gave him a watch.

“I didn’t ask for this!” he yelled at his father.

“It’s a better gift, my son. You don’t need a car. What you need is time and learning to manage it well , ” his father said.

He felt terrible for having high hopes. And from then on, he had a raging heart and wouldn’t want to be in the same room as his father.

Years passed, and the young man saw no reason to speak to his father again.

Without his father providing for him, he learned to work. And worked hard until he realized his father was right.

It was true. He didn’t need a car back then.

If his father had given him a car when he asked for it, he wouldn’t have learned the value of hard work. Add to that the lesson on managing time.

After this realization, he tried locating and calling his father. He wanted to make amends, admit his fault, and express gratitude for a valuable lesson.

The unfortunate part? He was too late. He got word his father passed away weeks ago.

He learned from the experience that his father had his best interest at heart. Though his father didn’t show it, he had his back and wanted him to succeed in the long haul .

Related: Real-Life Inspiring Stories that Touched Hearts

3. Innocent sacrifice

A good positive mindset story about a volunteer doctor at a children’s hospital that shared this short story of a young boy.

It began when she asked the young boy if he would participate in a blood transfusion. The doctor told him he needed to give his blood to expedite his sister’s recovery.

At first, the young boy hesitated. But not long after, he reconsidered. After taking a deep breath, he agreed to the medical procedure.

The young boy also added he would do anything else for her sister. Upon hearing this, the doctor smiled and began preparing him for the transfusion.

The medical professional also explained the situation to the kid. And the boy felt glad he had the antibodies needed to save a family member.

During the transfusion, he looked at his sister and smiled for a moment. After, he turned pale, faced the doctor, and asked:

“Will I die now?”

The doctor smiled at him and told him he would only give his sister a portion of his blood. What the young one thought was he was about to give every ounce.

And right then, the doctor felt the boy’s love for his sister — so much so he would sacrifice his life for her.

The doctor was in awe at what the boy showed. It reminded him that some people would do anything — including things they don’t understand — for the people they love .

4. Seeing roadblocks as opportunities

There lived a wealthy king with a reputation for getting on people’s nerves.

One day, he placed a boulder in the middle of the road. He knew it was going to get in people’s way. But he ordered his servants to place it there on purpose anyway.

The first group of people who bumped into it reacted with utter annoyance.

“Doesn’t he have anything better to do with his life than annoy people?” these people would say.

Because they thought it was an act that only called for attention, they ignored the boulder in the middle of the road. They walked around it — annoyed and never looked back.

Few more groups were annoyed by the king’s constant ploy to get attention. And the rest showed apathy and continued walking their path.

Years passed without changes to people’s reactions to the sight of a boulder in the middle of the road.

It wasn’t until a peasant carrying loads of vegetables stopped to notice this boulder. Rather than walk past it, he tried to move it to the side of the road. His agenda was to place it at a location that wouldn’t get in people’s way.

Because it was a heavy boulder, moving it took him a while. It also took a lot of his energy to sit down and rest before continuing his journey.

But as he was resting, his eye noticed something shiny. It was under the boulder’s original location.

He was curious. And so he went near it.

He then discovered it was a purse made of gold. When he opened it, he found a note from the king:

Congratulations!

Go to my kingdom and present this note.

A pot of gold, your reward, is waiting for you.

The king wanted to impart the lesson that not all roadblocks are useless. If a person invests time and effort into overcoming them, it won’t be long before they notice these roadblocks can also be a blessing in disguise .

5. Your thoughts, your outcome

Two seeds are the center of this inspiring story.

The first seed said she wanted to get off the ground to grow. Whatever happens along the way, she’s up for it.

And so she grew. Her life was colorful. She may encounter problems once in a while. But her heart was happy about her choice to get off the ground.

Then there’s the other seed. Unlike the first seed’s enthusiastic approach to the possibilities ahead, she sat there worrying. She was worried about any missed opportunities that may come when she leaves the ground. She’s also worried about being exposed to too much sun.

