Our Worst Enemy
By Michael Lee

Who do you consider as your worst enemy? The criminals roaming the dark streets? Your boss who's killing you mentally and emotionally with stress and harsh words? The people in office who are engaging in graft and corruption, instead of helping those in need?

We have many implications of who our enemies are; but we have one common foe who is the main cause of our failures and misfortunes, and we're not even aware of this opponent.

You may not want to admit it, but our worst enemy is ourselves.

Who do you blame when something goes wrong? You blame the people around you, the weather, maybe even God. But we are the ones who are in control of ourselves. We can change the outcome of our lives because we have the capacity to do that. It is our fear, jealousy, greed, etc. that is ruining our lives. Some people who never managed to get out of poverty blame the government or their jobs. But they're too afraid to try out new ventures that may improve their lives. They half-heartedly go to work on their 9 to 5 job. Then when the day is done, they watch TV and go out aimlessly having fun without seriously thinking of what great opportunity the future has in store for them, if only they would try to do something different with their lives.

Fear has caused many to remain frigid and to never go out exploring the wonderful things this world has to offer. Lots of people would rather stay where they are in an unsatisfied state than to risk difficulties and obstacles for the sake of attaining their dreams.

If their lives are not getting any better, they have no else to blame but themselves.

Jealousy and envy has also caused some relationship problems. Some people immediately jump to conclusions without first analyzing the situation. They let their sudden emotions control their behaviors without even thinking of the consequences that may result.

If they're having problems with their relationships, they have no else to blame but themselves.

This goes to show that we decide what will happen to us. Of course, there are circumstances that are beyond our control, like natural calamities. But we can still utilize to our best advantage the things that we have control of.

For instance, you got rejected by your dream girl. Some people would just get drunk and feel miserable, thinking that it's the end of the world. Some will move onwards with their lives and find the best in what remains with them. See? It's really up to you. You decide if you want to have a good life or not.

You failed in your exams? So what? There's another opportunity. You can just sulk in sorrow or you can study harder to get a high score in the future. It's up to you.

There's no use crying over spilled milk. You don't have to get frustrated over your misfortunes. Concentrate on how you could get better in the future.

If we encounter problems, we can either succumb to it, or we can treat it as an opportunity to become stronger and to become better individuals. Winners would always treat their dilemmas as opportunities.

Oh yes. We can be our worst enemy, but we can also be our best friend. It's all up to you!

*** Please feel free to publish this article, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to mike@20daypersuasion.com