It is all about changing your mindset
The old adage turning a lemon into lemonade is so true. When a situation seems unpleasant or stressful, use your perspective to deal with it.
Currently, I have engaged a domestic helper to assist my aging brother and he wanted all of this responsibility to be mine. I accepted but felt the burden nevertheless as I had to shoulder many other financial responsibilities including helping another aging brother.
It was with a different perspective that appeased me. I met up with the helper from Indonesia who was transferred by the maid agency from another employer. Lastri (not her real name) desperately wanted another home to work in. Through her, I found out that her working condition was not good as she was subjected to constant nagging and scolding. Moreover, she has three young children to support back in her village.
I decided to change my perspective of this situation I am in. I felt that I have done a good thing by giving her employment where she only needs to assist my brother who lives alone and would be a peaceful environment for her to work in. My brother who was resistant to foreign help would certainly benefit from her assistance. In addition, I thought I could learn some Indonesian language from her which is a new skill.
We made a pact. I encouraged her to polish her English language which is still in smithereens besides having worked three years in Singapore. I would have to start from almost ground zero as I knew about only ten words of her native language. I told her that she should set her aim to improve English for better job opportunities in the future. I would become more conversant in Indonesian which is very handy as Singapore is a country surrounded by many Muslim countries. Though English is universal, knowing their native language endears one to others.
I embarked on this newfound interest straightaway. Though our conversations are still a mix of broken English and Indonesian, my messages to her are written in both languages helped by Google translate. I corrected her English when needed.
In a span of two weeks, I have already acquired about 120 vocabulary words including standard phrases. I hope she would be diligent too. Though I have to part with more than $1000 a month to maintain her job, I felt that I have turned a lemon into lemonade by considering the benefits.
I have not only given someone who needs financial help a job, but I have also given her hope for the future to upskill herself. Not to mention to help an aging relative. I have also used the situation to improve myself, in the process feeling more fulfilled and happy.
By changing one’s perspective and looking for the good in any situation, you will find the silver lining. Mindset change is a good strategy to use in life’s unavoidable ups and downs.
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