Dear Zindagi

08-09-2023

Let’s ease the burden of high expectations we place on ourselves. I’m not suggesting we should lead a life of complacency, but rather, we should extend the same care and consideration to ourselves that we give to our children, understanding their minds, preferences, and needs.

I’m not advocating for selfishness either, but rather, I encourage us to be kinder to ourselves. Let’s acknowledge our limitations and set clear boundaries. Recent research indicates a concerning rise in mental health issues, and many individuals are suffering in silence, reluctant to seek help.
We all have our limitations; the question is whether we should address them!? Addressing these limitations may not necessarily eliminate them, but it could pave the way for improvements in the future, benefiting the next generation.

Consider this: the traits and behaviors we possess now are what we will pass down to future generations through our genetics and upbringing. If we don’t take care of ourselves, what legacy are we leaving behind? We have the power to change our mental state and our lives.

Rather than fixating on an uncertain future, we should focus on finding peace in the present. Only when we are at peace with ourselves can we hope for a peaceful future. These considerations significantly influence our life choices. Therefore, it’s important to identify our limitations and establish boundaries.
This doesn’t mean we lack the potential to achieve great things in life right now. It’s about understanding our current capabilities and setting realistic expectations for ourselves. Often, we yearn for growth and development but neglect the importance of mental, emotional, and physical well-being as the foundation.
We shouldn’t ignore these aspects; they are crucial for personal growth. I don’t suggest that we need to be flawless; everyone faces heartbreak, issues, pain, and hurt. What matters is how well we manage ourselves, how quickly we recover from setbacks. This reflects our mental stability.

Before striving to become what we aspire to be, we must work on ourselves. Unfortunately, many of us neglect this step, pushing ourselves to extremes until we reach a breaking point. It’s like stretching a rubber band; if stretched too far, it will either snap or lose its elasticity.

We set high expectations and make elaborate plans for challenges and situations, but we often overlook the need for the right mental state and strength required for them. This preparation is essential.
We aim to make everyone else happy but forget to check our own happiness. We strive for physical fitness but overlook our mental well-being. While achieving materialistic goals can enhance our lives, they merely beautify the surface. The cracks and imperfections inside us remain.

Our lives need a solid foundation to thrive. We must first understand and fulfill our basic needs before pursuing other goals. If our core is strong and healthy, it will radiate outwardly. Conversely, inner turmoil and stress will eventually show on our faces, despite any external efforts to conceal them.

So, in summary, let’s stop pushing ourselves relentlessly. Instead, let’s accept ourselves, work on self-improvement, set realistic expectations, and focus on becoming the best version of ourselves before entering life’s race. Starting with a strong foundation will lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Aanal modi