In life, challenges and negative influences can often feel overwhelming, like dirty water trying to drown our potential. But just like a plant thrives in imperfect conditions, so can we. Plants don’t stop growing because the water is murky; they push their roots deeper, rise above the surface, and continue reaching toward the light. We must adopt this same resilience in the face of negativity.

Illustration 1: The Lotus Flower
One of the most beautiful symbols of rising above adversity is the lotus flower. This flower grows in muddy, murky water but emerges pristine and pure. It thrives in difficult conditions, drawing strength from its surroundings to bloom spectacularly. Similarly, life’s challenges and harsh words might try to hold you back, but they can never stop your inner potential from flourishing if you remain focused on your purpose.

Expatiation
Imagine you’re walking on your path to success—working hard, dreaming big, and pushing yourself toward your goals. Then, along the way, negative words and criticism start pouring in. People may doubt your abilities or undermine your efforts. It’s easy to get discouraged when others don’t believe in your vision. But here’s the truth: Their words don’t define you; your determination does.

Take the story of a tree that grows near a dirty, polluted river. Despite the water being contaminated, the tree continues to grow strong and bear fruit. It doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. Similarly, we don’t have to wait for everything to be ideal to make progress. The “dirty water”—whether in the form of negativity, setbacks, or criticism—cannot stop your growth unless you let it. You have the power to transform obstacles into stepping stones for your success.

Illustration 2: Diamonds Are Made Under Pressure
Consider diamonds: they are formed under intense heat and pressure. It’s precisely those difficult conditions that shape them into something beautiful and valuable. In the same way, negative experiences and harsh words can serve as the pressure that sharpens and refines us into better, stronger versions of ourselves. The adversity that is meant to break you can actually be the force that builds you.

Call to Action
So, when people doubt you or try to bring you down, remember the lesson of the lotus flower and the diamond. Don’t be distracted by the negativity; instead, draw nourishment from your inner strength. Use the criticism as fuel for your progress. Just as a plant continues to grow toward the sunlight despite dirty water, you too can rise above negativity and reach for greatness.

Let your growth be louder than the voices of doubt. Stay rooted in your purpose, keep pushing forward, and in time, you’ll bloom beautifully for all to see.

©️James Ola Emiola-Dakobiri FIIM*
Founder and Chairman,
Suicide Prevention and Depression Support Foundation
✍🏽james@spdsfoundation.org
☎️773-344-6313.

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