Major set backs serve as a catalyst - Shambhavi Nautiyal

My opinion implicitly agrees with the title 'major setbacks serve as a catalyst for success'. I come across many such stories embodying the essence of the title every week, thanks to my mom, which are usually about some IAS officers from a grassroots-level background. As vexed as I have grown from reading the headlines of those stories, I set out today on a journey to finding my own inspiration in this concept. 

The first thing that comes to mind (as I can relate the most to it) is my spiritual journey and study patterns. Each day, we are growing and evolving. And learning new things, but what if all you had were hand-me-down textbooks from your elder brother or a library near your house? Then what would you do? Would you lose all hope and lie hopelessly, thinking you will take over your family's profession, or would you employ what you had best instead? People could only choose the second if they were self-motivated due to having a vision or a transitional figure who inspired them to rise above all the odds and fight for what was right. 

When two people are standing in prison, one sees the stars, and the other considers the bars. As humans, those of us who have a Sattvic nature tend to reach for the stars innately, even if maybe in the external, there seems no prospect. But even those who don't have that kind of mindset can still learn to mend their mindset. However, what happens on the inside is what manifests on the outside, which is the reason. Having a vision is so consequential. Not caring about other people's disproof or approval while trying to find our way through that one thing we want to achieve. 

That is the most brilliant thing about human dispositions. It may seem too fanciful at the start or in the middle of the journey, but we must learn how to dream. We must have faith, or we'll all just perish, and it won't mean a thing. Let the people around you head into the darkness, but you must Reach for the stars; you need to try, or else it will all be wasted.

Don't let the people around you DEFINE YOUR MINDSET; DON'T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF.

Imagine your own success story in that place you want to be and keep striving to get there because, in the process, I know you will find your own position. Get in your high vibrational state and decide your future and your vision. The moment you do that, the universe sets the path for you. All you have to do is walk on it. Now that you have backtracked, it makes it all worth it for you to achieve. Have hope and faith that you can make a difference; you do it daily without knowing it. You are worth so much; don't let anything convince you otherwise. I love you, and if you don't, I'll be upset and won't talk to you, so better be careful. Ciao!

Shambhavi Nautiyal
Intern at My Good School

My wonderful Library - Arav Agarwal

This is the food for my mind,

It teaches me to be loving and kind.

They have a lot to define,

They are anytime friends of mine.

Name: Arav Agarwal
Grade: 6A
Billabong High International School, Thane

Today Is The Day When You Define For Yourself - Arav Agarwal

Reflection of the chapter Today Is The Day When You Define For Yourself from the book My Good School ~ Where Passion Meets Education by Sandeep Dutt.

I was really inspired after reading the chapter - Today Is the Day When You Define for Yourself. The chapter is about decision making, and every day we have a choice to choose the wisest option for ourselves. The line with which I connected deeply was that whenever you make decisions listen to your inner voice to make the right decision. Also, the counsellor we need for counselling is our inner self, which helps us act as a counsellor; we only have to start listening to it.

There have been many times when I also had to make decisions and choose for myself. As I reflect back, I think it has helped me become better and more confident. What I have learned is that when we make choices, we should be kind enough to think about ourselves and others. And this will keep us happy.

Name: Arav Agarwal

Grade: 5C

Billabong High International School, Thane

I am who I am - Linisha Agarwal

A person’s character should not be judged by their marks or the amount of wealth he or she has or by their looks. The deeds and personalities are what makes a person good.  I won’t be talking about where I come from, who my parents are, which school I study in or what class am I in or what my age is. Because these are things that just represent me but not define me. 

My character is what defines me.

Why do you want to be like others?

I me

I am who I am

I do what makes me happy.

I live for myself, not you.

U may not agree with me…

But I am not seeking your approval.

I am happy with all that I am!

Don’t let anyone decide what you will do?

You do what you want to do!!!

Just be yourself, don’t think how others will think. Be what you are. Why change? Why look like others or be others or copy others?

Can’t you be real you, we are much more beautiful than actresses, they look beautiful because they are in a mask, a mask of makeup. In reality, some of them are or might be really horrible. And if you think wow they are so thin then don’t imagine yourself to be like them because they do hours of exercise and their diet is way too less. So don’t imagine yourself like them, just live your own beautiful life.

If you say, I am so fat, see she is so slim. Then ask yourself, “why am I thinking about her body? I am cute this way but if I think I am too fat then exercise”. Why judge your body while seeing others?

Can you imagine if everyone in the world looks the same! Can you recognize each other? If not, then why be like others. Would you like it if there were two Jimin in South Korea… I would hate it!

Be you and stay you!

- Linisha Agarwal
Class 6, The Doon Girls' School Dehradun