THE ADVANTAGE MY DISADVANTAGES

 Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship. - Denzel Washington

That which does not kill us makes us stronger. - Friedrich Nietzsche

What naturally follows from these quotes is that suffering is good for you and makes you more resilient. However, there is little to boast about in suffering; it is humiliating and kills more dreams and people than anything else I can think of. My most humiliating moments, as someone who has known poverty for much of his life, have been a result of being in need. Even in my pursuit of higher education, my career was largely determined by the cheapest available course and the one where finding a job would be easiest. I could write extensively about my experiences with suffering and poverty, especially poverty. This is why I have a chronic case of peniaphobia.

I have been despised, accused, refused, cast aside, and rejected by both good people and a coterie of snobs, including those who always have their noses in the air. Despite all this, I choose to look at the brighter side and learn lifelong lessons with great gratitude. Albeit in retrospect.

There is an advantage to being disadvantaged. This definitely sounds like an oxymoron because it is. With the experiences I have lived, I have already been disadvantaged, and few things can really break me down. I have built a concrete wall of adversity quotient (AQ) – one’s ability to go through a rough patch and come out without losing one's mind.

People often judge an individual based on their intellectual capacity, cognitive abilities and family names. We are misguided by the assumption that someone’s success is determined by their intelligence and access to opportunity. These all are indeed an integral part of excellence, yes. Undoubtedly a huge blessing. But if you are unable to resist and hold out against challenges in life, you will not be able to utilize your intelligence and potential to the maximum extent.

Life is unpredictable and notorious for throwing a preponderance of curveballs, and we may encounter several challenges in our journey towards the end of the road. A perfect nonplus outcome. Thus, success is not only determined by achievements but is also dependent upon how capable an individual is at persevering in times of adversity. It is necessary to develop skills that enable one to overcome challenges, learn and grow from them. Running away from hardships is easy and effortless. But it requires courage, determination and serendipitous moments to fight your adversities and uplift yourself from life's stressors.

It's easier said than done, though. But with prayer and heart, there's no storm that can never be weathered.