Copyright © [Surabhi Parashar] [2024]. All Rights Reserved.¹

I’m always striving to be resilient – it’s a quality that I truly value within myself. It has become my compass, guiding me through life’s inevitable challenges. I wasn’t always this strong and confident person that I am today. As a child, I was a calm and shy girl who spent most of her time reading books. But I was also fearless – I don’t remember having stage fear or problems making friends. As I grew up, I became more open, evolving from a bashful girl to a confident and cheerful adolescent who stood out in every group.

I deeply respect celebrities and icons who have overcome challenges and achieved success through their unwavering resilience. This quality is something I highly value in both me and others. In moments of adversity, where many might falter or retreat, I have found that my strength lies in my refusal to give up. I can’t say that I have had a very difficult life. I grew up in a simple nuclear family where my parents placed a lot of importance on education and integrity of character. The person I am today is a reflection of my upbringing. I was brought up to be a strong, bold, and opinionated girl. I believe in following my gut, and my parents always supported my decisions. In scenarios where my peers give up, or choose a plan B, I draw on a quiet resolve to keep moving forward.

As I reminisce today, certain incidents stand out, etched into my memory with special significance. In 10^th grade, I was bitten by a stray dog, probably rabid. It happened in the millennium year 2000. 26th January is celebrated as Republic Day in India. Despite my bandaged ankle, my sports teacher “Rajput Sir” insisted I participate in the Republic Day parade. I not only participated but also led the platoon with the Indian Flag in my hand and my head held high 😊. My sore ankle didn’t stop me from participating. Another important anecdote worth sharing is my conversation with my Mom. I wanted to be a Doctor, but I couldn’t clear the entrance exam for “Medical School”. My Mom was supportive and cheered me up. I told her that I would write “Dr.” in front of my name one day. Today, I am proud to call myself a “Scientist” and I do use the prefix “Dr.” 😊.

This ability to persist, to rise after each fall, has shaped not only my experiences but my perspective on life itself. Resilience is more than just enduring hardships—it’s a mindset that empowers me to tackle each day with confidence, knowing that whatever life throws at me, I will stand firm and push through. A couple of months ago, I wrote this for the “Daily writing prompt”, and I would like to share it again.

Life seldom unfolds as we plan it. Unexpected twists and setbacks are inevitable, and it is in those moments that resilience becomes our greatest ally. While we may not have control over every circumstance, we do have control over how we respond. For my young readers, I offer this piece of advice: make resilience the most important tool in your toolkit as you navigate the journey of life. Challenges will arise, but resilience will help you push through, adapt, and grow stronger. It’s not about avoiding failure or hardship—it’s about learning how to rise from it.

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