Changing the World Begins With a Change in Yourself

 

One of my colleagues keeps cribbing about the people around him, the situations and whatever is happening. If he fails to do something, he starts blaming everyone associated with the task except him. Once I had an opportunity to discuss about why he always thought that way and what he told me, I was compelled to write about it.  

 

Changing the World Begins with Changing Yourself: A Reflection on Personal Responsibility

In the bustling landscape of our personal and professional lives, it's not uncommon to encounter individuals who seem to carry the world's weight on their shoulders – not in the noble sense of bearing responsibility, but in the relentless habit of blaming others for their shortcomings. We all have experienced such encounters at some or the other point in our LIFE and we too, have played the same blame game to please our self-esteem. One such individual in my orbit, a colleague of mine, has consistently exhibited this behavior, lamenting about the people around him, paying his precious attention to their petty activities and actions which actually hold no importance in his course of action. Being in a leadership role, he often finds himself in diverse situations and faced with myriad challenges, so he is expected to cultivate the habit of taking credibility of his actions and Decision in a certain situation. On the contrary, he seems all too eager to point fingers at external factors, absolving himself of any accountability.

This pattern of behavior is not only demoralizing for his teammates but also profoundly limiting their efficiency and potential. It's a stark reminder of the age-old adage that changing the world begins with a change in yourself.

 

Change is Always Challenging-

Everybody knows that change is the only constant yet change is always apprehensive, scary, and complex. We must accept the fact that to walk with this rapidly changing world we have to CHANGE ourselves with the demands of the circumstances. Changing for the better is a crucial life skill to cultivate peace, happiness, and contentment in our life, and believe me everyone can harness this power to bring a positive change in their life and the people around them. As stated earlier, any change in one’s life is always unwelcomed and brings in Discomfort so it becomes very difficult to begin this task of changing yourself to change the world.

Let’s start making a to-do list for this-

1.     Introspect your current situation and analyze your personal and professional LIFE

2.     Make a list of all the things and circumstances you are not satisfied with and want to bring a positive CHANGE in them

3.     Think about those situations that aren’t under your control

4.     Prepare a list of everything that you can control and that are within your power to affect.

In most cases, you will find that you can only fix the problems or mistakes you made. You can’t change others’ perceptions, their way of life and behaviour so it’s completely useless to invest your time, resources and energy to change others and guide them as per your choices. Henceforth, you can only control your LIFE and actions. And, when you change your perception about others you will feel a change in their approach towards you positively. Changing the world begins with a change in yourself and this process can’t be done overnight; it’s a continuous journey and requires all your conscious efforts to acknowledge your flaws and put them into the right practice.

 

Taking Responsibility of Your Actions-

During that compelling conversation with my colleague about his perpetual state of discontent, I was met with a response that left me pondering long after our exchange had ended. He adamantly defended his inclination to blame External factors, arguing that the fault lay not with him but with the circumstances he found himself in and the individuals he was surrounded with.

 

However, as I reflected on his words, I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency to address the deeper issue at hand – the reluctance to take ownership of one's actions and attitudes. Blaming others might offer temporary relief, allowing us to evade the discomfort of facing our own shortcomings. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, it serves as a barrier to personal growth and meaningful change.

 

Transform Yourself to Influence People

Here’s an urgent need to share the quote by Mahatma Gandhi; “Be the Change you wish to see in the world,” having this idea in mind one can truly conquer the world and leave a lasting impact on the community. If not the global, start at the local level; if not local strive to change at the community level; and even if not at the community level you can easily start at the personal level and see the changes around you.

The truth; is that a genuine transformation – whether on an individual level or within the broader scope of society – necessitates a willingness to embrace personal responsibility. It requires us to look inward and confront our biases, limitations, and areas for improvement. Only then, we anticipate enacting positive change, both in our own life and in the world around us.

 

Let’s Begin This Journey of Self-Transformation

To embark on a journey of self-transformation we must cultivate a Mindset of self-awareness. Self-awareness includes knowing oneself completely whether it's culture, lifestyle, choices, family background, or social and religious beliefs. It means knowing your strengths, weaknesses, passion, and purpose in life. Being honest with ourselves about our strengths and weaknesses, our Success and Failures help us recognize that while external factors may influence our circumstances, ultimately, we have the power to shape our responses and actions.

