Do you have those times when you feel like you tried everything, felt like you did all the right things, followed the books and articles. and yet the result was quite not as you expected.

It can be immensely saddening when things don’t go our way, especially after all that thought and effort. Some stoic philosophy can come to rescue at such times. By extricating yourself from the result, you get some perspective to accept everything with grace and humility.

However, despite all the setbacks, you have to just wake up daily, show up and keep trying.

Whatever making an effort means to you that day.

Maybe just the plain act of getting up and sitting down to think. This does not mean that you keep making the same mistake (if at all any) or do not take time to reflect and grow from the experience. But you learn to be more gentle with yourself, sit with your feelings and emotions with compassion and be that friend who is just there for you.

I have realized how it helps to be hopeful. To not write anything off. To give everything the time and space to bloom, not trying to forcefully mold it. Maybe today is not the day, some other time. The same gift, or a totally different one.

Until then you keep trying, and smile through it, as much as you can. 🙂