Hardships: The Lessons That It Teaches

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The Human Brain running on Treadmill During the Hardships to think clearly

Hardships teach us many lessons, which transform us and we will see many changes in our personality and perspective.

People will have a different outlook on the world and they change as per the circumstances. Many are scared when hardships come knocking on their door. Some rise like a phoenix bird from ashes while some simply give up even though they have everything in their arsenal.

Nothing remains the same. Life is a constant change. 

The whole crisis has taught us many things so far, which if people keep in their minds, will surely form the new world.

Nothing is too small- 

Coronavirus taught us that in a fantastic way. A micro-organism that is invisible to the naked eye, yet it put the world on lockdown, forced people to do social distancing for their safety and the greater good, and the economies crumbled and millions of people went bankrupt. The virus has taught us that nothing is too small to make an impact. You are IMPORTANT.

If you are from a poor family or you have no godfather, don’t feel the battle is lost. Any little change in life can make you big in the world. Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists, changed the course world’s history when an apple fell on him while he was under a tree. It was a small incident, but look where we are. Also, pandemics during the previous few centuries had almost wiped out the whole human race and no one can do anything.

Believe in yourself and keep working on your dreams. Never doubt your abilities and keep chanting this mantra “I am big to make a difference and I will.”

Medical –

A sickness can cost us everything and sometimes, we feel we are better dead than living with such huge medical bills. Not everyone meets Dr. Howard Kelly in their life. Countries whose medical care is below standard should focus on getting it better.

All people, regardless of their financial status deserve universal medical care as per the UK standard and the number of beds per 1000 people should be increased because any time anyone virus can come and cripple mankind. The lessons should also tell the people what to expect from their leaders during elections and vote according to the development.

Even the mightiest the USA has a long way to go. You are only a sickness away from going bankrupt in most countries. That’s such a powerful lobby of pharma companies. Be healthy! 

Politicians across the globe speak about universal medical care, but they don’t turn their words into actions. It’s always yada-yada! Always work on your health.  Track your calories. Eat everything in proportion and enjoy the different dishes and cuisines. Don’t listen to fearmongers about the foods. Always verify the medical journos about any such fear-mongering news before fretting. We have a life to live. Live it! Eat the foods you want but in proportion.

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Mankind – 

Humans often feed our insatiable egos with malicious lies and arrogance, yet we have kneeled to a micro-organism.

This has not happened for the first time. Throughout human history, many pandemics and epidemics have shown humans that they are not the highest authority and that unimaginable things can wipe them out.

Humans have been at war for centuries and the world has not seen peace for an unimaginable time.

We often waste our lives collecting materialistic things and keep consuming them like there’s no tomorrow. During the rat race, we forget to reflect on our core ethics and values and even worst, we forget to enjoy life. I remember a lot of the rich died during the coronavirus without enjoying their riches. All their hard-earned money was passed to their children. A life lost for money that couldn’t enjoy the life.

Materialism– 

Even the wealthiest and most elite people, who could buy anything at their disposal, were hidden in their caves. But, SARS-CoV-2 didn’t differentiate between rich and poor and it killed equally. Similarly, any natural occurrence would do so without discrimination. Similarly, the sun treats all equally.

People should learn to develop critical thinking before wasting resources and probably, should think of the less fortunate who struggle all their lives. Millions struggle to arrange meals without any job or money, while many suffer financial losses. We are all in this together.

The best way to enjoy life is not to collect more and more, but to reflect on the little things in life because we all are temporary travellers on t Earth and no one knows when the journey will end. Hence, instead of fishing out regarding what you don’t have and what brand you want to buy or what car you want to drive, be thankful for the life you have. The Nasadiya Sukta helps to reflect on life.

Nasadiya Sukta (Hymn of non-Eternity, origin of universe):

There was neither non-existence nor existence then;
Neither the realm of space, nor the sky which is beyond;
What stirred? Where? In whose protection?

There was neither death nor immortality then;
No distinguishing sign of night nor of day;
That One breathed, windless, by its own impulse;
Other than that there was nothing beyond.

Darkness there was at first, by darkness hidden;
Without distinctive marks, this all was water;
That which, becoming, by the void was covered;
That One by force of heat came into being;

Who really knows? Who will here proclaim it?
Whence was it produced? Whence is this creation?
Gods came afterwards, with the creation of this universe.
Who then knows whence it has arisen?

