Life Tapestry.

Life Tapestries | Intentional Living, Faith, & Creative Reflection

Tag: perseverance

  • Rollercoaster life

    Who says life isn’t hard? Who can confidently declare, “I’ve been through a lot, and you’re just touching the tip of the iceberg”? Each individual faces unique struggles and insecurities in life. For some, the challenges may be tougher and rougher, yet they emerge stronger. For others, seemingly minute issues inflict unbearable pain.

    You might have shattered terribly, faced embarrassment to the point of no return, but here you are today, having overcome those trials. I pen down these thoughts to remind myself that everything is fleeting, and there’s a season for everything. Life’s treatment varies—while some may be experiencing smooth sailing, others, like me, are still striving to meet ends meet.

    To some, I might be someone they admire, thinking that I am navigating life effortlessly. It’s akin to a rollercoaster ride; at times, we plummet, take unexpected twists and turns, only to soar again. The uncertainty is challenging, but we persevere, fueled by hope—the guiding light in the dark shadows, leading us towards the exit.

    I acknowledge it’s a perilous fight against an unseen giant, yet we persist, looking at the brighter side of life. I believe we will mark our red-letter day with pride, shedding tears of happiness and accomplishment. Until then, let’s not relinquish hope and continue to march forward, much like soldiers fearlessly advancing for their motherland.

  • Why AGE is just a number?

    Recently, I came across a perseverant man in his early 60s who decided to step into my classroom to polish his skills in English. He had experienced life from a heavy blow to the highest point of satisfaction. His love for films and movies can never be extinguished. After fulfilling the duties of being a father to his two children (they are well settled with life now), he is now ready to fly off with his wings wide open. He says life is all about doing what we love because we don’t know when, but one day we should be ready to go as death is inevitable. A faithful and eager learner, he makes sure to be present every single day, despite the fact that on most normal days, he will have to say goodbye to his friends, relatives, and loved ones. As these goodbyes might be the last journeys for them, yet with agility, he will smile and attend my class after sending them off.

    At first, I thought he was giving me lame excuses, as there couldn’t be a day where he had to send off his loved ones every alternate day. However, when I recount his age and theirs, I apologize to myself for my short-sightedness. Life truly is moving at a very fast pace. We would often ask him about his childhood and be amazed by how fast the world has changed within six decades.

    Despite the fact that he is a grandpa to most of my other students, he is always the one who makes them feel that learning is all about courage and effort. He never stops himself from answering the questions being asked or the assignments being given. Instead, he would laugh it off and say he’s a kindergartener, being lenient with himself when his answers were wrong. Honestly speaking, I feel undeserving to be teaching him. At first, I thought it would be a big challenge for me because I had never had a student of his age. I was definitely reluctant to accept him into the class, yet I gave myself a chance to accept individuals as they are and never judge them for who they are. I’d say I really used the principle of social workers—the principle of non-judgmental attitude.

    I am glad I did not turn him away, and I am grateful that my other students did not despise or ridicule him. Instead, they are accepting him and learning together with him as a classmate. They laugh, learn, and share experiences together, giving me the energy to get up every morning and be ready for class. I am indeed grateful to have them in my classroom.

  • Principle of Perseverance

    Daily writing prompt
    What principles define how you live?
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    The principle of perseverance define the current stage of my life, the quality or mindset of persisting in one’s efforts or actions despite facing obstacles, difficulties, or setbacks. It involves the determination to continue working towards a goal, even when faced with challenges, failures, or the temptation to give up. Perseverance is a fundamental trait for achieving long-term success and reaching my objectives.

    Thriving to masterthe key aspects and principles of perseverance. Though I just started, I am looking forward to the day when I’d share my stories of perseverance.

    1. Resilience: Perseverance requires mental and emotional resilience to bounce back from disappointments and failures. It means not letting setbacks deter me from my ultimate goal.
    2. Persistence: This involves the consistent and sustained effort put into achieving a goal. It’s about not giving up, even when progress is slow or non-existent.
    3. Patience: Perseverance often involves waiting for the right moment or allowing things to unfold at their own pace. It’s understanding that not everything happens immediately.
    4. Adaptability: Sometimes, perseverance may require adjusting my approach when faced with challenges. Being adaptable can help me find alternative solutions and continue moving forward.
    5. Goal-Orientation: Perseverance is closely tied to having a clear sense of purpose and a strong commitment to my goals. Knowing why I’m pursuing a particular goal can provide motivation to persevere.
    6. Self-discipline: It’s essential to stay focused and maintain self-control when working towards a goal. This can involve resisting distractions and temptations that could derail my progress.
    7. Positive Mindset: Maintaining a positive attitude and believing in my ability to overcome obstacles is crucial for perseverance. A positive mindset can help me stay motivated and resilient.
    8. Learning from Failure: Perseverance involves the ability to learn from my mistakes and failures, using them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
    9. Support System: I have come to an understanding that surrounding myself with a supportive network of friends, family, or mentors can provide encouragement and motivation during challenging times.

    Perseverance is often considered a virtue because it can lead to personal growth, greater achievements, and a sense of accomplishment. Many successful individuals and leaders in their Ted talk, Podcast or speeches have attributed their success to their ability to persevere through adversity and setbacks. It’s a valuable principle that can be applied in various aspects of life, including personal, academic, and professional pursuits. I

  • Tears of joy?

    Daily writing prompt
    In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?
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    I grew up heeding the wisdom of my elders, absorbing phrases like ‘Walk the extra mile,’ ‘You must burn the midnight oil,’ ‘You are the role model for your younger ones,’ and ‘You must excel,’ among others. During that time, I didn’t truly grasp the significance of putting in extra effort in all my endeavors; it was more about following their sage advice. However, when I eventually achieved remarkable success and witnessed tears of joy in my parents’ eyes, I came to appreciate the profound satisfaction that comes from hard work. Without a doubt, the tears of joy I witnessed were an indescribable feeling of fulfillment through dedication and perseverance.