 

Secondly, we must practice self-reflection. Taking the time to pause and examine our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors allows us to gain invaluable insights into our motivations and decision-making processes. Introspection enables us to identify patterns of behavior that may be holding us back and empowers us to make conscious choices moving forward.

 

Finally, we must embrace a sense of personal agency. Rather than viewing ourselves as passive victims of circumstance, we must recognize the inherent power we possess to effect change – both within ourselves and in the world at large. By taking proactive steps to address the shortcomings and contribute positively to our environments, we become agents of transformation, inspiring others to do the same.

 

In conclusion, changing the world begins with changing ourselves. It requires us to transcend the temptation to blame others for our own misfortunes and instead embrace personal responsibility as the catalyst for meaningful change. So let us commit to cultivating a mindset of self-awareness, Practicing self-reflection, and embracing our innate agency. Through these small yet significant acts of self-transformation, we can truly make a difference – not only in our lives but in the world around us.

Blog EduEmeRalds strongly believes that every obstacle can be turned into an opportunity, we just need to change our perspective about it. So, it's high time dear Readers, that we should always be ready to change ourselves as changing the world begins with a change in yourself.

The Secret of Staying Young Lies Within Your Outlook and Spirit

 You don’t grow by your age; you grow old by your mind

Rambai, a forever-young, 106-year-old sprinter who won three gold medals at the 18^th National Open Athletics Championships held by Yuvrani Sports Committee at Dehradun, took up athletics just two years back at the age of 104 and proved to the world that Age is Just a Number.

 

Rambai, born in Kadma, a small village in Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, spent her life in household chores and working laboriously in her family farmland. She felt motivated to take up athletics in the year 2016 when she got to KNOW about the resounding success of Man Kaur from Punjab who made headlines at the age of 100 by becoming world’s fastest centenarian after winning Gold at American Masters Game in Vancouver. She bettered her own world record in 2017 by shaving seven seconds off. It was Sharmila, 41-year-old granddaughter of Rambai who encouraged her by saying if she could achieve such phenomenal Success why not her. And, here the journey of an over 100 athlete begins- she started professional practice with adequate diet and a strong determination to reach at the top. Her extraordinary stamina due to years of hard work in fields and a healthy diet consisting of homemade dairy products and farm fresh vegetables was a booster in this journey.

 

After two years’ persistent practice she finally broke Man Kaur’s record by completing the 100m sprint in just 45.50 seconds at the Open Masters Athletics Championships in Vadodara in the year June 2022.

 

Each of us wants to stay young and tries to find youth in anti-aging cosmetic products, expensive treatments and skin-tightening procedures but the secret of staying young lies within the outlook and our spirit how we take our youth and our ageless inner self. Do we think youth is merely a passing phase of LIFE or it’s a state of mind?

 

EduEmeRalds defines Youth as an inner radiance that stems from withholding a youthful spirit and elixir that defies the chronological age. Youth is reflected through the vigor of your emotions and the freshness of your spirit; it is the stride, your sprightly gait that helps you retain the enthusiasm and vitality despite the wobbly knees and weak legs. Youth lies in realizing your ageless inner self that always yearns to look at life with a new perspective and to learn to unlearn and relearn.

 

How to Radiate an Ageless Glow-

Aging is a process that affects us mentally more than physically; the physical changes are just a byproduct of how we perceive our aging. That’s why we observe many people active and in high spirits even at the Age of eighty, conversely, we see many who surrender to their aging process and start depending on others even during their sixties.

 

By embracing an ageless glow one can defy the number of years one has lived. Age is not defined solely by physical appearance but by how we perceive and present ourselves. A positive mindset, healthy lifestyle, and self-care can radiate an ageless glow that transcends the number on our birth certificate. Cultivating self-confidence, practicing gratitude, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfilment contribute to an aura of youthfulness that surpasses the boundaries of age.

