No human being likes to be ignored. Bonuses, prizes, award
and medals are symbols of success and everyone wants them. However, only a
few people seem to stand out, and when they do, they become demigods. They receive
accolades and praises while the rest of the crowds feel disregarded and
unloved. What then is the measure of true success? Is it possible to be truly
happy without eulogies from people around? What really brings peace of mind?
The best thing that ever happened to my self-esteem is when I heard these words in my spirit, "Do not define yourself by your title, position or the people you know." In the quest to be loved and respected, most people have
made enormous sacrifices which have led to greater losses. Many would do
anything to have and keep having money, power and fame. Somewhere in the world right
now, someone is making a costly mistake just to feel loved –a woman accepts
maltreatment because she wants to keep her man; an employee changes figures to
make more money; and a government official goes to great lengths to make sure
he remains in power. Admiration makes you feel good, but at what cost?
Can power bring peace? Ask Cuban revolution leader, Fidel
Castro or check the life of Adolf Hitler. No need to mention well-loved
celebrities and pop stars who died in pitiable situations. Money alone cannot bring happiness because you constantly have to think about how to keep it –and that, dear
reader, is enough stress. History is yet to record someone who became truly happy
by solely pursuing money, power or fame. The things that really matter in life
cannot be bought, loaned or borrowed; like happiness and peace –it’s either you
have them or you don’t.
A bitter or unhappy person is quite difficult to get along
with, either as a partner, colleague, or friend. Those who love them have to make
conscious and consistent efforts to keep them happy. It does not take long to
find out that the source of bitterness can be dealt with, but these unhappy people
do not have the courage or will-power to do so. Joy cannot stay in this kind of
environment because it does not have roots there.
When someone pays you a compliment for something you have done,
you feel good; but if the same person says something negative to you shortly
after, bad feelings set in immediately. This means that the elation we feel
when we are recognized or appreciated can be deceivingly temporary. Therefore,
we must never define ourselves by the things we have or do not have; neither should
our identity be in the people we know.
You can be at peace with yourself, regardless of external circumstances
you find yourself. This is because good feelings only come from inside
out. A person who loves you may turn his
or her affection to someone else, and a stream of income can dry up. Fans and supporters
will go after a while, and in the end, the only person who will stick with you,
is you! What will you do then, if you do not like your eyes and nose?
Fortunately, you can be happy with where you are in life
even though you have bigger plans. You may find yourself in unwanted situations
but a deep-seated knowledge that God will make everything turn out right in the
end will put strength in you.
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