And because her head was full of worries , she didn’t go anywhere. She played it safe and waited.

One day, a hen came near the ground where the second seed waited. It then stumbled upon the seed and devoured it.

The lesson? There’s nothing wrong with playing it safe. But playing it safe can sometimes be dangerous.

Plus, if you want a promising outcome, playing it safe isn’t the way to go. Instead, you need to take risks and get out there .

6. A Challenge-Filled Life

One night, a rich man had a dream where God appeared and asked him to bring all his miseries to the temple hall in bags.

Excited to finally exchange his problems with someone else, the man quickly gathered all of his troubles and headed to the hall.

When he arrived, he saw that everyone else in town had brought their bags of problems, some of which were much larger than his own.

Despite feeling hesitant, the man decided to go through with the exchange and placed his bag with the others.

To his surprise, when God told everyone to choose a new bag, everyone rushed to claim their own.

The wealthy man, who had spent his whole life praying for a way to rid himself of his problems, realized that he was happy with his miseries because he was used to them and didn’t know what difficulties lay in the other bags.

As he took his bag back home, he realized that the key to happiness might lie in accepting and overcoming his problems rather than trying to escape them.

7. Rich Mom, Poor Mom

One day, a rich woman was waiting outside a grocery store when a less well-off woman recognized her and asked how she was doing.

The wealthy woman boasted about her son’s success, including his honors degree from Stanford and his successful business, and asked about the other woman’s son.

The other woman revealed that her son hadn’t gone to college and worked for a company rather than starting his own business and that he lived with her after her husband passed away.

Despite not having the same level of material success as the wealthy woman’s son, the other woman was proud of her son for staying by her side during her illness and for his commitment to making a positive impact in other people’s lives through his work for a non-profit.

As the wealthy woman’s son arrived and rushed her to leave, the other woman remarked that at least her son knew how to be kind and help his mother.

This story suggests that true success and happiness come from inner qualities and relationships rather than external markers of success.

BONUS: Additional resources about positivity

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Final thoughts on why inspiring short stories on positive attitude matter

Inspiring short stories on positive attitude matter. And the best inspiring short stories featured above serve as reminders that positive attitudes are like superpowers.

This is because you can control your attitudes. And like a superpower, you can use it to make anything happen , like self-improvement and a propensity to live life to the fullest.

Summaries, Analysis & Lists

Short Stories About Change & Transformation

These short stories about change have characters who experience change and transformation in various ways—physically, psychologically, emotionally, and in their environment. Some stories might be more focused on a character’s resistance to change or a desire for change, but whatever the case, change will be a main theme. See also:

• Coming of Age
• Parallel Universes

“The Eighty-Yard Run” by Irwin Shaw

Christian Darling thinks about the time he ran for eighty yards in football practice at Midwestern University. He also thinks back on his college sweetheart, Louise, whom he married. He thinks about the wrong turns his life has taken.

This story can be read in the preview of  Short Stories: Five Decades.

“Kindling” by Raymond Carver

It is summer and Myers has just finished a month of sobering up. He takes a bus to a town near the ocean and rents a room from Sol and Bonnie. Myers doesn’t say much about himself. His landlords speculate a bit about him.

This story can be read in the preview of  Call If You Need Me.

“Beyond the Bayou” by Kate Chopin

An African-American woman, La Folle, was frightened “out of her senses” as a child. As a result, she won’t cross an imaginary line in her area; she has never been beyond the bayou. ( Summary )

Read “Beyond the Bayou”

“Robot Dreams” by Isaac Asimov

Linda Rash, a robopsychologist, shows a master of the field, Susan Calvin, what has happened. Elvex, her robot, claims to have dreamed. Susan analyzes Elvex’s positronic brain patterns. Linda has applied fractal geometry to its brain to add complexity. Susan isn’t sure whether this is brilliant or disastrous. ( Summary )

This story can be read in the preview of the anthology Future on Ice .  (46% into preview)

“Why Don’t You Dance?” by Raymond Carver

A man puts all his bedroom furniture on his front yard. He also puts out his television, record player and other items. A little later, a young couple who’re driving by stop to see if they can get a deal on something.

