In life, we all encounter moments where we feel lost, questioning whether the sacrifices we make are worth it. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on where I stand—in my family life, my career, and my personal aspirations. This self-reflection uncovered a pattern: the constant effort I put into each area is sometimes met with frustration, leading to a sense of being “stuck” or feeling like a failure. Yet, beneath this frustration, there’s an emerging clarity around my core values and how I intend to navigate the road ahead.
Family: Sacrifices for a Greater Cause
I consciously prioritized my children’s education and well-being over personal comfort. I didn’t buy a house and relocated several times despite the appeal of security and stability because I wanted the flexibility to give my kids access to the best educational opportunities. This choice, however, comes with its own challenges. When they seem to prioritize other interests over their studies or take their health for granted, it’s hard not to feel disheartened.
A recurring question lingers: Is my sacrifice in vain? But the answer lies in a perspective I’m trying to embrace. Parenting is about planting seeds and having the patience to watch them grow. Gratitude is not something I can demand or rush; it’s a lesson life will teach them in its own time. So, I choose to do my karma—my duty—as a parent and trust that my example will eventually resonate.
Workplace: Integrity Over Politics
In my professional life, a similar conflict surfaces. We live in a world where promotions and success sometimes depend more on political acumen than ethical behavior and integrity. Watching people rise through questionable means often makes me question my own path. Does working hard and maintaining integrity matter if it goes unrecognized?
But here, too, the answer circles back to self-satisfaction and my values. I want to show my team that honesty, integrity, and a commitment to excellence matter. It’s not about the immediate rewards or titles but about building a foundation of trust and respect. My role is to lead by example, proving that doing the right thing is valuable, even if it isn’t always acknowledged by others.
Personal Ambitions: Facing the Fear of Failure
Beyond family and work, there is another piece of my life that often gets sidelined: my dream of starting my own venture. I’ve always felt a calling to create something of my own. Yet, between my family obligations and workplace responsibilities, my dream has taken a back seat. The fear of failure has also played a part in holding me back, making me risk-averse at a time when courage is what I need most.
As I write this, I realize my sense of being lost might come from not taking enough small, intentional steps toward this vision. My startup idea doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing pursuit. I could begin by dedicating a small part of my week to it, testing the waters, and gradually building momentum without disrupting the other areas of my life.
Connecting the Dots: Finding Purpose in Persistence
Through these reflections, one thing becomes clear: at the core of my struggle is a deep-rooted belief in living with purpose, integrity, and resilience. Life may not always reward these values immediately, but I find peace in the fact that I am staying true to myself. Sacrifice, dedication, and patience are not empty gestures; they are expressions of my commitment to a life lived with intention.
I won’t change the path I’ve chosen. I’ll continue to do my karma—fulfilling my responsibilities at home, leading with integrity at work, and taking small steps toward my personal goals. I may not have all the answers, but I do have the strength to keep going. And sometimes, that’s all we need to find our way forward.
Each challenge we face can either break us or build us. I choose to let these experiences shape me into someone stronger, someone who lives by values, even when the world may not immediately acknowledge it. Because, in the end, staying true to oneself is the greatest accomplishment of all.