Whether God’s will created it, or whether He was mute;
Perhaps it formed itself, or perhaps it did not;
The Supreme Brahman of the world, all pervasive and all-knowing
He indeed knows, if not, no one knows

—Rigveda 10.129

Family and Friends – 

Post all the chaos in life, people look for the real things in life. Hopefully, during the hardships, people will understand the value of families which have been forgotten in the fast-paced life. Only the love for the families strengthens the bond and they are the only ones who are beside us when we are on the deathbed. A few have their friends, too, but most don’t. It’s okay! They have a life and family, too.

Thus, when you are on your deathbed, nothing will help you to ease your pain as much as seeing your loved ones surround your presence. And nothing will pain you more when life flashes itself back in front of your eyes and you find out you have missed every chance to celebrate life with your friends and family. Keep them close to your heart. Life is all about the moment we are given now. Tomorrow is never promised.

When my student passes their IELTS exam, I tell them to spend their time as much as with their parents because they might never get a lot of time to stay together with them.

Dream –

Now, dreams are good to see, but overwhelming yourself with the goals you have, not only invites various health issues but also takes you to a depressed world. Don’t let that happen. Be sane and always think of your time. This will keep you grounded and you might make realistic targets that can give you a sense of fulfillment.

I am not saying, don’t dream. I am saying, dream but don’t fret if you remain short of your target. The journey matters, not the destination. Easier said than done, I know, I know. The time shows us, who is the real boss like it’s showing where humankind is during the Covid-19/Novel Coronavirus pandemic.

I too see a dream with my open eyes, but I also keep a reality check. This keeps me grounded and I find happiness in little things. Same thing I often tell to my IELTS students in IELTS classes in Ludhiana at Voxcel Group.

Humble – 

Currently, we are seeing an unusual shift in the world due to the coronavirus outbreak. People having political differences are together in this fight against the invisible enemy Covid-19 virus. This has taught us that we are all one on the planet Earth and our existence matters only when we live in harmony and brotherhood. No doubt, some evil and hooligans disrupt society and create nuances, but some lead the world, despite people throwing stones at them.

Thankfully, many responsible people with a golden heart are coming forward, giving rations, and other necessary items to needy ones and to those who live paycheck to paycheck. This is creating a wonderful aura in the world during the pandemic crisis and such people will further lead the society and the upcoming generations will see them as heroes.

Collaboration – 

People and governments have learned a very important lesson of collaboration in a very hard way during the coronavirus crisis. Had we done it earlier, the scenario would have been different today. Many governments are appealing to people to stay indoors and yet, the requests and warnings are ignored. Some countries have imposed curfew / martial law, yet people are coming out of their homes and making silly excuses for police officials.

Those people have no idea how fatal this thing can be. One person if infecting one person can make a chain, which can cause a huge disruption in the world. Italy’s crisis started with only 2 Chinese touring the country. The rest is history. People should listen to their governments, leaving their political and personal differences aside and work for the greater good of mankind.

The majority of the Indians, for example, are commending their Honorable Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi and are adhering to the orders he’s making for the welfare of the nation.

Companies – 

Many companies are showing their true colours and are doing massive layoffs just to save some extra bucks during the lockdown. Some are coming forward to help their staff and keep them tight with them. The future will be bright for those companies. People are starting to see the real colours of human greed and to what extent one can stoop so low.

Many companies have stated, if not done layoffs, to not pay any salary even for March month, let alone for April or even further period. Many small companies can’t pay the dues when there’s no business, but some that can, are even backing off from their duty to pay their employees’ March month’s salary.

Companies that have funds and still backing off from helping their employees financially will have a notorious image and it will take them a while to wash the dirt from their name. The sun might set for such companies and will rise with those who are actively helping the workers. Any company is made of workers and if you take good care of them, they will do the same.

Heroes –

At some point in life, when people face hardships, they come to know who the real heroes are. People who go through terminal illnesses and are saved by the medical staff after the long battles, without caring about their lives, for them, such hardworking people are heroes. For some, a friend who he thought useless becomes the beacon of light.

Police and defence personnel patrol the cities and our borders around the clock and take every measure to keep us safe. It’s not easy to be a policeman who has to be there 24X7 during any crisis.

Doctors, Police, Army, etc. are the real heroes. They deserve the respect we give to our favourite celebrities. Next time you cross paths with any doctor or any personnel, make sure you thank them in your heart, at least.

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