This story can be read in the preview of  What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.

“Poor Visitor” by Jamaica Kincaid

It’s a woman’s first day working as a live-in nanny who goes to school at night. She adjusts to her new routine and misses her own home.

This story is the first chapter of the novel  Lucy .  It can be read in the Amazon preview. (15% in)

“The Friday Everything Changed” by Anne Hart

In Miss Ralston’s small-town classroom, the boys always carry water from the railway station to the school. Carrying the water is a status symbol and a break from the daily routine. One day, one of the girls challenges this tradition. ( Summary )

“Everything Stuck to Him” by Raymond Carver

A woman visiting Milan for Christmas wants to hear a story from when she was a kid. She’s told about a young couple who lived under a dentist’s office. They were in love and ambitious. Their baby was three months old. The young man plans a hunting trip with an old friend of his father’s. ( Summary & Analysis )

Read “Everything Stuck to Him”

“Roselily” by Alice Walker

Roselily, an unmarried woman with three children, is getting married. She thinks about how her life will change by marrying a member of the Nation of Islam and moving to Chicago. She doesn’t know a lot about her fiancé or his religion, but she’s willing to change her life for her children’s sake.

This story can be read in the preview of  In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women .  (Go into Paperback preview first, then select Kindle)

“Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving

Rip Van Winkle is lazy at home but helpful to, and well-liked by, his neighbors. He’s out in the mountains one day to get away from things. With night approaching, he starts for home but meets up with a group of men. He has something to drink and goes to sleep, which changes everything.

This story can be read in the preview of  The Big Book of Classic Fantasy .

“Axolotl” by Julio Cortazar

A man goes to a zoo aquarium and stands for hours watching the axolotls (a larval salamander). He says he has become one of them. He explains how this transformation took place.

This is the first story in the preview of  Blow-Up: And Other Stories .

“All You Zombies” by Robert A. Heinlein

A young man explains to a bartender that he was born a girl. He (she) gave birth to a child and there were complications. The doctors noticed he (she) was a hermaphrodite and performed an emergency sex-change operation.

A lot of this story can be read in the preview of  “ All You Zombies—”: Five Classic Stories .

“Exchange” by Ray Bradbury

Miss Adams, the head librarian, stays late to get everything in order. She hears knocking at the front door; a man in uniform wants to come in. She tells him they’re closed. He asks her if she remembers him. ( Summary )

“Axiomatic” by Greg Egan

A man goes into The Implant Store. They sell tiny chips that can rewire the brain, giving people particular experiences or beliefs. He’s here for a special order. He looks around, giving himself a chance to leave without it. After five years, he still mourns and loves his deceased wife, Amy, but he knows he’s not doing this for her.

This is the second story in the preview of The Best of Greg Egan .  (28% into Kindle preview)

Short Stories About Change, Cont’d

“The Chapter Ends” by Poul Anderson

Jorun has returned to Earth with a small crew to prepare the few remaining humans to leave. The ship will be leaving in a few days. Jorun’s people don’t need ships to travel, but they’re being provided for the primitive humans on Earth. Kormt, an old man, has decided to stay. He feels a connection to Earth, and believes Jorun’s people have something dead inside them.

This story can be read in the preview of the anthology  Supermen: Tales of the Posthuman Future .  (18% into preview)

“Lingua Franca” by Carole McDonnell

Mist leaves her shop and goes to the market where traders sell exotic foods from across the galaxy. On the way, she sees locals signing about the Earthers, who talk with their mouths rather than their hands. The Earthers are offering ear and throat implants to the locals. Opinion is divided on the subject.

This story can be read in the preview of  Fantastic Stories Presents: Science Fiction Super Pack #1 .  (45% into preview)

“Life Sentence” by Matthew Baker

A man, Washington, is brought home by the police to his wife, son and daughter. He doesn’t remember them. He’s still a bit groggy from the procedure. His wife has prepared his favorite meal, but he doesn’t remember that either. He wants to know what he did, but his wife doesn’t want to talk about it. The next day, he gets his first visit from his reintroduction supervisor, who will help him adjust to the change.

