I thought about this question often when I was a teenager, partly because I went to a ‘privileged school’ where you could get in either by passing numerous tests or by having the right connections and making generous donation for school improvements. Consequently, I had classmates from very poor families and those who had everything a teenager could ever ask for (from the latest gadgets to fancy designer clothes).

At times it seemed cool having rich parents, who gave you expensive gifts and took you on the exotic vacations during summer holidays. Who would not want to be the offspring of a well-to-do family and have a top-quality education in a prestigious university or a new shiny car just handed to you?

However, the more I thought about it the more I realized that behind the gleam of luxury of my rich classmates often laid loneliness and self-consciousness. Their parents never had time for them. Their future had been planned out since they were little. And deep down they were intimidated by their parent’s success and struggling to live up to someone else’s unrealistic expectations. Of course, it is not always the case as each family and each situation is different.

There are many families that are successful in a monetary sense, whose children grow up to be hard-working, generous, compassionate and bright individuals.

Although, I personally consider it a blessing, not to have been born into a wealthy family and having had to work hard to achieve my goals. I am not sure I would have graduate so fast if I had not had to pay for my studies. Or that I would have developed the drive and determination to succeed without having had to face a few failures and making a few sacrifices.

What about you?

Did you grow up in a well-to-do family? Would you have wanted to?

And do you want your children to have everything they desire?

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Our work takes up about one third of our life and people we work with have a huge impact on how we feel and the attitude we maintain. In general the vast majority of people we work with are nice, considerate and upbeat people. They go out of their way to be polite, they gladly help us if they can and they encourage us whenever we have a bad day, without being too invasive.

As I said this is the vast majority. But at times we have to deal with people that are annoying, inconsiderate, spiteful and plain negative about everything and everyone. Like black holes these people suck out our energy and bring out worst in us.

And the worst thing is that there is not much you can do to avoid them. Outside of work you can walk away. If a stranger steps on your foot without saying sorry – you can get irritated, but your chances of seeing them again are almost inexistent. If a guy sitting next to you at a bar is obnoxious and rude you can get up and leave.

At work it is not that easy, as we still have to face the same people day in and day out.

So my question to you is How do YOU handle emotional setbacks brought on by people you work with?

What do you do to stay positive and not let the negativity and criticism rub off on you?

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While difficulties often drive us to the lowest points in life, it is a test to bring out the best of who we are and what we can be. Many people would see it differently but challenges are the ones that force me to rethink my life’s direction.

Often, when trials come my way, it’s followed by a profound period of reevaluating the steps taken in the past. It’s also about looking deeper into decisions made, relationships built and the values held or compromised. It is my belief that that challenges, while mostly beyond our control, could be dealt with positively and get to a happy end.

Be it about not having the expected economic stability despite hours of hard work, or having to uproot myself from the security and warmth of home to pay for my own studies and gain independence – such challenges have become my blessings in disguise.

Trials and difficulties, loss and errors… they are challenges. They, too, are actually just stepping stones to finally getting to where we need to be. Others would use these stones to sit on and wallow in self pity, often seated opposite from their direction. But for me, I’ve used these stones to elevate my being. So now I’m looking at a better view, with a wiser perspective and healthier supply of positive air.

What about you?

Do You See Blessings in Your Challenges?

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