 

Be Willing to Change-

Sometimes growing old makes people rigid and they don’t like to change their ways of life. They feel what they do, think and believe is always right because they have a richer experience of LIFE but cultivating willingness to change keeps us always young and enthusiastic about life. As we grow older, it's crucial to remain open to change. Change is inevitable, and by embracing it, we open ourselves up to new horizons and Opportunities for personal growth. Letting go of outdated beliefs, habits, and routines allows us to adapt to evolving circumstances and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. By cultivating a flexible mindset, we can continue to evolve and flourish regardless of our age.

 

Age Can't Hinder Dreams and Passions:

Our dreams and passions never age, their intensity doesn’t depend on months and years we have lived so far. In a society that often associates Dreams with youth, vitality and productivity; it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that age dictates our abilities and limitations. Hence, age old people can’t dream and pursue their passion. But dreams are timeless, and they should never be limited by age. It's never too late to embark on a new career, start a business, or explore creative endeavours. The accomplishments of numerous individuals who found success later in life, such as Colonel Sanders of KFC who started his venture at the age of 65, and Grandma Moses who started painting at the ripe old age of 78, serve as reminders that age is not a deterrent but an opportunity to pursue what truly ignites our spirits. Age should fuel our determination, rather than dampen our enthusiasm.

 

This blog explores the idea that true growth lies in the spirit of lifelong Learning. Age should never be a barrier to acquiring knowledge or learning new skills. In fact, as we accumulate life experiences, we gain a unique perspective that enriches our learning journey. Whether it's pursuing formal education, exploring new hobbies, or simply staying curious about the world, the willingness to learn keeps our minds sharp, expands our horizons, and fosters personal development. Age should inspire us to become lifelong students rather than discourage us from seeking new knowledge.

 

Blog EduEmeRalds advocates the concept of "age is just a number" which reminds us that our true potential knows no bounds. Regardless of our chronological age, we have the power to radiate an ageless glow, embrace CHANGE, pursue lifelong learning, and chase our dreams and passions. Let's decide that age will never hinder our ability to live life to the fullest.

 

The secret of staying young  lies within your outlook and spirit, and in the way how you choose to perceive your aging. By radiating an ageless glow, through positivity and self-care, embracing change, nurturing a thirst for Knowledge, and pursuing your dreams and passions, you can break free from the constraints that society may impose based on age.

  

Let us all remember that no matter how many years have passed; the fire within us can continue to burn brightly, propelling us toward a life of Fulfilment and purpose!

Know Thyself to Enjoy the Bliss and Beauty of Your Life

 Know Yourself to Create a Blissful and Successful Life

In the Pursuit of a blissful and successful life, one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects is self-awareness. Understanding oneself at a deeper level and embracing individuality can lead to immense personal growth, contentment, and achievement. Today, at EduEmeralds, we will explore the significance of knowing yourself and how it can pave the way for a fulfilling and prosperous life.

 

Respecting and evaluating every aspect of your personality fills you with self-love and enriches your self-concept. Is there any past experience or failure that pushes you hard to still judge yourself? Let's dive deeper into each of the three headings to further elaborate on why it's important to know thyself to enjoy the bliss and Beauty of life.

 

1. Accept and Love the Incomplete You:

In a society that often glorifies Perfection and places unrealistic expectations on individuals, where respect and adulation can be garnered only by becoming impeccable, we must acknowledge and embrace our imperfections. Nobody is flawless, none is complete; and trying to meet unattainable standards can lead to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and unhappiness.

Self-acceptance involves recognizing that our flaws and shortcomings are a part of who we are, and they do not diminish our worth as individuals. By accepting ourselves as incomplete beings, we open ourselves up to personal growth and self-improvement. We can identify areas where we want to develop and work on them without judgment or self-criticism.

Moreover, self-acceptance fosters authenticity. When we stop trying to hide or mask our imperfections, we allow ourselves to be true to us and genuine and never hesitate in embracing our uniqueness and owning our flaws that helps us to build stronger connections with others, as people are often drawn to authenticity and honesty. By accepting and Loving the incomplete aspects of ourselves, we cultivate self-compassion, build resilience, and create a foundation for a blissful and successful life.

