I had a discussion with my friends over the weekend, and the topic of good grades in schools arose. My friend reminded me of our classmates who were toppers in the class. He asked me, “Where are they now? They are nowhere to be seen now.” He implied that though they were academically successful, they are not successful in real life. I didn’t say much, but I started thinking that It was quite possible, someone who didn’t do too well in academics could do better in real life situations. I believe The grades in school do not reflect the true potential of an individual, as the school system measures only a small fraction of the intelligence spectrum. Real life situations require a lot more than language and math skills.

Then it started bothering me that If money were the measure of success, my school teacher who taught me, was he considered not successful, as he didn’t make a lot of money by teaching us; the rmp doctor who treated me when I was sick, was he a failure as he didn’t charge my parents a hefty fee. My grandma who told me countless stories and listened to my silly stores had very little money, was she a failure?

Can money really measure a person’s success in life?

Then I remembered Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote on success:

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Raj H.

By Raj H.

Go on and take that decision. Do not question yourself if you have analyzed enough data. The data is infinite; you will never be able to process all of it in this lifetime. The right moment is not in the future. The right moment is here and now. Go. Do it. Do it now.

Every step of my life, I lose something and I gain something. It feels like I am taking one step forward and the next step backwards. Then I think, well let me do a fresh start. And there I go again… It feels as if I am standing at one spot and the whole world is happening. Perhaps this is what is called “yin and yang,” or perhaps this is the game of life.

Lotus Flower. Photo by Raj H.

This message is for a friend of mine who is going to her home country after a long time:Dear friend, you must be really excited to go home and visit your parents, and have a break from this busy professional life. I want to take a moment and congratulate you for everything you have achieved during this time. Remember some achievements bring medals and diplomas and some don’t. But people who really care, see them all. I also want to emphasize the strength, courage, optimism, and  character you have shown during this time is phenomenal. So don’t let petty things bother you. Celebrate each and every moment with your parents while you are there.