Tears of the Baby Tree Frog

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Tears of the Baby Tree Frog | Happy Essays

Welcome to Essays of Happiness

Today, I’d like to share with you one of Korea’s beloved folktales: the story of the little tree frog.

At first glance, it may seem like just a simple children’s tale, but within it lies a deep truth about life.

Why do we so often realize the value of something only after it is gone?

Why do we miss the chance to be grateful, only to live in regret later?

Through the story of the little tree frog, let us rediscover the hidden secret of gratitude and happiness.

The Lesson in the Tree Frog Story

The story of the little tree frog reminds us of the vital importance of gratitude and living without regret.

It’s a lesson that resonates deeply, showing how appreciating the present can prevent future sorrow.

Once upon a time, there lived a mother tree frog and her little baby frog.

The mother frog loved her child deeply.

But the baby frog was mischievous and immature,

spending every day running around the mountains, fields, and ponds, enjoying his freedom.

He thought of his mother’s words as nagging and never listened to her.

He would even act the opposite of what his mother asked.

When his mother told him not to wander too far, he went as far as he could,

coming back only when night had fallen.

When she told him to sleep early, he stayed up all night;

when she asked him to wake up, he slept all day.

The mother frog was heartbroken, wondering why her little frog didn’t understand her.

She sighed daily, worried about what kind of life her child would lead.

One day, the mother frog fell ill and knew she was nearing death.

She thought, “If I ask him to bury me in the mountains,

he’ll probably do the opposite and bury me by the pond.

So I’ll ask him to bury me by the pond, hoping he’ll take me to the mountains instead.”

With endless worry for her rebellious child, she passed away.

After her death, the baby frog was devastated.

He regretted ignoring her and always doing the opposite of what she said.

Believing that his disobedience had caused her death,

he decided to honor her last request and buried her by the pond.

Every day, he visited her grave, remembering her love, regretting the times he made her worry.

But one day, a storm came, and the rain washed away her grave by the pond.

The baby frog cried endlessly, helpless as her resting place disappeared.

The Tree Frog Story in My Own Life

Whenever I hear this story, my heart aches.

But I realize this tale isn’t just about the frog—it’s about me, too.

We often feel that what others have is better than what we have.

No matter how much we own, we’re rarely satisfied.

If we have few friends, we’re unhappy.

If we have many, we complain about having too many people to care for.

If we have little money, we wish for more.

If we have plenty, we still feel it’s not enough, or we look down on others.

Some say we should “look downward” to be satisfied by seeing those with less.

But isn’t that arrogant? Who am I to consider others “below” me?

I may distinguish between good and bad, between rich and poor.

But I don’t believe in “higher” and “lower” people.

Finding the True Way to Happiness

Am I a tree frog?

I am blessed, yet feel unlucky.

I have plenty to smile about, yet I frown.

I have enough to share, yet I hold tightly, always wanting more.

Where did I go wrong?

Why do I feel low self-esteem thinking I’m worse than others, or arrogance thinking I’m better?

It might be because I lack gratitude.

If I see what I have as “natural” and not worth appreciating,

or if I constantly desire what others have, I cannot be happy.

When we lose what we have, only then do we realize its value.

But if we don’t recognize our blessings now, we won’t be happy even after it’s gone.

Must I Be Better Than Others?

What is it that I need to be better at?

What kind of success am I striving for?

We often tell our children, “I’m doing this so you’ll be successful, so you’ll be happier than us.”

But are we happy ourselves?

If we aren’t happy, how can our children be happy?

Happiness doesn’t come from comparisons or circumstances.

It’s about changing our perspective.

If a friend has nine flaws and one strength, and I choose to focus on that strength, I’ll find happiness.

Not because my friend is perfect, but because I choose to see their good side.

But if a friend has nine strengths and one flaw, and I only see that flaw, I’ll end up dissatisfied and critical.

The Final Lesson of the Mother Tree Frog

Am I like the mother frog, constantly sighing over my child’s flaws?

Instead of worrying, could I appreciate his individuality and health?

Could I try to understand why he behaves the way he does and empathize with him?

If I had been such a mother, maybe I wouldn’t have worried as I died, but believed in his happiness even without me.

Being Grateful for the Present Moment

Are you the kind of person who smiles at a wildflower in a field?

Or do you frown at the sight of a stray dog’s mess on your walk?

Do I justify my actions while holding others to higher standards?

Do I offer a comforting smile, an encouraging word, or a small gift simply because it brings joy?

If my small kindness helps someone get through today, I am happy.

If someone prays for me when I’m weak, I am happy.

And if I face storms knowing I am not alone, I am happy.

Living in the Present, Not the Past

Am I like the baby frog, regretting only after losing my mother that I had not done better?

If only I had known what a blessing it was to have her, instead of letting those days slip away with complaints.

But now, she is no longer here.

Then in a world without her, how can the baby frog find happiness?

Should it look back every day, drowning in regret, crying endlessly over her washed-away grave?

Though the mother is gone, the baby frog can imagine her rejoicing to see it still dreaming.

If it grows healthier, stronger, and happier—

making today a little better than yesterday—

it will no longer be bound by the past,

but will treasure the present and live joyfully.

The Little Tree Frog and Me

I want to be a little tree frog who dreams.

One who doesn’t live in regret but in encouragement, hope, and gratitude for today.

Ultimately, the story of the little tree frog encourages us to choose a path of gratitude and living without regret, ensuring we cherish the moments that truly matter.

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© Glory Kim. All rights reserved.
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