 

2. Plan Your Freedom and Have Clarity on Your Decisions:

 

Living a fulfilling LIFE requires having a clear understanding of our aspirations, desires, and values. Without self-awareness, we may find ourselves drifting through life, guided by external expectations or the opinions of others. This can result in a lack of fulfillment and a sense of being disconnected from our true selves.

Planning our own freedom involves taking the time to explore our passions, interests, and Goals. It requires self-reflection to identify what truly matters to us and what we want to achieve in various aspects of our lives, such as career, relationships, personal growth, and well-being. By setting clear goals and creating a roadmap, we regain control over our lives and actively work towards the future we envision.

 

Having clarity on our decisions is crucial for living in alignment with our authentic Self. It means making Choices that resonate with our individuality, values, aspirations, and long-term objectives. When we have a deep understanding of ourselves, we can evaluate options and make decisions that are congruent with who we are and what we want to achieve. This empowers us to live a life that is authentic and meaningful, rather than one dictated by external pressures or societal norms.

 

By planning our freedom and having clarity on our decisions, we create a sense of purpose and direction. This allows us to invest our time and energy in activities and pursuits that truly matter to us, leading to a more fulfilling and successful LIFE.

 

3. Let Your Intuition Steer the Ship of your life

In a world that often prioritizes rationality and logic, tapping into our intuition can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and decision-making. Intuition is our innate ability to understand and perceive things beyond what can be explained by rational thought alone. It is a valuable source of wisdom that dwells inside each of us.

To harness the power of intuition, it is essential to Cultivate self-awareness and create space for quiet reflection. Practices like yoga, meditation, journaling, or spending time with nature can help quieten the noise of the external world and allow us to connect with our inner Self. By tuning in to our intuition, we can access insights and guidance that come from a deeper place within us.

 

Intuition should not replace rational thinking but rather complement it. By combining logical reasoning with intuitive insights, we can make decisions that are not only well-reasoned but also aligned with our authentic selves. Intuition can help us navigate through uncertainty, trust our Instincts, and make choices that lead us towards a more blissful and successful life.

Dear Readers, knowing oneself is an endless process of self-exploration that involves accepting and loving our imperfect Self, planning our own freedom, and listening to our intuition. By embracing our flaws, setting clear goals aligned with our values, and tapping into our inner wisdom, we create a foundation for personal growth, fulfillment, and success. Through self-awareness, we can lead lives that are purposeful, blissful, and deeply satisfying.

Knowing oneself is a transformative journey that enables individuals to embrace their imperfections, plan their own freedom, and trust their intuition. By accepting and loving ourselves as incomplete beings, we foster self-compassion, develop self-love and open the door to personal growth. Planning our own freedom and having clarity on our decisions empowers us to live a life that is meaningful, far from false ambitions, and free from external expectations. Finally, by letting our intuition guide us, we tap into our inner wisdom and make choices that lead to a blissful and successful existence.

 

Embarking on the path of self-discovery is a lifelong endeavor, and it requires courage, patience, and self-reflection. However, the rewards are immeasurable. By knowing ourselves, we unlock the key to a life filled with authenticity, fulfillment, and the joy of living as our true self.

Compassionate Listening is the Essence of a Perfect Parenting

Why Compassionate Listening is Essential for Perfect Parenting 

Shobhna was worried about her son, Aniket’s growing anger and defiance in every small, petty issue. She could sense something wasn’t right with his surroundings and the people with whom he was interacting and spending most of his time. However, apart from growing in age nothing much has changed in their family and social LIFE, his friends, school, and other classes and the family Friends all are the same. Yet what was bothering Aniket and why was he getting arrogant and impatient remained a question for the parents. Finally, Shobhna and her husband Amit decided to consult a counselor which brought forth so many revelations about themselves and their own behavior with him; something so strange which they were completely unaware of.

Shobhna and Amit aren’t the only parents who forget to grow as a parent with the growth of their kids. Teenagers demand a different type of attention and behaviour at home and school but the irony is: they receive it nowhere. They are often misunderstood, judged, and defined at every stage due to the changing pattern of their attitude, their response to various situations, and largely how they look at the world with their growing age.

