Would you believe it if I told you that there used to be a time when I used to be afraid to speak up? Almost until I was ten, I used to be a little shy. It isn't as though I wouldn't interact with others. Yet, when it came to being proactive, I seemed frozen.
Luckily for me, life took on the responsibility of teaching me, the hard way, that waiting for things to happen is not the best method. You know I spent the first ten years of my life in Bombay. Then, some family reshuffling took your Grandma and me to Madras for a year when I was in Grade 5. It was a culture shock for me after the lifestyle we had experienced until then. Life was turbulent, to say the least - and yet I learned to survive. Even then, I wouldn't say I was proactive.
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself
Then, the next year, I was back in Bombay - this time in a hostel for Grade 6. You know I secretly thought my folks didn't want me anymore. Isn't that silly? Today I understand that they only wanted me to have a peaceful school year in a safe place while things got sorted out in the family. That year, your Grandma also was in a hostel in Madras.
Long story short - while I was initially upset I got over it quickly and adjusted to the independence. Over the years, I've felt really grateful that the family took that step - it was a defining moment in my life that taught me a lot about survival.
After that one year stint, your Grandma and I joined my Grandma in Hyderabad and life was once again stable. Somehow, I was a different person and a stronger one. The magic was - I had grown up a little and learned to come forward - to initiate rather than wait.
We all have a super power. It is called initiative
I believe that even if life throws situations at us when we least expect them, there's a reason. How we respond is what makes the difference. If we take the initiative to approach it positively and confidently, we come out happier. I won't even go into the alternative!
You are talented with great qualities. You are loved by your peers and I am sure that wherever you go, you will be accepted as you are. You are unique in your own way. To make your interactions enjoyable, learn to be proactive. Initiate. When you have an idea, talk about it. While it is good to be reactive, it is great to be proactive. Be a self-starter.
There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.
When you show initiative, you do things without waiting for someone to tell you what to do. You find out what needs to be done and you persist in your efforts even when there are hassles along the way until you reach your goal. You act, instead of reacting.
Initiative influences your personal and professional development. Thing is, being a passive dreamer who yearns for better things - or just things - doesn't help because sitting in one place and waiting for something - just doesn't bring it to you. Unless you " do ", go after what you want, create opportunities, face challenges and make things happen - you will just find yourself waiting...and often disappointed.
I am not saying that you should be totally aggressive. Far from it. What I am saying is - take responsibility for your life. Choose how you will respond to life and never lose hope.
Initiative is all about using your personal energy and converting it into goal-oriented action. It is your inner power. When you are proactive, you get noticed. People respect you more. Your self esteem gets a boost. Fuel that spark in you confidently. And enjoy the results.
Feeling blessed to be your Mom
A to Z Challenge 2015
I is for Initiate
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