How Odin Lost His Eye

We spend so much of our lives thinking about ourselves. Thinking

about others before you is one way of caring for them. Selflessness is
when we put much attention to what other people need rather than the
things we need. Being selfless is one of the most genuine and beautiful
acts because selflessness is the key to inner happiness.

In the mythology, How Odin Lost His Eye, Odin became selfless and
thought of his people first before himself. It started when he saw evil
coming to his land. To protect his people from the attack of the ice giants,
He aspired to see the future. This required him to drink the water from a
well protected by Mimir. He readily drank the water, however, Mimir
required an unbearable price and it was his eye. He plucked his eye and
gave it to Mimir. The vision he saw was one of much death and sorrow for
humans. He also sees that it will be redeemed by an event of great
promise. As commemoration of his loyalty and dedication to the people,
Odin's eyes rests at the bottom of Mimir's well.

The mythology tackles about being selfless for the greater good. It
tells us that everlasting wisdom can be obtained when we are open to
interpret our experiences from a different perspective. It emphasized moral
obligations, passion, and wisdom. It also tackles about Odin's love and
care for the lives of his people.
 From the Analects

From the Analects is an anthology of brief passages that present the

words of Confucius and his disciples. It described Confucius as a man and
recounts some of the events of his life. The literary expresses Confucius'
constant reminders and teachings to us.

One of the analects stated, “He who will not worry about what is far
off will soon find something worse than worry close at hand”, this means
that one must prepare for the future or plan things to be done for the future.
If ever one fails to do so, he/she may suffer worse than what could have
been if he/she prepared for it. It emphasizes the importance of getting
ready and thinking ahead than to deal important things instantly. Another
stated, “To demand much from oneself and little from others is the way (for
a ruler) to banish discontent", this means that in order for us to be happy,
we must give our best without expecting them to give as much of
themselves to us.

All in all, From the Analects strongly emphasizes the importance of

morality for the betterment of oneself and society in general. It lays out
several teachings for both commoners and rulers to follow in the pursuit of
morality. It works just like in your own family. Specifically, it’s about how to
manage relationships with your boss and subordinates, and your
colleagues around you.
 We all face tough and difficult challenges in life. Some become
difficult to overcome, especially when the odds are stacked against us.
Going against all odds, is something we're capable of doing. To
overcome challenges you need to have that "never give up" attitude in
life. If you develop it, you'll overcome these slowly.

Discovering our personal challenges should be the first step in

overcoming challenges. Self discovery is a greater key to unlocking most
successful part of our lives. "The more you know you, the better you
become"--- this presumably sum the totality of discovering one's strength,
weaknesses, and self-challenges. Next step in overcoming challenges is to
build up our defenses. Sometimes building up defenses includes
experiencing challenges themselves and from that, you can start building
up. At first, it would be hard but as time goes by, you will be used to it, able
to handle situations in a calm and wise manner. Next step is capitalizing
your strengths and recognizing your weaknesses. Identify
your weaknesses but don't let them make you feel less. Take what you
know and build on it. Demonstrate your strengths by letting those gifts,
talents and abilities shine through. Focus on what you do and do it to the
best of your ability. Next step is to deal with these personal challenges.
There are so many ways to deal with personal challenges but the most
important one is to remember that these challenges are present because
they are made to improve and develop one's self. Winning over individual
challenges is the last step. In winning over these, you successfully made a
step forward in becoming the best version of yourself.

In the span of two months, I have learned that in overcoming

challenges in life, the most important thing is perseverance and trust in
ourselves. Without these, we might fail in overcoming our personal
challenges. The stories and myths tackled also taught me that love entails
sacrifice. Sacrificing your own good for the betterment of others. In the
story of Arachne, being grateful was emphasized. It taught me that it is
important to acknowledge that there will always be somebody greater than
us and humility should always remain in ourselves. The story of Daedalus
and Icarus tells us the importance of listening to the elders most especially
to our parents. It reminded me that our parents only want the best for us
and we, children, must obey them at all times.

I have also learned that in times of suffering and need, we must not
hesitate to talk to our friends, families, and also, to our teachers. Having
someone to talk to is a vital key in overcoming these challenges. We need
someone we can cry on. Someone we can share our problems with and
ask for advices. Through this, it can lessen the weight of our problems thus
leads to the solution of these,

Overall, I have learned that we must instill perseverance, humility,

and diligence in ourselves at all times. We must seek success not just for
ourself but for the betterment of everyone. We must focus on ourselves and
let others do their thing. We must do the things we want but always
remember our limits. We must leave no room for doubt. We must maximize
our capabilities. With these, we can be the best versions of our selves.