In this intellectually competitive world, the root cause of anger and arrogance in teenagers is the lack of ability to express what they are going through and their strong perception that their elders won’t listen to them empathically. This certainly means that they have experienced it quite often in the past and this apathy is deep-rooted in their heart. As a result, they start intentionally sabotaging and alienating themselves without even realizing what they are doing. These unresolved issues lead to anxiety and distrust which have long-term effects on children’s minds.

What Should Parents Do-

For any parent, it’s quite natural to be a problem solver for kids and be ready to fix their problems with instant advice and providing them with a list of Dos and Don’ts. Conversely, they just want to be listened to and have their problems heard with empathy and attention. Here, Compassionate Listening is the only way to cultivate understanding and love among teenagers and this is the best help parents can provide their growing kids. If you are a patient listener to them they will also imbibe this virtue and will become better and happier people so the best gift one can give to the loved ones is the gift of compassionate listening and loving speech.

Compassionate listening stimulates and awakens a deep sagacity of kindness and responsibility in teenagers. They cultivate kindness and responsibility towards self, society at large, the world, and the environment. When you teach responsibility to your child you teach so many dimensions of it altogether.

Listening Develops Communication-

Listening is the most important and powerful of all SKILLS. To bring about reconciliation and restore love and communication can only be possible with the practices of Compassionate Listening and loving speech.

“When communication is cut off, we suffer. When no one listens to us, we are like bombs ready to explode.”

The aggressive behaviour of Teenagers is due to the absence of compassionate listening. Make sure you lend your sympathetic ear not judgments even if you feel they are mistaken for something. Reflective listening is the best tool to make them feel understood and cared for. Your simple sentence- “I understand what you are going through,” can cement your communication with your child forever as it will make them encouraged to tell you more about them and their problems. Your stronger and unbiased communication can help them liberate from many wrong perceptions and afflictions.

Comparison is a Silent Killer-

To encourage children we often set examples for our kids, “Look, Mr. Sharma’s son got selected for IIT; and our neighbour, Mrs. Batra’s daughter made her way for Nationals.” This behaviour kills your child’s latent potential because he understands your definition of success based on only those parameters that others have achieved. Unknowingly you thwart the efforts of exploring their passion and setting goals for themselves that might be different from your perception. Stop comparing and start listening to them about what they want to set for themselves, whom they consider as their role models. Don’t impose your wishes and opinions on them, let them decide their aspirations. Never compare your child with anyone not even with siblings because Mother Nature has taken care of diversity with utmost precision and uniqueness.

Compassionate listening will inherently be the essence of  PERFECT parenting and allows you to develop deeper trust and empathy towards your growing kids and their tantrums. In this brutal world of expectations, aspirations, peer pressure, self-image, and social acceptance a teenager falls trapped in the labyrinths of unspeakable secrets, unbearable rejections, irreversible regrets, unkept promises, unfulfilled dreams, and unforgettable first crush. And, it's imperative to understand and listen to your child's spoken and unspoken emotions so that you can always help him.

The parent’s role is multifaceted in a child’s life. They are the best teachers, role models, friends, and many more for their children but to have a positive impact on their child’s growth, parents must imbibe first what they wish to impart. Practice before you preach is the best way to have profound and perfect parenting. If you can’t deliver or explain something that means you haven’t understood it well enough. So what you want to see in your child, make sure it must be reflected in your behaviour. Let the realization dawn first upon you that in a bid to teach them to be loving and empathic, parents must be equally kind, loving, and empathic towards the people around them; they are smarter enough to emulate you. Compassionate listening is the essence of a perfect parenting, and becoming a perfect person as well. So, improve yourself as a better person to become a better parent.

Live in the Present Moment to Enjoy a Beautiful Life!

Life is what you have at this moment! 

The concept of living in the present moment and making the most of it isn’t new. Since eons humans know the benefits of living in the present moment in every realm of life- good health, better Relationships, success, and greater levels of Happiness, everything comes with a constant practice of making your present better than the past. The past is already gone and the future, is yet to come, so you have only this present moment to alter your way of life.

