The invisible roses

 

 

Laddu Pinto was a boy from a small village known for his quiet charm and curious mind. Though he was brilliant, his self-confidence didn’t match his intelligence. He had completed his schooling, and it was now time for him to transition to university education. There were no colleges or universities in the village, so when it was time for higher studies, Laddu had no choice but to move to a bigger city. This, to Laddu, felt like stepping into an unknown jungle, far removed from the comfort of his familiar surroundings. The City Shock: Laddu's first weeks were a whirlwind of culture shock: * His new classmates spoke English like it was their first language (but it was Laddu's third!) * The cafeteria served something called a "latte" (Was it food? Was it a drink? Laddu was too scared to ask!) With each passing day, Laddu's confidence shrank like a balloon losing air. He became the master of the corner seat, perfecting the art of being invisible. Laddu began to feel smaller with each passing day.

 

He missed the simplicity of village life, and soon, his inferiority complex started to take over his mind completely. For months, Laddu struggled to keep up. The teachers were different, the students were fast-paced, and everyone seemed far more confident than him. In this intimidating environment, Laddu felt like an outsider. No matter how hard he tried, he felt he didn’t belong. One gloomy evening, Laddu made up his mind to quit. "I'm going back to where I belong - my village," He packed his bags and planned to leave the following day.However, fate had other plans. That night, Laddu wandered into a spiritual event near the college. The event was led by a calm and wise-looking guru. Feeling low and defeated, Laddu sat in the back and listened to the guru speak about life’s challenges. Something about the guru’s words felt comforting, so after the event, Laddu mustered the courage to approach him. “Guruji, I’m Laddu,” he said, his voice trembling. “I feel lost. I came to this big city for education, but I don’t think I belong here. I’ve decided to go back home.” The guru smiled gently and asked Laddu to walk to a nearby garden. As they walked, the guru pointed to a beautiful patch of roses.“Laddu, I want you to do something for me. Can you count how many red roses you see in the garden?” Confused but obedient, Laddu began counting. After a few minutes, he returned and told the guru, “There are sixty-six red roses.” The guru nodded and asked, “And how many thorns did you notice?” The question took aback Laddu. “Thorns?” he repeated, puzzled. “I didn’t see any thorns, Guruji. I was only focused on counting the roses.” The guru gave Laddu a knowing look. “Exactly, my boy. You saw the roses because you focused on them. But life is full of both roses and thorns.

 

The problem is that you are only seeing the thorns in your life right now. You’re too focused on what you lack, your fears, and the challenges, but you’re missing the beauty of your journey—the roses.” Laddu stood there, speechless. It suddenly clicked in his mind. In the city, he had been so focused on his insecurities that he had overlooked all the opportunities on his way and also the strengths he possessed. The guru continued, “Remember, Laddu, life will always have its thorns, but it also offers many roses. Where you focus your attention will determine how you experience it.” Laddu returned to his room that night with a new perspective. He decided not to quit. Instead of fearing the city and his college life, he resolved to see the possibilities and growth it offered. The roses were there, and now Laddu could finally see them.From that day forward, Laddu’s confidence grew, and so did his achievements. The boy who once feared the city had learned one of life’s greatest lessons—where you focus is where you flourish. (The writer is a leading Career Counselor and the Director of myaglakadam.com. He can be contacted at 9826132972 or by email at info@fsindia.in) n