Overcomers

WRTTEN BY: HENRY KEZIAH EVANGELIN CLASS OF 2025

This blog is about facing challenges and how to overcome adversities

Every single day we come across many people in our lives who face different kinds of adversities. Most of the time, the troubles they face are not seen by us. But somehow, over time, we are gradually able to observe the effects they cause on them. It leaves them mentally drained, emotionally scarred and in some cases, even physically exhausted. Whatever the outcome is, the undeniable fact is that they need help.

‘A stitch in time saves nine’, goes an old saying. If the kinds of difficulties faced by these individuals are not addressed at the right time, there is a danger that a whole part of the society will have people, who, although look and appear perfectly alright, are in fact, broken and scarred beyond repair.

We need to understand this first: Difficulties and setbacks are inevitable in our lives. There is no growth without adversity. For example, the most fatal accidents occur on highways that are without much traffic, where the journey is dull and there is less navigation. Fatigue sets in only where the travel is absolutely boring.

Likewise, even in life, trials, difficulties and adversities only help to mature gracefully and give the much needed confidence to face any situation head-on.

Human beings are social animals. Invariably human beings grow to settle in a society where people from diverse backgrounds cope up and live together. It is this unique fact that attracts people to each other. These minute differences are what intrigues the other. This is the reason even the most introverted person too takes their short but much needed time to mingle for a brief period amongst a larger group. These short breaks make their existence meaningful for them.

And so, the most effective ways for people to overcome whatever they go through is by reaching out to people. Rather than having all the emotions pent up within, such people who open up to someone close, reliable, understanding and supportive, experience a quicker recovery rate. Being willing to learn and being open to suggestions can also help in overcoming whatever they may be going through. A focused, optimistic and positive attitude too goes a long way in strengthening their now-weakened areas of emotional and mental life.

Every emotion a person experiences is the outcome of whatever they face in life. They make or break the person, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with the mind first, and the effects are almost immediately visible in the person’s emotions. The beginning of the emotional instability, is the first sign of the trauma that has been going on in the mind. Since no outward physical signs like in an injury are visible, the effects are not felt until much later, by which time it is late. Coming to terms with whatever happening around is a fact, is the best way to overcome emotional adversities.

Changes made in the daily routine of the lifestyle helps in overcoming the physical adversities. Avoiding harmful diets, avoiding binge eating of trash foods, maintaining a regular sleep cycle and following simple daily exercises can combat the health issues that crop up as a result of the physical difficulties caused by mental and emotional stress. Most people develop life-threatening serious health issues by neglecting to take care of their health as a result of the mental suffering.

Both of the above cause lasting social anxiety debilitations. They weaken their confidence. All of these cause irreparable damage to self and family (if and when they have one). As mentioned earlier, a stitch in time saves nine.

Any difficulty or adversity can be overcome with the least effort when nipped in the bud. We forget to remember that there is nothing permanent except change. Nothing lasts forever. Nothing is permanent. And that goes even for every kind of adversity that we may face. Remaining patient rather than reacting to every situation is the way the wise handle tricky situations. Responding to adverse circumstances and difficulties in the right manner in the right spirit at the right time changes the world’s perspective of you. Reacting to every adversity only portrays you as a weak person. Reactions affect everyone and everything and results in hurt.

TO SUM UP, THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Accept the facts and move on

• Being optimistic with a positive attitude

• Having a close confidante to share your emotions

• Simple regular exercises

• Following a proper diet and sleep cycle

• Responding to circumstances rather than reacting to them

The best overcomers are the ones who face the facts, accept them and move on. These are the ones who are aware that emotional and mental health are most essential for a rewarding social and family life. They are the true overcomers.