5Sara, Omar and the Exam

In a small town, Sara and Omar were facing the hardest exam of their school lives, one that would decide their admission to the university they had dreamed of since childhood.

When Sara heard about the exam she was filled with fear, and told herself: “I’m going to fail. There’s no way I can master all these subjects.” The thought lived in every moment of her day. Whenever she opened her books she felt a tightness in her chest and could not concentrate, until she began avoiding her books altogether.

“A thought creates a feeling, and a feeling creates an action.”

Omar said: “This is a big challenge, but I need to prepare well.” He acknowledged the difficulty and saw it as an opportunity, and was filled with determination. He made a study schedule, asked for help with what he didn’t understand, and even began explaining some lessons to his classmates, which strengthened his own understanding.

As the exam drew near, the difference between them was clear: Sara was tense and had barely touched her books, while Omar was calm because he had done everything he could.

After the exam, Sara regretted not studying, and realised her fear was what had paralysed her. Omar knew he had given his best, whether or not he answered every question. When the results came out, Omar excelled and secured his place at the university; Sara did not pass this time.

That day Sara understood the power of a thought, and how it sets off a chain of feelings and actions. She promised herself she would change the way she thought, and begin again with a constructive thought. Both learned that when we nourish constructive thoughts and challenge negative beliefs, we set our feet on the path to success and peace of mind.