Some of you must have read one of the best-selling books in history, ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho. The book itself a powerful combination of life lessons and inspirations. Among these aspects, the book clearly puts a very meaningful message to the readers to make the decisions to focus on their own journey. There’s nothing wrong with taking advice and learning from others, but make sure it aligns with your desires and passions.
Now, it seems that almost all of us pre-plan for the new year with new hopes and aspirations; also, at the same time, we remember past events. Many-a-times, in our lives, we are so focused on the past and future that we do not quite think about the present moment, the one that we are living is a part of us right now. It’s normal not to pay attention to things that surround us. But it’s important to live in the present.
I don’t know what’s going on in your mind right now and whether you are getting or not the point that I’m making. Let me quote the master himself, Robin Sharma. In his book, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, he wrote: “The secret of happiness is simple: find out what you truly love to do and then direct all of your energy towards doing it. Once you do this, abundance flows into your life and all your desires are filled with ease and grace.”
Meanwhile, the book teaches us that we can only change when we make space for change in our lives.
Let’s talk about that change. Here comes the end of 2019. It was full of ups and downs. 2019 changed me much; emotionally and mentally. I know that the calendar will also change as we step into 2020; but for me, the target remains the same: change.
Let me take the reference of an Assamese book, Probal Ichha Shakti aaru Aatmotkarxar Sadhana (Strong Will Power and Self-Refinement Practice), written by Dr Nirmala Devi. In the book, which is mainly for young readers, the author encourages us to look beyond traditional careers by seeking to develop creative thinking. The writer advocates that each and every individual has some approachable power; mostly, for the time being, we fail to make it a part of our life. This is the irony.
Simply put, we do not know about ourselves. In order to change, we must, first, need to know ourselves.
However, in the end, the point is that when you have changed yourself to attain some targets then there will be some people you’re bound to lose. Even your family members. Trust me, I am not encouraging you to fight against your own people, but sharing just a fact that if you think that to lead a happy and worthwhile life you need to change, then don’t stop especially for others. Or in the fear of losing them.
In order to change something, and improve, some of us will make new year resolutions too, which are nothing but a desire to see something come true in the upcoming year.
However, I’ve never judged myself basis on the completion of those desires. Believe me or not, but nobody gets to make me happy or sad. By my definition, I have always been a winner because I try every day. Nothing can be taken from me that is truly mine. When life slaps you in the face, smile and go on with that which makes you truly happy. You can choose happiness regardless of what anyone says or does. This should be your truest desires in life.
Despite this, Napoleon Hill wrote in his book, Think & Grow Rich that desires are the starting point of all the achievements. Later he also added, “There is a difference between wishing for a thing and being ready to receive it. No one is ready for a thing until he believes he can acquire it. The state of mind must be belief, not mere hope or wish …”
Remember, no more effort is required to aim high in life; it needs truest desire to grab the opportunity.
Now, let me refer to one of the most popular novels of this decade written in Hindi, Dark Horse, Ek Ankahi Dastan by Nilotpal Mrinal. Dark Horse is a journey through the negativity to positivity. No matter where we are in our career, our ability to focus to grab the opportunity is the only key to success.
This mindset can guide us to a life of purpose, authenticity, and achievement. This is the belief of a civil service aspirant, Santosh, who is the lead character of Dark Horse.
To be honest, the meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and obvious, and so simple. Life is indenting the future and living the moment. Life, to me, is an amazing opportunity!
(This post was first published here.)