The Boy Who Chased Shiny Things

_“Long ago, in a village nestled between two hills, lived a boy named Kintu. Kintu was clever, curious, and always chasing something new. One day, he saw a shiny object in the forest—a glowing stone that promised endless joy. He ran after it, leaving behind his friends, his grandmother’s stories, and even his evening meals. But every time he reached the stone, it vanished and reappeared farther away.

Years passed. Kintu grew tired, lonely, and confused. One day, he met an old man sitting under a tree. The man asked, ‘Why do you chase what disappears?’

Kintu replied, ‘Because it shines.’

The old man smiled. ‘True happiness doesn’t shine—it glows quietly inside you. Come, sit. Let me tell you a story that doesn’t vanish.’”_

🧘🏾 Reflection Prompt: “What Am I Chasing?”

Invite teens to journal or voice-record their thoughts:

• What do I think will make me happy right now?
• When was the last time I felt truly peaceful or joyful?
• What do I chase that disappears quickly (likes, attention, trends)?
• What glows quietly inside me?