Living in the present and taking a keen interest in what you are involved in right now best resonates with your own cause of happiness and taking pride in your existence. Only a Mindful person takes full control of his/her present and gives true meaning to his life. Mindfulness helps you learn to appreciate the present and gain new perspectives which are relevant and practical at this time. Be wise and judicious about the present moment when you are Making Decision that will eventually affect your future so utilizing the present wisely will lead you to a better tomorrow.

“Never let a day pass to give you a cause to say, I will do better tomorrow.”

Over-Thinking about Future Causes Fear

We all have heard: To make a better tomorrow one should start working today for it; because you can only control today neither the past nor your future. But, ironically most of the present time goes in overthinking and suffering anxiety for the future and nagging or lamenting over the past. Thus, no efforts are put in to bettering one’s LIFE by focusing on correcting the present. Fear can be an ally if it gives you a signal that you need to urgently Pay Attention to something and if you do so it can turn into an incredible opportunity for growth and a better life. Conversely, if you keep entertaining fear for the unknown future and overthink about what will happen next, it can be debilitating as you develop chronic anxiety in such situation and never be able to enjoy the different phases of your life with their different flavors.

Focus on What You Have Today to Begin with-

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bushes and this bird is the best metaphor for time and opportunity in our life. We fail to focus on what we have right now and waste our time in prolonged thought processes to expect beyond our limits which eventually diminishes the energy and positivity of the present moment and enslaves us of excuses, procrastination, and Failures in life. The life that we live in our thoughts mirror our dreams, ambitions, and future aspirations which may be unrealistic sometimes but the life that we live as our experience of the present moment sculpts a better tomorrow for us. So, it’s very important to strike a balance and cultivate harmony in our thoughts and the present moment.

Stop Crying Over the Spilt Milk-

Good and bad, positive or Negative, success or failure, all are inseparable and unavoidable elements of life that you can’t change. But getting indulged in pleasurable memories and crying over the agonizing past is a very common habit that takes us nowhere and destroys our happiness. Things that have passed are gone forever so ruminating over the past is a sheer waste of time, completely unproductive, and sometimes you find it very difficult to extricate yourself from this state of mind. If you invite muck into your life in this form it will sooner or later ooze outside and will be very pernicious for your mental and emotional well-being.

Most of the happiness Goals are interdependent and connected with some other event. Like; if this happens I will be happy, if I get a promotion I will be happy or if I go on this trip, it will bring happiness in my life. But, just contemplate, does it ever happen? Why don’t we feel happy during the process- like working hard for the promotion and patting ourselves for doing something great, enjoying the packing and the journey before we reach our travel destination. It will allow us to be present and enjoy the moment without desperately waiting for another moment to bring happiness.

Life’s beauty lies in how you perceive it, not how it looks because it’s not the life that is beautiful; it’s you who makes it beautiful. Do not let the fear of the future consume your today's happiness. Live in the present moment to enjoy a beautiful life. Let’s take the lessons from the past, strategize them today and have a fulfilling future. Live like there’s no tomorrow and learn like you will never die.

Fulfilling Commitment with Self is the Biggest Conquest of Life

Arunima Sinha and her Commitment with Self

Padam Shri Arunima Sinha

Arunima Sinha who decided to become a winner and not a victim of the mishaps and miseries of her life emerged as an inspiration for many despondent youngsters who are on the verge of quitting their passion and Dreams.

Arunima Sinha, born on 20 July 1989, India’s first female amputee mountaineer to scale Mt. Everest has shown her grit and determination and proved that your biggest conquest in life is fulfilling your Commitment With Yourself.

Before all the achievements of Arunima, there’s a grim and horrifying story that changed her life completely. Back in the year 2011, she was a national-level volleyball player and she was thrown off a running train while she was travelling to attempt her CISF examination. She fought hard to resist the robbery in train and refused to give her gold chain to the thieves, to revenge upon her audacity, the thieves threw her out of the train. The whole night, Arunima Sinha, who had her leg cut off, screamed in agonizing and unbearable pain. She then fought for her Life in a hospital for the next four months and due to the accident, her leg had to be amputated below the knee.