This story can be read in the preview of  The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2020 .  (38% in)

“A Blow for Freedom” by Lawrence Block

Elliot returns to New York by plane. He’s a bit concerned picking up his bag because it contains a gun he bought in Miami. He waits until he gets home to check it. He remembers his experience with Huebner, who helped him pick out the gun and showed him how to use it.

This story can be read in the preview of  Enough Rope .  (12% in)

“As Good as a Rest” by Lawrence Block

Andrew and Elaine are on vacation in Europe. They hang out with another couple, Harry and Sue Dattner, who are part of the same tour. The Dattners aren’t the type of couple they’d usually spend time with. They visit many of the tourist sites and museums. Andrew has lots of interactions with Sue; the same applies to Harry and Elaine.

This story can also be read in the above preview of Enough Rope .  (41% in)

“Rates of Change” by James S. A. Corey

Diana is at the hospital, looking at her son in the medical bay. He’s only a black casing that holds his brain and a spinal column. His brain is active, but the interface took some damage. It’s not certain if he’ll be able to integrate into a new body. They’re working on making contact with him. Diana was against the decision that led her son here.

This story can be read in the preview of  Meeting Infinity .  (22% in)

“Friend of My Youth” by Alice Munro

The narrator recounts the life of Flora Grieves. She lived on a farm with her sister, Ellie, and her brother-in-law, Robert. She tells us how the house and work was divided, how Ellie and Robert came to be married, and how Flora responded to the many changes in her life.

This story can be read in the preview of  Friend of My Youth .  (10% in)

“Dimensions” by Alice Munro

Doree, twenty-three years old, works as a chambermaid at a motel away from her old town. She enjoys her work, and no one seems to know her story there. She occasionally sees Mrs. Sands to talk about what happened. Doree is on her way to visit Lloyd; it takes her three buses to get there. The last two times she went, he wouldn’t see her. She doesn’t know if she’ll keep going back. She met Lloyd when she was sixteen and her mother was dying.

Some of this story can be read in the preview of  Too Much Happiness .  (Go into Hardcover preview, then select Kindle)

“The Stick” by Kōbō Abe

On a hot day, a man and his kids are on the roof of a department store. He spots an opening at the railing and wedges himself in. He lifts his kids up to see the roads below. They soon get bored but he keeps looking, as do many other adults. When his son calls out to him, he gets irritated. He leans away from the voice over the railing and finds himself floating in the air.

“Making a Change” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Julia is a new mother and her baby cries often. Her husband, Frank, is annoyed with the situation, as is his mother, who also lives with them. She claims she knows how to stop the crying, but Julia wants to do her duty as a mother herself. Julia used to be a musician but doesn’t play anymore. The strain of her new routine and her mother-in-law’s interference are wearing her down. Everyone agrees that there has to be a change. Julia’s thoughts start to get desperate.

“Understand” by Ted Chiang

Leon was in the freezing water for almost an hour and suffered extensive brain damage. He was given an experimental drug to regenerate his neurons. He’s been having nightmares about the accident. At his weekly checkup, Dr. Hooper notices Leon’s memory is impressive. An intelligence test reveals Leon is in the ninety-ninth percentile; previously, he was in the seventieth. They want to do further tests, and administer a second dose of the hormone. Leon agrees. He navigates his new life and the attention it attracts.

“The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka

A man wakes up one morning to find he’s been transformed into a giant insect-like creature.

After this impossible opening, this novella-length story proceeds normally. Probably the most famous story of change ever.

“The Unrest Cure” by Saki

A man and his wife dislike any change in their regular routine. After telling a stranger about this on a train, he recommends an “unrest cure”, where they would do something completely unusual for a while. Their lives soon get thrown into chaos.

