Hardships

I am reminded of the advertisement of the brand Surf Excel which featured two cute little siblings  The little sister steps into a puddle and starts to sob. Seeing her little sister upset, the big brother also jumps into the puddle and brings a warm smile to his little sister and it ends with a tagline 
"Agar daag lagne se kuch achha hota hai, toh daag achhe hai"
( If something good comes out of staining, then stains are good)

Now, let's try and replace daag with Hardships. 

I don't feel any life is without challenges and difficulties, big and small, tall and short but they are definately there in this journey called life. Challenges come in many shapes and forms ; illness, accidents, relationship issues, finances, career growth,  admissions and many many more. 



What is our outlook towards these challenges will determine the outcome. 

Let's look at a few responses when faced with a difficult situation:

1) Not again !! 
2) Why me ? 
3) I can't possibly deal with it this time ? 
4) I don't have any strength mental or physical to go through with this 
5) Gosh !! How many times ?? 

Emotion - completely negative ranging from fear, disappointment sometimes shame to anxiety. 

VS

1) Yes me !! 
2) I'll get through this - let me take one day at a time 
3) I surely have complete belief in me that I will be able to handle this problem.
4) Let me figure out how others in the same situation carried themselves and overcame this hardship. 
5) There is hope 

Emotion : positive, calm, acceptance and looking for  possible solution/s. 

I know it still takes a lot to say that problems achi hain ( like "dirt is good") but actually stains are only temporary and with sustained efforts stains like problems can be washed away and overcome.

I love this quote of Khalil Gibran:


True !! Isn't it ??

Coming back to the ad as to why why Surf Excel chose to say that daag ache hain because one sibling is getting dirty in the process of doing something good, hence dirt is good. 

Likewise if we are  becoming a better and stronger version of ourselves ( and we will) by rubbing against those challenges, looking them in the eye, confronting them despite the fear and all, then they are good because the difficulties are aiding me to bring out my best.

   Believe it or not.


I truly am grateful for all my obstacles because I would not be even half the person I am today had it not been for them. 

There was a time when I would fear my struggles and they would consume me in the process until I started facing them, not being intimidated by them and overcoming them one by one. 



Let's quickly recap as how to face those obstacles :

1) Stop complaining , it's not going to help any which way.

2) Face them head on ; don't run, don't hide, don't look in the other direction, just prepare yourself to face them head on and so your best.

3) Be realistic : Sometimes the outcome may not be what we want but what we need at that point in time.

4) Identify your strengths ; Reflecting on weaknesses don't take much time , it's the strengths we need to identify and remind ourselves of.

5) Self care ; Whatever keeps you going, mindfulness, friends, travel etc or a combination, keep in mind and don't loose yourself.

6) Be positive ; replace the negative chatter constantly. Try affirmations, meditation, yoga or whatever else works for you.

Lastly, 


Please take good care of yourself 

Until next time 👋

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