There was once a man who grew in extreme poverty. He was a posthumous son to a single mother. They lived on the fringe of the village in a tiny hut with very little resources. His mother worked in many households helping them in their everyday chores for a meagre income. He tagged along with her, played with the kids of his age in the houses, his mother visited. He always wondered about their situation. There were nights when they slept empty stomach. One day, when he was about eight, his mother fell ill. Her health deteriorated, and two weeks later she passed away. Now, the boy was on his own.
A man from one of the houses where his mother used to work was working as an officer in a mining company. He said to this boy, you can join the company as a mime worker so that you can earn some money and be able to sustain. He agreed. He started going to the minefields. And, there came a hope when the boy learnt that this officer too had started his career as a mine worker.
The little boy declared that I will work hard and one day become like that officer.
The little boy declared that I will work hard and one day become like that officer. He worked hard, carried his frail body every day to the mines with the same rigour and commitment, and did his work with great sincerity. In a few years he was promoted. He continued his stride, and by the time he turned twenty-five, he became the officer in this mining company. Along the way he had educated himself, learnt the tricks of the trade and despite lacking formal education, he compensated with his experience of ground reality.
This young man now had his own little house, well equipped with all facilities and amenities. And, now he also got married. As his family grew, he realised that it was difficult for him to manage with his current salary and that he has to earn more. He got promoted and became a senior officer; and then a manager and so on.
One day when he was sitting by himself, he realised that how long a journey he had taken, but his yearning for comfort had not been met. He was never satisfied. He paused, he wandered and continued with his life.
…his yearning for comfort had not been met. He was never satisfied. He paused, he wandered and continued with his life.
When the protagonist strived for his comfort, there was no end to it, and he was trapped in it like a prisoner. And, when he accepted his situation and challenged to go beyond the comfort, he grew and achieved an unimagined feat.
The definition of comfort has two sides to it. When we run to achieve it, we are uncomfortable with whatever we have, or we achieve. And, whenever we challenge it, we surpass. our own expectations to outgrow. But the choice is always with us.
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