Short Stories About Transformation, Cont’d

“Disorder and Early Sorrow” by Thomas Mann

Professor Cornelius’s oldest children plan and throw a party for their friends. Economic times are difficult, but everyone tries to keep up good appearances. The professor is concerned about things that have changed such as his children, his profession, and art and the theater.

This is a novelette.

“The Rememberer” by Aimee Bender

A man experiences rapid, reverse evolution. He goes from man to ape to sea turtle, losing about a million years a day.

Read “The Rememberer”

“The Secret Lion” by Alberto Alvaro Rios

Two twelve-year-old boys start junior high school, and explore the land around their Arizona country homes, even though they’re not supposed to.

Read “The Secret Lion”

“The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet

Near the end of the Franco-Prussian War, a schoolboy gets his last lesson in French because the Prussian authorities have outlawed teaching French in schools.

“The Sacrificial Egg” by Chinua Achebe

Julius Obi is at work but there’s nothing to do. The marketplace is deserted due to a smallpox outbreak.

“Aftermath” by Mary Yukari Waters

Japan is becoming Americanized following its defeat in WW II. Makiko, a widow, worries that her son will forget his heritage and his father.

“The Ring” by Isak Dinesen

Sigismund and Lovisa are young newlyweds who have overcome differences in class and wealth to be together. Sigismund is a farmer. There is a sheep thief in the area that was caught in the act a few days prior, leading him to kill a man. Sigismund and Lovisa have a different view of the criminal.

“The Philanthropist and the Happy Cat” by Saki

Jocantha Bessbury is a comfortable and contented wife. She suspects that only her cat, Attab, is more contented than herself. Wanting to spread good cheer, Jocantha decides to buy theatre tickets and give them away to a shop girl who couldn’t afford them on her own. Meanwhile, the cat goes about his usual routine.

“The Sky is Gray” by Ernest Gaines

James is an eight-year-old black boy in the 1930’s South. He has a bad toothache but didn’t tell his mother about it, not wanting to be a crybaby and knowing they can’t afford to have it pulled. After he tries aspirin and a prayer cure with his aunt’s help, without success, his mother discovers the problem.

“Residents and Transients” by Bobbie Ann Mason

Mary is married and lives in Kentucky. She is in her parents place, selling it for them in their absence. Her husband is in Louisville, looking for a home for them. Mary has taken a lover and isn’t sure if she wants to leave.

“The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky” by Stephen Crane

Jack Potter is returning from San Antonio with his new bride. He’s the marshal of Yellow Sky, respected in the town, and he’s wondering how everyone will react to this change. Meanwhile, in Yellow Sky, a trouble-maker, Scratchy Wilson, is on one of his rampages.

“To Set Our House in Order” by Margaret Laurence

Beth has to go to the hospital two weeks before her due date. Her husband, Ewen, is worried, as is her daughter Vanessa. Her mother-in-law, Grandmother MacLeod, is stoically detached. Ewen and his mother argue about getting some help for the house. Vanessa relates her feelings during the episode, and talks about the changes her grandmother has lived through.

“Split Cherry Tree” by Jesse Stuart

A student is held after school to work off the $1 debt he owes for his part in the splitting of a cherry tree. When he gets home late, his father is upset that he has had to do the farm work by himself. He is especially upset that the boys with more money simply paid and don’t have to work off the debt. He decides to visit Professor Herbert to settle the matter.

Read “Split Cherry Tree”

“The Shining Houses” by Alice Munro

Mrs. Fullerton has lived in the same house for over forty years. She is standoffish with her neighbors. She sells eggs and is self-sufficient. Her house is old and ill-kept. Newer houses are being built around it, and her neighbors want her house renovated or torn down.

“Graveyard Day” by Bobbie Ann Mason

Waldeen is divorced from Joe Murdock, the father of her ten-year-old daughter, Holly. Joe McClain spends a lot of time with them and wants to marry Waldeen. She is uncertain and finds the dynamics of shifting family relationships confusing.

