My Grandfather's Letter

Naira was sad today, as she lost the dance competition today. Dance was her passion and following her passion gave her happiness. That was the reason she had participated in one of the dance competitions held by a renowned club.

Dance was her life, it was she breathed dance in and out. Even while sleeping, dreaming all she could think of was about her "Dance".

She started dancing at a very early age of 5 and it was at that moment her parents realised that it was difficult to keep her away from dancing.

She was such a fabulous dancer, that she amazed people with her dance. Her steps were so clean and her expression was so enchanting, that everyone who watched her dance always used to say, she is a born dancer.

Yes, she was a born dancer. 

Dance was a God gift given to her.

But what happens when one stops believing in her passion. Sometimes even one small loss turns your life upside down.

And that's exactly what happened with Naira.

She locked herself in her room and was crying her heart out.

Her parents knew this was the first time, she had faced this situation and she needed someone to talk about it.

As they entered her room, they saw the curtains of the room were drawn, the lights were off, there was complete darkness in the room.

Her mom said, Beta, You know the darkness in the room aggravates the negativity and encourages negative thoughts, thus pulling down your energy.

There was no response from her end. She was still sitting in the bed and crying loudly.

Her Dad finally said, Sweet-heart, let me tell you one short story.

Once upon a time, there was a guy who was crazy about playing cricket. He was an all-rounder, was performing well, however, one day unfortunately he met with an accident and the doctor told him, he can never play cricket again.

For him, it was like an end of life, his passion was life and with passion gone, he felt he was left with nothing.

For the past couple of months, he only cried, distanced themselves from everyone and kept to himself. His dad noticed the changes and decided to help him. He knew he was not talking to anyone, so he decided to write something that changed his life.

And you know what that letter actually changed his life.

That same boy, down the line, turned out to be a successful entrepreneur. He might have not been able to play cricket, but today his company sponsors cricketers and provide an opportunity to emerging cricketers. 

Naira was listening to her dad carefully, she said, Dad, what was written in that letter that motivated that little boy?

Her father smiled and said, "Why don't you figure it out?. He took out a letter and handed it over to her.

As Naira, opened the letter, it read as,

Dear Son,

I know you are hurting and you feel without cricket, you don't have an identity.

But trust me sone, you are much more than that.

You are You, and that is your super-power that no one can take from you.

Even that accident, cannot stop you from achieving what you deserve.

You only need to trust yourself and see the magic it creates in your life

You know We often get ourselves trapped in the vicious circle of doubt, Questioning and self-doubting ourselves on the weak moments we could count.

We often think maybe I am not good enough to swing the bat when life throws a ball at me. That is the reason I am still stuck and think about what life has stored in for me?

You may have failed at many things you have tried; your journey may not be the success tale to commemorate. Things may not have gone as per your plan; your life seems all upside down and dreams have gone for a toss.

At that very moment when you think everything has come to an end, your life cannot be more miserable than this. Listen to your “inner voice” that wants to remind you, shun down these thoughts since you are good enough.

You are good enough to get up even after getting knocked down by the hurdles, Now if you opt to choose not to give up instead of going to stick on tightly to this new attitude you found.

You are good enough to learn from your failures and convert them as a stepping stone. Because as they say, failures bring a learning experience and prepare you well enough.

Remember you are good enough to embrace the real you and shall still strive hard to be the better version of yourself.

So no matter how tough things are going around, do not forget to remind yourself, You Are Enough"

So, what if you cannot play cricket, don't let that stop you from being what you deserve.

We believe in you, and now you just need to believe in yourself.

Naira had tears in her eyes, she turned towards her dad and said, Dad, that little boy was you, right and this letter, was written by my grandfather.

I am your daughter, never give up attitude should actually run in my veins, I don't know how my attitude towards this changed.

Thank you for sharing this letter with me, I can't even imagine, what you would have gone through?

And me, I just lost one competition and I was ready to give up!!

Sorry, Dad and Mom, for feeling miserable. But today I promise you both, no matter whatever the situation is, I shall never give up. I may have lost this one competition, but at the same time, I have gained experience. And I'll use this experience to improve my dance.

Sometimes even though you lose, you may still gain.

Dad, is it ok if I keep this letter with me?, Naira smiled and asked her dad.

Her Dad smiled and said, Yes, sweetie, this letter has served its purpose, I feel now this would guide your path and shall serve its purpose.

Few years down the line

Naira had won an International Dance Competition, where he represented India. This was 1st time any Indian had won this title.

Post winning the competition, there was a press conference, one reporter asked Naira, "What encouraged you to continue in spite of failures faced in the past"?

Naira smiled and said, "My Grandfather's Letter".