Why you need someone who believes in you?
One day, as a small child, Thomas Alva Edison came home and handed over a paper to his mother. He said, “My teacher asked me to hand over this to you. Can you tell what is written in it?” She replied, “Your son is a genius and over-qualified to attend the school. Please train him yourself.” Later, she did homeschooling for him. Years later, when she was dead and Edison became one of the greatest inventors of his time, he found that paper while checking for something in his cupboard. After reading what was written on the paper, he was shocked. It said, “Your child is mentally deficient. He cannot be allowed to attend the school anymore. Please train him yourself.”
“Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.” — Dave Wills
Glamorized by some “famous professions”, people often don’t explore their hidden talents and thus, become talented failures. Even if some try to explore, they are discouraged heavily by peers with a constant bombardment of negativity. For example, “Do you think you are Einstien?”, “Why are you wasting your time on this dumb stuff?”, “You are an ordinary person, don’t try to do extraordinary things.”, “Are you crazy? You really want to do that?”, “You don’t have what it takes to make it big.” and many similar statements which you might have heard. The people who spread such negativity, are those who have not achieved anything meaningful in life. And if they have not, how can they help you!
When a person tries to do something different, such constant bombardment of negative energy can take the person down (unless you have a person who truly believes in you, who is your trusted source of encouragement). These disempowering statements heavily damage our positive mental attitude and faith in the self. People consciously or subconsciously do this as it gives them a sense of superiority. Thus, they helplessly spread negativity.
“Encourage me and I will not forget you.” — William Arthur Ward
To be surrounded by negative thoughts and toxic people is like being surrounded by water on all sides. How to save the self in such circumstances? Be in a boat! If you are in a boat and don’t allow the water to enter inside, you will be safe. And what is that boat? It’s someone who believes in you. Someone who encourages you. Someone who can say, “If you try, you may fail. If you don’t, you already failed.”
12 years ago, I wrote my very first poem. One of my teachers got to know this and asked me to recite it in my school’s assembly. Initially, I refused, but she persuaded me. Finally, I was on stage. I could see an overwhelming audience of 4000 students. That was my first stage experience. My hands, legs and voice were shivering heavily. I was filled up with anxiety and self-doubt. I could see students trying to make fun. But then, I saw my teacher with an encouraging smile and signalled me to start. With that encouragement, I ignored negativity within and without and did it. And today, with that encouragement and encouragement from many others who believe in me, I am still writing articles to help the readers.
So, go ahead! Find someone who believes in you and who can encourage you. And see yourself doing what you never imagined.
Wondering if even the strongest people need it? Stay connected for the next article :)
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My personal suggestion: Please read the Bhagavad Gita As It Is by HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for deeper insights.
