Fighting the inner fiend- SCMHRD

Challenges are multifaceted and based on each one’s perceptions. An introvert’s challenge might be child’s play for an extrovert. Born as a girl child to parents expecting a boy was tricky because even though they cherish my presence in their lives, I had to prove to my extended family that a girl child can be equal or even better than a boy child.  I kept pushing myself to be like any other man in my life. I became tough emotionally, joined Karate classes, had a rigid personality, hated the colour pink and barely displayed emotions. All these actions in the vain attempt to show the world I can walk shoulder to shoulder with men. I failed to see that I didn’t have to adopt stereotypical characteristics of a boy to prove my mettle. My challenges had changed with this realization. I had to get rid of this toxic mentality. It is more difficult to unlearn than learn. A glass I had to empty before I could fill it back with my purest thoughts and soul. It was tough to lose that image and project a different person. I started with empathy which came to me the easiest. I liked to listen to people. In this way, I would aid them as I could understand their perspectives and the hurdles they faced. Sensitivity towards people and situations helped me a lot in life. Patience truly is a virtue and I was running low on it as I found myself running back to the old ways. Displaying emotions was the next stumbling block. I learnt it from the best of the crowd- kids. Their fearless display of emotions melted my heart. The sound of giggling of a child could take away sorrows. I learnt to smile more often and take pleasure in the tiniest moments in life. Challenging oneself, fighting your own thoughts, has made me who I am today. It has helped me find my call in Human Resource Management and fight tooth and nail to be in the process of being a successful HR Manager.