Personal Growth

My son recently gave a presentation in his class on “Monopolistic Competition” and came home happily sharing how well everything went. His teacher praised him too, although he noticed that she seemed a little sleepy midway through his presentation.

I told him, “Your content is good, but it sounds a little too academic, bookish and theoretical. Add some spice to it.”

I suggested connecting the concept with a simple real-life example so that students could relate to it. When the audience sees something familiar in a theoretical concept, they naturally become more engaged and are less likely to find the presentation boring.

He understood the point, made the changes and presented it again, this time including a real-life example. I praised him and asked him to show it to his teacher.

I hope she likes it even more this time. Experiences like these work, and I’m happy I could share…

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.