“Broken Routine” by Jeffrey Archer

Septimus is a claims adjuster at an insurance company. He maintains a strict daily routine in his work and home life. One day he is asked to stay a little late, which turns out to be very disruptive for him.

“The Wave” by Liam O’Flaherty

A two hundred foot high cliff has developed a cavern at its base from “battling” for thousands of years with the incoming waves. Waves continue to crash in, and high tide is approaching.

This story has no human or animal characters. The “characters” are the cliff and the waves.

“Foxes” by Timothy Findley

Morris Glendenning, a reclusive communications expert, is going to visit the Royal Ontario Museum for some research. He had chanced upon a picture of a Japanese theatre mask called Fox , which was being held by the museum. He became fascinated with it.

Read “Foxes”

“Neighbours” by Tim Winton

A young Australian couple moves into a neighbourhood with many European migrants. The husband stays home and writes his thesis. The wife works. It takes them a while to adjust to the neighbourhood noise and interactions.

Read “Neighbours”

“Kitty” by Paul Bowles

A young girl nicknamed Kitty figures she must be called this because she will turn into a cat. She keeps close watch on her appearance. One day she thinks she sees tiny whiskers.

“The Beautiful Thing” by Kit De Waal

The narrator’s father leaves Antigua to work in America and, later, to start again in England. He works hard and experiences some racism as he establishes himself.

“Dark They Were, and Golden Eyed” by Ray Bradbury

Passengers step off a rocket on Mars. Due to a war on Earth, they are colonizing Mars until they can return. The Bittering family settles in but they are looking forward to going back. One day the daughter runs home with news of an atomic attack on New York.

“Chef’s House” by Raymond Carver

The narrator relates the time when her estranged husband, Wes, rented a house and tried to quit drinking. She goes to live with him there and they have a relaxed time. Wes stays sober. One day the owner visits with some news.

“Mrs. Fox” by Sarah Hall

A husband and wife are close and live comfortably. One morning the wife, Sophia, is vomiting in the toilet. She looks a bit feverish, but says she’s fine and goes to work as usual. That night, she’s well again. The next morning, she’s not quite herself.

“Miss Leonora When Last Seen” by Peter Taylor

Miss Leonora Logan, a retired teacher, left town two weeks ago. Her house has been condemned; the site is the targeted location for a new school. The Logan family has a history of interfering with change in the community. The townspeople feel some guilt over her abrupt departure.

“A Revolutionary Tale” by Nikki Giovanni

Kim is a young African American woman who is explaining to someone why she’s late. She says it’s really the fault of her roommate, Bertha. Kim relates the personal evolution she has undergone. She began as a conservative. Then she met Bertha, who is a revolutionary.

“An Amateur’s Guide to the Night” by Mary Robison

Lindy is a high school student about to graduate. She has her own telescope and is an amateur astronomer. She goes on double-dates with her mother, Harriet, who like to pass herself off as Lindy’s sister. She doesn’t provide much guidance for her daughter. Lindy’s grandfather also lives with them, but he’s not the most mature, either.

“The Duel” by O. Henry

When someone goes to live in New York, whether rich or poor and for whatever reason, they have to fight. The battle is between becoming a New Yorker and friend of the city, or remaining an outsider and enemy. William, a business man, and Jack, an artist arrive in New York at the same time. Four years later they meet for lunch.

Read “The Duel”

“Changes” by Neil Gaiman

Rajit, in his forties, has found the cure for cancer. The treatment doesn’t function as a normal drug; it works by resetting the body’s genetic code. The cure, however, does have a significant side-effect which, in turn, produces many unforeseen developments.

“The Secret of Life, According to Aunt Gladys” by Bruce Coville

When a woman is told her brother called, she gets pale. Her son didn’t know she had a brother. Her husband only found out about him from a picture. He’s coming to visit. The boy looks forward to having an uncle. The mother wants to avoid the visit.

“The Secret of Life, According to Aunt Gladys” is in  Dirty Laundry: Stories About Family Secrets.

I’ll  keep adding short stories about change and transformation as I find more.