In both my personal and professional life, I’ve learned that not every disagreement is worth my energy. Engaging in pointless arguments often leads us away from our goals šÆ and detracts from our peace of mind. š§āāļø
Choosing silence doesn’t mean conceding; itās a powerful form of self-control and wisdom. šŖāØ When faced with foolishness, I’ve found that stepping back and allowing it to reveal itself speaks volumes more than any argument could. š£
This practice has not only helped me maintain my focus š but also fostered a deeper sense of inner strength. šæ Letās remember to preserve our energy for what truly matters. šš
How do you handle disagreements in your life? I’d love to hear your experiences and insights! š¬š
š„ Criticism. It can sting, challenge, and even frustrate us. But hereās a secret: itās often the very force that fuels our most powerful growth. š„š
Criticism: The Catalyst for Growth
Critics push us in ways that are uncomfortable, but thatās precisely where the magic happens. š
They unknowingly nudge us to:
Dig deeper into our skills and ideas š
Work harder to refine our craft šŖ
Exceed even our own expectations as we rise above self-doubt š
š¬ Research shows that facing negative feedback activates our growth mindset, helping us become more resilient, learn faster, and develop the persistence needed for success. š§ āØ
Shifting Perspectives: From Noise to Motivation
At first, critics may seem like the loudest voices in the room. š¤ But as we progress and achieve our goals, those voices fade into the background, overshadowed by our sense of accomplishment. šÆ
The key? Perspective. š
Once we reach new heights, past criticisms seem insignificant compared to the fulfillment of having pushed through adversity. š āØ
Turning Challenges into Gratitude
š When I reflect on tough moments, I donāt allow resentment to take root. Instead, I feel profoundly grateful. š š Without doubts and challenges, would I have pushed myself this far? š¤
Would I have developed the resilience and determination that now drive my success? š„
Sometimes, I even reach out to those who criticized me in the past to express gratitudeānot for the criticism itself, but for how it spurred me to grow. š
Embrace Criticism as Fuel for Your Journey
Next time you face criticism, donāt let it discourage you. Let it ignite a fire within you. š„
Use it to drive your passion, sharpen your skills, and stay on course. šāāļøšØ
Trust the process, and know that someday youāll look backānot with anger, but with gratitude for how it shaped you into the person you are today. š±š«
Criticism isnāt the enemy. Itās the unexpected mentor that challenges you to be better, stronger, and more determined than you ever thought possible. š”
“Critics ignite the fire within, pushing us to become our best selves.” ā Priyanka Murarka š„āØ
The Lord gave me indicationsānot just once but multiple times.
In 2019, I was so homesick while working in Hyderabad that I left my job and returned home without any other opportunity lined up. I didnāt know then that this decision was part of a divine plan. For the last few years, I watched you, Mumma, suffer day and night. In the year leading up to your departure, your unconditional love and immense suffering consumed my every thought.
Despite the pain and the terrible side effects of the steroids you had been on for years, you never stopped pouring love upon me or teaching me profound wisdom. I remember those sleepless nights vividlyātimes when the world was at rest, and you struggled to sleep. Iād wake up in the middle of the night out of sheer fear to check if you were still breathing. Many nights, I lay awake, helpless, crying into my pillow, hiding my tears so you wouldnāt notice.
I wasnāt ready to lose you, Mumma. I donāt think I ever would have been ready. Perhaps my desire to hold on to you was selfish.
After Aunt passed away, my reality check deepened. I found it impossible to focus on work, overwhelmed by an urge to leave everything behind and spend all my time with you and Daddyācaring for you, serving you, and giving you every bit of love I could muster.
I used to hold a glass of water every day and imagine happy timesāthe three of us healthy and joyous together. The thought of losing you was unbearable. I knew friends who had lost a parent, and I always thought I wouldnāt survive if that happened to me. When the doctors discovered gallstones, I was terrified. They warned us that anesthesia wasnāt an option and that a sudden burst could be fatal.
I prayed relentlessly for years, asking God for more time with you. I longed to see you celebrate 50 years of marriage with Daddyāa dream that came true. But I also wanted to find you a son-in-law and surprise you on your anniversary. I failed at that, Mumma. I struggled to make that dream come true, and it weighs heavily on me.
The Divine Indications I Missed
In those days before your health deteriorated, you gave me signs, but I didnāt want to see them for what they were.
You asked Daddy to give me holy water after the Hanuman Chalisa every day. I came to you crying, asking why youād told him to do it instead of doing it yourself.
I saw you laughing one last timeāa joyous, carefree laugh that reminded me of Naniji(Grandmother). She too had laughed like that shortly before her passing.
I stumbled upon an online horoscope that mentioned severe illness in the family.
Multiple social media posts about mothers passing away appeared before me, haunting my thoughts.
I read an article stating that the first thing a person loses near death is their sense of taste. I saw you struggle with mouth ulcers and affirmed to myself, “This is not the time; Mumma will live a long life.”
I clung to denial.
On the ventilator, you asked me to consider Lord Krishna as my Guru. You had always worshipped Lord Krishna and Balaji, and in that moment, it became clear: Krishna is my Lord, and you are my personal Guru.
Today, I find solace in knowing that you are free from pain and suffering, resting in peace in Baikunth Lok.
Gurve Namah! ššš
Your eternal love, teachings, and connection to the divine will guide me for the rest of my life. You, Daddy, and Lord Krishna are One in my heart.
My heart is full of love and gratitude for you. Always. ā¤ļø
Describe a man who has positively impacted your life.
1. The saying “Himmat-e-mardaa toh madad-e-Khuda” is a timeless piece of wisdom my dad often repeats. It reflects his indomitable spirit and has been a guiding light in my life. 2. The reflections on perseverance, family values, and the strength to overcome challenges are inspired by my fatherās incredible journey and the values he has instilled in me through his own life experiences.
They say, āBehind every successful man, there is a woman.ā
I say, behind every strong and fearless woman is the unwavering support of a father who believed in her, even when the world didnāt. My dad is that pillar of strength who stood by me, defying societal norms and ignoring the judgments of others, choosing instead to raise me with love, pride, and unwavering belief.
He has always been my greatest supporter. Even when his pockets were empty, he never said no to my dreams. His sacrifices, big or small, ensured I felt like the most cherished child in the world. His love wasnāt just about givingāit was about empowering me to become the best version of myself.
My Dad is My Superhero. He loves and cares through thick and thin, no matter how much I offend or annoy him. From him, I learned the invaluable lesson of āNever Give Up,ā a mantra I witnessed in action through his livelihood, experiences, teachings, and values. These have shaped me into who I am todayāfor all the right reasons.
Every time I stand tall, every time I push forward despite challenges, itās because I know heās right there, backing me up with his quiet strength and boundless love. His presence in my life continues to nurture and guide me, reminding me every day that I am capable of anything.
A Glimpse of His Challenges
Mental/Emotional Front: He gave up higher studies to support the family business as the eldest son. He faced the insolvency of his own business and the failure of multiple startups. Life tested him further as he endured the loss of his parents, brother, and most recently, Mom.
Physical Front: He has faced two brain strokes (25 and 24 years ago), a road accident 18 years ago that left his left side less mobile, and continues to deal with multiple health issues.
Despite these challenges on all fronts, my dad remains a fighter who never gives up. He is self-dependent and lives a disciplined lifeāmeditating, exercising, walking, and commuting for work at least 4-5 times a week. His go-to saying, “Himmat-e-mardaa toh madad-e-Khuda,” meaning, āWhen men dare, God sends help,ā perfectly embodies his spirit.
For me, every day is Dadās Day. Tomorrow might be Fatherās Day as per the English calendar, but I celebrate him dailyāfor his strength, love, and the values he has instilled in me and our family.
Dad, you are my biggest blessing, my first hero, my forever inspiration, and the ultimate fighter. Thank you for believing in me, for standing by me, and for being my rock.
Lifeās journey is often guided by those who stand by us through thick and thin, and for me, that guiding force has always been my father.
Takeaway for You Life is full of challenges, and my dadās story is a testament to the power of resilience, discipline, and an unwavering “never give up” spirit.
Take a moment today to celebrate your superheroesāthe people who inspire you and help shape your life. Letās cherish their presence, not just on special days but every single day. ā¤ļø