Once there was a man who was feeling very sick, so he went to see his doctor. After a thorough examination, the doctor told him, "I'm sorry to say, but you have a rare and incurable disease. You have six months to live."
The man was devastated, but he decided to make the most of his remaining time. He quit his job, sold all his belongings, and set off on a round-the-world trip.
During his travels, he met a wise old sage who told him about a magical lake that had the power to cure any illness. The man was intrigued and immediately set off in search of this lake.
Finally, after weeks of searching, he found the lake hidden deep in the mountains. He jumped in and felt a wave of warmth wash over him. When he emerged from the water, he felt completely healthy and rejuvenated.
Ecstatic, the man raced back to the doctor to tell him the good news. The doctor was astonished and demanded to know where this miraculous lake was located.
The man replied, "Oh, it's really not that far. Just a few thousand miles, a couple of continents, and a mountain range or two away."
The doctor was incredulous. "You mean to tell me you traveled halfway around the world to find a magical lake that cured you of an incurable disease? That's unbelievable!"
The man shrugged. "Well, you know what they say, doc – laughter is the best medicine. And boy, did that wise old sage have me laughing all the way there!"