Face Challenges Boldly
When young, Swami Vivekananda, founder of the Ramakrishna Mission, was known as Narendra. One day, while going to the Durga temple in Kashmir, a troop of monkeys steadily followed him. Narendra became frightened. He did not know what to do. On instinct he decided to run away and escape from there. With all his might he began to run. But the monkeys followed him faster than before.
A Sanyasi was watching the scene. He cried out “Instead of running from them, turn back and face them boldly.”
Narendra obeyed his words. He stopped running. Then he turned back, and stood bravely facing the animals. The monkeys also stopped. After a while, they dispersed and disappeared.
Challenges are a part of everyday life. They come in many different forms; both big and small; and often unexpectedly.
For some people, the challenge would be doing well at school. For others, it may be worries, like certain prevailing difficulties, past mistakes, or failures. Challenges actually help us become stronger, braver, and better. Without them, life might be somewhat meaningless. For we might then have nothing to compare the good times to. We do not have control over the past. But we do have control over decisions we make now and in future. Therefore, choose to believe in your ability to make rightful and practical decisions in the face of challenges. Don’t ever be hasty.
Remember the famous adage, “A calm mind is the ultimate weapon against challenges in life.” Be continually prepared to face challenges prudently and optimistically. Thus you shall move ahead and succeed in life.
