philosophy

Changes, Challenges, And New Beginnings

Calvin & Hobbes - Changes & Challenges

One out of the many unpreventable consequences of our existence is facing countless changes and challenges of varying magnitudes, both in personal and professional capacities. To our advantage, if it wasn’t about accepting certain changes and tackling the challenges our pursuit of surviving against the odds would be permanently impeded and life itself would become dull and repetitive. Yet there’s no denying the fact that everything is shrouded in ambiguity without any access to answers from the future unless we gauge the situation first-hand.

In short, I could be intellectually prepared to face an unknown confrontation with time but I would have absolutely no control over when that event would occur or even have any visibility of the consequences thereof. Needless to say, there’s always a sense of apprehension lingering about how might I perform to the best of my abilities, and what path I might undertake that would align with my goals when I eventually face the challenge? Or how would that process change me for the better or worse?

A proud and a delightful moment is being unfolded, one that would unimaginably transform my viewpoint on matters relating to ‘challenges’ for the rest of my life. I’m embarking upon a new voyage in rediscovering myself all over again, and regardless of whether I’d end up smarter or lame, this wonderful token of blessing has ‘JOY’ written all over it!

Appreciating That Life Is A Miracle!

Calvin and Hobbes on Life

No doubt, while Calvin and Hobbes hold an artistic value for me the little boy is also enormously gifted in dishing out lessons on life. Like in this colourful strip, where he’s innocently mulling about life’s philosophy oblivious to the bitter reality that he won’t be any closer to deciphering it even as he grows up. Or would he?

Source: Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson

Rejection is Gratifying

If success is a measure of what you’ve achieved, then rejection or loss signifies the change that you must embrace in order to achieve success. Rejection is grappling against the tide, it’s like that flowing water which briefly encounters a rough patch of rocks. Dashing against it wildly. And then the tranquility sets in again as the stream continues towards its ultimate journey. Success only implies you have arrived at the summit, but for some it means the end of the road. I must confess that I have held my successes closer to my heart. But the rejections or losses weren’t ignored because I was blinded by success, they were just taken for granted. Because whatever it was — success or something similar, it became an integral part of my sojourn towards my destination until I decided to not to settle and move on. Carry my dreams to another level. The desire to succeed isn’t fulfilled if you are averse to rejections. So let the rejections today make up for the success of tomorrow.
Rejection is also about accepting unequivocal change. Rejection is a sign that perhaps you’re on the right trail. And while “Nothing is permanent” — as the Sun pierces the darkness turning it bright and sunny, as hot sweltering summers give way to icy cold winds. Thus too, success will come with time. Don’t stop until you have reached your destination and don’t stop looking around. Let the rejections embolden your spirits and make you more resilient. Keep track of your losses to make appropriate changes. And never ever stop dreaming! Success cannot be far away.