How an Empty Stomach Strengthened Me –
The Feeling of Hunger –
Hunger is a peculiar sensation. I was about 21 years old when I first experienced true hunger. It brought headaches, cramps, bad moods, and several unpleasant feelings. It was crushing me from within, humbling me, and leaving me frustrated. Hunger repeatedly questioned my actions and motives. It was among my earliest adversaries, seeking to reshape my motives and forcing me to give up. For me, hunger wasn't just a food issue; it was a blend of uncertainty, fatigue, disappointment, and ignorance taking hold of my weak body. Moving to London for further studies and aspiring beyond the limits of an ordinary immigrant like me exposed me to severe challenges, challenges that I would eventually come to embrace. Hunger was a significant element among the few that profoundly contributed to forging me into an indomitable individual, nurturing a practical, humble, and unwavering mindset, which paved the way for abundance in wealth and health.
Introducing Hunger to Me –
My commitments were substantial, my determination was unwavering, but my financial state was grim. In the initial year as an international student in the UK, food wasn't my primary concern. While working at a fast-food outlet, we were provided with free meals, yet it was exhaustion that shattered me into pieces. I yearned for rest; food wasn't my priority. There were numerous days when I went to bed on an empty stomach due to extreme tiredness. This struggle intensified during the cold winter months. My skin suffered from dehydration and cracks, my back ached, and uncertainty weighed me down while I lost my appetite. The reality was far from pleasant.
These experiences marked the beginning of enhancing my pain threshold neurologically. Regardless of how fatigued I felt, the work had to be completed; commitments had to be fulfilled, and my long-term plans needed to succeed. Leaving this place wasn't an option due to visa restrictions, which I later realised weren't a significant issue, alongside an emotional attachment and a lack of knowledge about seeking alternative opportunities; I felt trapped. Nevertheless, I gradually adapted to the situation. However, the insights gained from my time in this role were truly extraordinary. If confronted with a similar circumstance again, I would face it with resilience. After a year, it was time for me to bid farewell to that phase and explore new avenues of growth.
Then I went to work for a Furniture Warehouse. Transitioning to a role as a warehouse assistant and delivery personnel for a furniture shop didn't offer the break I sought. Despite the demanding nature of the work, the wage I earned hardly lasted for more than ten days. This wasn't due to an extravagant lifestyle; rather, it was due to my commitments undermining my modest earnings. As a diligent student with ambitious dreams and unwavering commitments, I was hit hard by substantial financial hardships. During my time working at the furniture warehouse, my meals often consisted of cheap energy drinks and chocolate bars. Dinners relied on the kindness of my housemates or were occasionally provided by my landlord. While I experienced hunger nearly every day, I grew accustomed to it. I was convinced that food wasn't the ultimate solution to my hunger. Addressing hunger involves more than merely providing food; it encompasses addressing the root cause. What I lacked was the knowledge for making wise decisions.
After approximately three years, I departed from the furniture shop (the reason for which I've explained in another article).
What alternatives did I have if I wanted to escape from this situation? Almost none. I needed the funds and experience to support my education in the UK, honour my commitments, and make the most of my limited knowledge about the country. The only choice I had was not to become demotivated and curse the hand life had dealt me. So, I adapted to the situation by focusing on the positives. I harnessed the maximum neurological advantage that no other place could provide.
A Shift in Perspective on Hunger : The Psychological Impact of Hunger –
Hunger can be physically weakening, much like the effect of stomach acid on an empty stomach—far from a pleasant sensation. However, this adversity also fosters psychological resilience, particularly when coupled with a constructive mindset. The real challenge was training my mind to yield better outcomes during tough times, despite the physical challenges. Gradually, my experiences became a biological tendency ingrained in my mind, shaping a constructive perspective in my personality.
This insight remains valid and will continue to hold true if the issue ever resurfaces. Through our minds, we shape the world around us; our thoughts give rise to the world we perceive. For me, hunger unveiled unseen facets of the world, introducing my thoughts to territories previously uncharted. This struggle taught me in ways I couldn't have imagined. Hunger changed me so much that I almost forgot about being hungry for food. My hunger for knowledge was even stronger. It's as if my mind shifted its focus from dwelling on the problems to actively seeking solutions.
A Lesson in Endurance –
Enduring the pain of hunger not only shapes our physical sensations but also fortifies our mental resilience. The physiological response to an empty stomach, the way stomach acid surges in response to a lack of food, provides a clear illustration of the relationship between our bodies and minds. This experience, though physically uncomfortable, can act as a catalyst for psychological strength when accompanied by a constructive mindset. In my case, hunger wasn't solely a matter of food; rather, it signified a lack of knowledge to seize life's opportunities.
From a scientific perspective, hunger initiates intricate neural and hormonal pathways that extend beyond nourishment. It impacts mood, cognition, and even decisions that can bring about life-changing effects. As I navigated the challenges of hunger, I discovered that it could lead to a transformation in perspective. Initially seen as an adversary, it became a guiding force. Hunger compelled me to recalibrate my priorities, with the pursuit of knowledge taking precedence over fleeting discomfort. This shift in mindset enabled me to grasp the benefits of hunger - not solely in its physical demands, but in its capacity to reshape my perspective on challenges with positivity and constructiveness.
Emerging from hunger is an intriguing intellectual journey. It's not solely about possessing ample funds to acquire possessions; rather, it revolves around possessing the right level of intellect to navigate life with flair. There's no assurance that I won't encounter hunger again. After all, life is replete with unexpected twists, isn't it? As I mentioned, hunger isn't solely a matter of food scarcity; rather, it's a consequence of the gap between the intellect I need to confront life's challenges and the intellect I currently possess. One thing remains certain: my mind will discover a way out. It's been finely tuned and well-prepared for such scenarios.
Hunger either propels you towards your goals or veers you away from them. In my case, it drove me to be more focused on my objectives. My thirst for knowledge surpassed my appetite for food, social norms, or comfort. Reflecting on those days, I feel a sense of contentment. My priorities were well-placed.
Thanks for your time.
Hasitha Rodrigo
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