Why Life Is One Big Pop Quiz

What’s something you believe everyone should know.

Perhaps it’s the power of patience, the value of humility, or the beauty of empathy. Life is full of interconnected lessons, and sometimes, it takes a funny little story to remind us of the things that really matter. Here’s one about a little girl who thought she knew it all… until life taught her a thing or two.

Once upon a time, my little girl developed a signature phrase: “I know that, Mumma!” No matter the question, the answer, or the advice, her response was always the same. Naturally, it started testing my patience, and I realized that maybe both of us had lessons to learn—hers in humility, and mine in patience.

So, one afternoon, I handed her a journal and suggested she start with the first chapter: Self-awareness. With a confident little smile, she waved me off, “Oh, I already know myself!” Amused, I handed her a mirror and asked, “Then tell me, what do you see?” She grinned and said, “A beautiful, smart girl!” I nodded, agreeing, but gently pointed out, “Confidence is wonderful, but sometimes it’s worth looking deeper. What you see is only a reflection; true self-awareness goes beyond the surface.”

She gave me her usual “ya, ya, whatever” look and went back to her day. But later, life seemed to have a few lessons in store. She found her younger brother flipping channels non-stop. With a huff, she scolded him, “You need patience!” Not long after, she spotted me reading a book and said, “Wow, Mom, you read so much! I guess you’re still learning too.” Right then, my littlest one ran in, yelling at the top of her lungs. With a sigh, she turned to her and said, “Baby, you’ve got to be humble. Not everything is about making noise!”

That evening, she came to me with a thoughtful smile, saying, “Guess I’ll start with humility, Mumma!” She chuckled, then added, “Maybe a bit more patience, too… and maybe some empathy.” She even took to her journal, scribbling down, “Maybe I don’t know everything, but I can always learn more.”

And from that day forward, my “know-it-all” became a little less certain of everything and a little more open-hearted. Now, she approaches life with patience, empathy, and kindness, understanding that there’s always something more to discover if we’re willing to learn. And me?

Well, I learned that sometimes, the best lessons are the ones life teaches for you.

I know it all, I’m a wise, wise man,
Learning from me should be everyone’s plan.
But who knew I’d need, of all things, some grace—
Turns out there’s more to life than saving face!