After having received an artificial limb, she resolved not to be a victim of the circumstances but to become a winner emerging out of all odds. Her biggest motivation was the autobiography of Yuvraj Singh, Indian cricketer- You We Can narrating his battle with cancer and his phenomenal comeback at Indian cricket. She refused the job provided as compensation and decided to live her life on her own terms and conditions and not on others’ mercy.

After having recovered fully, she joined the Eco Everest Expedition team at a training camp managed by the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation in Uttarkashi and got trained under mountaineer Bachendri Pal. Her arduous training year made her physically tough, yet sometimes when she couldn’t compete with the normal people, she felt disheartened. But her strong commitment to herself and an undying desire to conquer the world kept her going.

Within two years, Arunima was ready to climb the highest mountain peak. When she was very close to her goal, she went running out of oxygen and it seemed there were few chances of her survival. But as we know, “When you want something so ardently, the entire universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” and the same happened with Arunima. The same day, a British mountaineer threw away an additional oxygen cylinder after he had decided to return home without climbing and that cylinder was grabbed by Sherpa Kancha and thus Arunima’s life was saved.

Finally, on May 21, 2013, just after two years of the accident, dawned upon the victorious day, when she proved that people can only cripple you physically but none can paralyze your spirit, your mindset, and your commitment with self until you allow it. She hoisted the national tricolor at Mt. Everest and became the first female amputee mountaineer to reach the highest summit in the world. It was an arduous expedition of 52 days that gave birth to a new Arunima, the unstoppable, the invincible. 

With her firm resolve, she conquered the highest peaks in all seven continents of the world- Everest in Asia, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Kosizko in Australia, Aconcagua in Argentina (South America), Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia and the final summit, Mount Vinson in Antarctica.

She has been conferred the Padma Shri, India’s 4^th highest civilian award in the year 2015. She taught that it takes stronger commitments, perseverance, and poise that zero in on the goals and take home the winning trophies.  

How to Stay Committed with Self

Commitment begins with strong emotions of intent and focus, associated with a perfect plan and purpose, and ends with the ‘Eureka’ moment of achieving something. Cognizant of the fact that commitment is the essential ingredient of the recipe of success, we often mistake commitment as  promise; a commitment requires infinite fortitude to not deviate and staying true to yourself and to your goal. Your goals can be any- a healthier life, fitness, better Relationships, professional growth, spirituality, or Cultivating a Habit. Your commitment motivates you to abandon your Comfort Zone and keep moving to gauge your progress.

Commitment makes you Unstoppable

Cognizant of the fact that setbacks and Obstacles are the inevitable corollaries of striving on the way to achieving success, one feels invigorated and confident if they possess an unwavering commitment with self. Being committed helps you remain fully engaged in all your endeavors, stay conscious and persistent enough to turn new leaf in life. A true commitment isn’t something that go with your choices and liking or convenience but it is a force that propelled you from average to excellent and serves as an anchor while surmounting the stumbling blocks.

Commitment Teaches you to Prioritize and to Be Proactive

There are moments when you are left flummoxed by the barrage of social and professional commitments making you oblivion of your personal commitments leading to a catastrophic distraction from your Goals. Let’s understand it with a simple example; suppose you have taken a fitness goal but you experience a bombardment of household chores, time clashes, kids’ attention, etc. Now what you need is a stronger commitment with your fitness regime because commitment is the only factor that will keep you anchored in what you want to achieve. It gives momentum to your thinking process to prioritize and distinguish between what is important and what is more important. It helps you dedicate the right amount of dedication and energy to the right things at perfect time. In the same vein, it instills a proactive attitude because commitment organizes your life and when you are free from the clutter of disturbing and distracting elements you become strongly able to pursue what you want in life.

Fulfilling commitment to self is the biggest conquest of life because it gives you the courage to risk going far and only those who can risk going too far can possibly explore and know their limits- how far can they go?

Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued.

-Socrates