Self denial... something we all make use of especially when we do penance for the sins we have committed  However, self denial can also be applied to people who cannot do the things the enjoy due to not having the means to do them. Either way it can help us grow spiritually and help us by showing to appreciate more the little we have.

 

Christ was a simple yet holy man. He was one of the first people who ever taught us that having what we want in life all the time is not always healthy. Also, having a sense of responsibility also plays an important role in this regard. For instance, a child who has to take a test tomorrow will spend the night before studying. Even if he has been invited to a party. He does not attend the party not only because he wants to appease his parents, but especially because he knows that duty calls and he must get a good grade on his final exam.

 

On the other hand, self-denial also implies tolerating people who rub us the wrong way sometimes. This does not mean we should be doormats. Albeit, by not being rude to the people we cannot stand at work, school or whatnot, and just ignoring them, we are already doing our part. For instance, yesterday night, I was in make or brake situation due to having to present a sample class to my supervisor. There was a teacher whom I had observed that I did not like very much. Owing to the fact that he enjoyed using Spanish with his basic students at times. Albeit, I overcame my insecurities and went to him for advice before giving my presentation.

 

Granted that there are cases in which we can only avoid negative people. Be that as it may, in other cases we just judge a book by its cover. Anyhow, I have an inkling that this new job I have gotten will not be that easy. Still and all I will enjoy. More importantly: The more prepared I show up to class, the less jumbled up my ideas will be. I know I have gotten off on a tangent by talking about my job. However, self- denial can also be applied there. To illustrate my point I would say that by being diligent in my duties and following through with my assigned tasks, I will prevent myself from indulging in leisured activities.