I remember the story our grandma narrated when we were kids -a devotee asked Ramkrishna once that he had dug 9 feet deep holes in his backyard to make a well at three different spots, but he could not find water in any of them. Ramkrishna then replied that he had dug a total distance of 27 feet –had he been patient and continued digging so much at the same spot he undoubtedly would have gained his aim and water.
Everyone is an ocean of talent, but like the devotee, most of us fail to discover the depth of those waters (or even find it). Reason? Giving up.
We dream about becoming something. We struggle. We are laughed at, humiliated, and discouraged too. After this we are left with two options-the easy one of giving up and the right one of getting up.
When we choose the first option-
Grandma-“Long ago, there was a guy who gave up.”
Child-“What happened next?”
Grandma-“Nothing”
Yes, this is the story of first-option choosers. One day the entire story of your life will flash in front of us- and it should be worth a last watch. But on selecting this easier path, all it is going to be is a blank page with the words ‘GAVE UP’ written on it. It’s the other path we follow of perseverance and courage that makes us an inspiring memory forever. And the rough waves create the best sailor. When things go wrong and against you; when it seems impossible to hold on any longer-smile, push harder….for that is the time and place that tides will turn. When you want to quit, think why you ever started, about all those tedious hours you gave to implement your plans and certainly don’t just be disheartened examining the lengthy hours your dreams need for – as Earl Nightingale rightly said- time will pass anyway. And you never know you might just have been inches away from your objective when you decided to turn back….