Resilience in Acceptance: The Power of ‘It’s OK’
Some days are tough. You just can’t wait to sleep through them.
Disclaimer: This isn’t about my daily commute to Goregaon and back. For my international readers, I reside in Mumbai, or as I prefer to call it, Bombay. My daily trek to work spans from Churchgate to Goregaon, taking up a solid three hours of travel time, involving footwork, train rides, and rickshaw journeys. It’s not all bad; sometimes it feels like I’m playing GTA Vice City in real life.
The other day, I tried to garner some sympathy from a relative by explaining my travel woes, only to be met with a dismissive response about someone else’s daily grind being even tougher. I put on a fake smile, but inside, I felt defeated.
But let’s get serious. Some days just hit differently, and you can’t help but wish you could fast forward through them.
Lately, my life has been a series of such days, and I’ve been searching for solace wherever I can find it. Writing seems to offer some relief. Why? Well, I’ve got a challenging boss in a great company. Do they drive me up the wall? Maybe yes, maybe no. But they certainly don’t fit my subconscious checklist of what a boss should be. The truth is, your boss and the leadership above you can significantly impact your experience at a company, overshadowing perks like free cookies and beer. And while they may have played a crucial role in the company’s success, it doesn’t mean they’re perfect.
Navigating my boss’s quirks feels like an episode of Sherlock or maybe CID. It’s a challenging chapter in my life, but certainly not the first nor the last. We all face such challenges, whether self-inflicted or circumstantial. But at the end of the day…
It’s okay.
Those two words bring a sense of tranquility to my frazzled mind. Many of our problems stem from our own mental anxieties and perceptions. Sometimes, I find myself overthinking, burdened by self-imposed pressures.
As teenagers, we’re obsessed with grades, college admissions, and landing the perfect job. The pursuit of success seems never-ending, leading to a constant state of comparison and anxiety. But is it worth it?
I’ve had my share of academic success and professional accomplishments, but my mind still wrestles with doubts and uncertainties. Will I make it? How long will it take? Am I on the right path?
But amidst the chaos, I whisper to my restless mind…
It’s okay.
This simple phrase holds a profound lesson. It’s my way of accepting, making peace, and moving forward.
My previous boss was a delight, a true role model. But not everyone is cut from the same cloth. Some bosses thrive on ruthlessness, prioritizing their own success over nurturing their team’s growth.
To them, I say…
It’s okay.
When the sun shines on me, I’ll make it count.
Imagine a parent tossing a toddler onto the road, demanding they figure out how to walk. It’s absurd. Likewise, it doesn’t take much for a leader to guide and support their team. Maybe there’s still much for me to learn, but I’ll figure it out in due time.
It’s okay.
It’s okay to have a bad boss.
It pains me to see so many people discontent with their work environment. Let’s strive to lead with compassion, blending humanity with productivity.
It’s okay to have a breakdown.
Right now, I may feel weak, but I’ll push through. We often extend compassion to others but withhold it from ourselves. Let’s remember Buddha’s words: “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.”
It’s okay.
And as I conclude, I want to emphasize three key points that embody an “It’s okay” mindset:
1. Mind Magnifier: Our problems often appear larger in our minds than they actually are. Keeping things in perspective and focusing on the positives can bring much-needed clarity.
2. Change: Sometimes, acceptance isn’t enough. Let’s actively work towards positive change, both in ourselves and in the world around us.
3. Acceptance: Life is a mixed bag of experiences. Embracing the ups and downs with grace is empowering. It’s not about tolerating everything, but about finding peace amidst the chaos.
So, remember: It’s okay.
