Life Tapestry.

Life Tapestries | Intentional Living, Faith, & Creative Reflection

Tag: struggles

  • Four best lesson that 2023 taught me!

    The profound lesson that I gleaned from the tumultuous journey of 2023 is one that instills gratitude and a refusal to complain about life’s adversities. Despite encountering myriad highs and lows, including experiences of humiliation, shame, failures, disapproval, downfall, and the painful loss of loved ones, I find solace in acknowledging the transformative power of this challenging year.

    Regrettably, I confess that I struggled to accept myself during this period and, at times, found it difficult to seek divine intervention through prayer. Moments of questioning my very existence clouded my perspective. However, I realize now that my struggles were not eternal, my failures were not permanent, for 2023 granted me the opportunity to power down my internal engines and initiate a rejuvenating restart. Through this process, I’ve managed to re-focus my life and rediscover the capacity to smile once more.

    Expressing gratitude for the individuals who played pivotal roles in my life, teaching me profound lessons through their presence, I have come to appreciate the diversity of these lessons—some being the harshest, others sweet or bitter. Despite the challenges, I harbor no regrets about embracing these experiences. My earnest prayer extends to each of them, hoping they find or continue to experience the best that life has to offer.

    Allow me to share a few lessons from my 2023 odyssey:

    1. Politely refusing someone in a superior position is not an act of disrespect; rather, it signifies a person of integrity and self-respect.
    2. Recognize that the world extends beyond your limited perspective; embracing the diversity it offers can be a source of invaluable life lessons.
    3. Prioritize your well-being and mental health, even if it means disappointing others. In the grand scheme, it’s your life, not theirs.
    4. Life is ephemeral, and harboring resentment towards undeserving individuals is a futile endeavor. Embrace the wisdom of letting go and moving forward.

    These four insights encapsulate my learning from the past year, and I sincerely hope they prove beneficial to you in times of similar challenges. Take courage, stand up for yourself, for the sands of time do not grant us the luxury of reliving the same year. Seize the moment, act promptly, lest it be too late. Wishing everyone a fulfilling and prosperous 2024.

  • “Everyone is a hero!”

    In the year 2018, I listened to my students’ harrowing tales of Kerala’s devastating floods. They recounted their real-life ordeals of navigating through the floodwaters and enduring the aftermath. As I heard their stories, the distress they experienced became palpable, and I empathized deeply with their struggles. Many had endured nightmares as their homes succumbed to the deluge, forcing them to seek refuge in relief camps.

    However, my understanding took a profound turn when I watched the documentary “2018.” It dawned on me that what they had conveyed to me was merely the tip of the iceberg, and the extent of the devastation was far greater. My heart ached witnessing people grappling with the aftermath of decisions that led to such catastrophic consequences. I pondered what might have happened if certain preventive measures were taken or if they had heeded the warnings of their team members (as seen from the documentary)

    Fast forward to the end of that distressing year, the resilient people of Kerala faced yet another adversary—COVID-19. It’s remarkable how, despite these challenges, many of the individuals I’ve encountered have managed to rebuild their lives successfully. Reflecting on these adversities, I can’t help but contemplate how my own family might have coped in such circumstances and where we might be now.

    Beyond the miseries and dangers, these resilient individuals stand tall, facing the world with unwavering zeal. Their strength in the face of adversity has left a lasting impact on me, making me feel a bit stronger today.

  • 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.