Panchtantra Lesson

We must have all heard this story in our childhood. Its called “DhurthChag Brahmansaya Katha” and it goes this way.
Once there was a well educated Brahman in the village. No one could outshine him when it came to knowledge. So 3 thieves decided to fool this intelligent fellow and they soon got a chance to do so when they saw the Brahman carrying a goat on his shoulder. The 1st thief met him on the way and asked "Hey! Why are u carrying a donkey on your back" The Brahman looked at him with puzzled eyes and said "Cant you see its not a donkey it is a Goat" and walks ahead. The 2nd thief takes over at some distance and asks "Hey what’s wrong why are u carrying a donkey on your back". The Brahman Puzzled again but also suspicious this time has a glance to check what he is carrying and then snubs the thief back and moves ahead. He then meets the 3rd thief who pounces at him and asks the same question again – "Hey! Why are u carrying a donkey on your back". The Brahman now in total disbelief on himself throws the goat down and says "what a fool I have been to carry a donkey all the way" and walks off. The thieves rejoice on getting the goat!

To think of it, it’s a very simple story, however if you understand it deeply it conveys a very important message of life!
We always do this mistake that the Brahmin did. We start believing more in what others perceive of us rather than believing in our own conviction.
Our whole confidence and self belief goes for a toss if we are repeatedly told we are not good. These thieves are all around in the society in the form of your friends, peers, Bosses, pushy parents who get behind the kids and constantly tell them that they are no good or even worst they would compare them with the siblings or other kids. They don’t realize that a kids mind is a fertile imagination center. It will grow the way the seeds are sowed. Sow the seeds of confidence and good values rather than complexes.
Let us not let these thieves take over our peace of mind, we need to learn to believe in ourselves 1st , we need to build the self-assuredness in one's personal judgment and then make the inner sense strong enough to not get carried away by the world. Stop letting anything/anyone sabotage your self esteem, take control of your own self confidence. Continue to empower yourself with knowledge, enhance your competence as that would be your only armor against all the fingers raised.
At the end of it remember you are the best judge for yourself. The person pointing fingers constantly is only fighting his own complexities. Have faith in your excellence, values and keep marching ahead.
Good luck.Dedicated to my loving sister.