How does the window open?

"Does the window open inwards or outwards Sir?"
The curious little boy asked the wise old monk
As he skipped alongside him joyfully.
There was a beautiful closed vintage window
They'd just passed by.
"Open it both ways one day and see for yourself,"
The old monk had said.

When the little boy came back as a young man
To visit the old monk from his childhood again,
He asked him the same question in frustration,
"Does the window open inwards or outwards Sir?"
The old monk understood. He said,
"Well that depends young man,
Do you want long term fulfillment
Or instant gratification?"

"Ah," exclaimed the young man, "so inwards it is."
"I did not say that," countered the monk.
"What do you mean then Sir," prodded the young man.

"You may choose one or the other or
Even create a little bit of both in your own personal mix,
Make sure to watch out though so it doesn't become your fix.
Change your preference with time or have it the same.

What matters is that you choose consciously.
What matters is that it's a deliberate decision
That is true to who you are authentically
And not a result of unconscious conditioning.
Whether you're aware of it or not,
It's a choice you have. And your life will reflect it.
It's never too late. Choose wisely."

The old monk concluded.

a*k²