Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.
– Oprah Winfrey
In times of uncertainty and challenge, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. However, it is precisely in these moments that we must remember the incredible strength and resilience that lies within each of us. The power to overcome obstacles, to adapt, and to thrive is not something external; it is something that resides within us all. This resonates so well, especially when I reflect on the last two weeks.
The past two weeks have been incredibly fruitful and productive. I took some time off for my yearly family gathering, which was a fantastic opportunity for us to come together. But this also happens to be a busy season at work. On top of that, my close buddy is getting married (today), and as her maid of honor, there were countless tasks that needed to be done. So many tasks, yet so little time. Admittedly, it has been pretty stressful.
Family gatherings can be both exciting and exhilarating. Exciting because there’s so much we can do together, sharing little gossip and secrets until late at night. Exhilarating because of the sheer number of people in the group. Imagine having five chefs in the kitchen working on a single dish — that’s exactly what it felt like. Planning the itinerary was a real chore, with some wanting to do one thing and others something else. Some wanted to stroll around, while others wanted to chill in the hotel; some craved Thai food and some opted for Western cuisine.
Most of the time, decisions were made did not align with everyone’s preferences, yet many would go along with them, understanding that the goal was to create happiness and enjoyable moments. So, how do you ride the wave and truly enjoy a family gathering? The answer lies within you. While many variables come into play, ultimately, your mindset shapes your day.
| Lesson #1: The Role of Mindset Our mindset plays a crucial role in how we perceive and respond to different situations and challenges. It is important to cultivate a mindset that embraces change, sees failure or discomfort as a stepping stone to success and happiness, and believes in the possibility of achieving great things together. |
When it comes to the workplace, it can be challenging when others try to make your life difficult or disrupt your workflow. Trust me, this happens in every workplace. We have all encountered colleagues who are inconsistent, saying one thing today and the opposite tomorrow. It’s frustrating and can make you feel anxious or demotivated.
But it is also important to remember why we are all here in the first place: to work on things we like to do with passion. So, there lies your power to react and respond. How you handle these nuances is entirely up to you. You can let negative emotions take over your day, or you can choose happiness.
| Lesson #2: Harnessing Inner Strength Whether it is the ability to remain calm under pressure, to think creatively, or to inspire others, these qualities are the foundation of our inner power. By recognizing and harnessing these strengths, we can navigate through difficult times with confidence and determination. |
And remember I mentioned earlier about my friend? As the maid of honor for my dear friend, all I wish for is to be there for her and help her on her special day. Planning and organizing a Chinese wedding is no small feat. The rituals, taboos, and cultural nuances can be incredibly overwhelming. And the sheer number of tasks and the inevitable realization that something will always be overlooked is daunting.
My friend is deeply affected by this, and the stress can rob her of the joy that should come with her wedding day. It’s a precarious balance, but it underscores the power of togetherness, knowing that you are not alone in this journey.
| Lesson #3: The Power of Community The famous quote by Helen Keller, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’ Not many are aware of this, but the support and encouragement of others is so crucial as it can amplify one’s inner strength and help us brave the days. Whether it is through family, friends, or professional networks, building a strong support system is essential. |
In conclusion, the power to overcome challenges and achieve greatness is not something that is given to us; it is something that we must discover and cultivate ourselves. Just like on rainy days, you have a choice. You can focus on the discomfort, the wet and muddy puddles, or you can look forward to the rainbow that follows the rain. The choice is always yours.
By harnessing and recognizing our inner strengths, we can adopt a positive mindset, take action, and build a supportive community. Remember, the power is in you.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune
