Personal Growth

Yesterday, something happened in a social online group that made me angry. I was about to respond to someone with a negative message. I had already formed the words in my mind and was ready to send them.

Then, something stopped me.

The lessons I have gained from reading self-help books came to mind.

Instead of reacting to my anger, I paused and chose to express my point in a positive and respectful way.

What surprised me was not the situation, but my own response to it.

I have always believed that gaining knowledge from the right sources is far more valuable than simply collecting information from everywhere. Whenever I want to understand a subject, I make an effort to find a good book or learn directly from someone who has genuine expertise in that field.

For me, this approach goes beyond knowing facts. It helps me understand the subject in depth, question what I learn, connect different ideas, and develop my own perspective. Most importantly, learning from authentic and specialized sources gives me a sense of genuine command over the subject.

I may take longer to learn this way, but I know that what I gain is deeper, more reliable, and truly mine.

Of late, I have been feeling that life can be exciting and joyful sometimes, yet stressful and almost unlivable at other times. This mixed feeling is strange because nothing seems to remain constant for long. One moment, I feel grateful, energetic, and hopeful; the next, I feel overwhelmed by thoughts, responsibilities, and uncertainties.

Perhaps this is what life really is—a collection of contrasting emotions that coexist. I am slowly learning that I don’t have to understand or control every feeling. Some days bring excitement, while others demand patience and strength. Maybe accepting this unpredictability, rather than fighting it, is itself a part of living.

I have slowly realised that experiencing the same situation from both sides is one of the most valuable things life has given me.

Earlier, if someone didn’t respond to my message, I would think, “Wow, how difficult is it to reply?” Then life put me on the other side. I became the person who saw a message, thought “I’ll reply in five minutes,” and remembered it three days later. 😄

That one experience changed something in me.

Now, when I look at situations, I automatically wonder what the other side might be experiencing. It has added a different kind of depth to my relationships and, honestly, to how I see people and life overall.

The coin really does have two sides. I’ve just had the opportunity to hold both.