The Fall of Childhood: THE MOTIVATION CHRONICLES

By Ashok Alexander

Abbas is a young man struggling with self-doubt and anxiety. He lives in a small village in a valley, where everyone seems to know everyone else. The story takes you through the rhetoric, love and practical steps of action which helps him grow to help his town and fulfil his dream.

In this poignant and heartfelt novel, the author takes young readers on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Through Abbas's experiences, readers will be inspired to confront their own fears and doubts. Finding ways to make changes to embrace life's challenges and overcome them.

 

TESTIMONIAL
Rich in learning and insights, with the potential to be a wonderful children's book useful to teens and young adults - Diane Auza

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ability Publications
• Release date: May 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215738962

Ashok Alexander

Ashok Alexander's life story is one of remarkable success and varied experiences. Born in India, he relocated to Australia long back with his wife to pursue his studies. Overcoming numerous obstacles along the way, he owned and managed a range of successful businesses, including those in IT, restaurant, medical centre, and car rental. In addition, he was actively involved in cultural, sports, and social clubs, and has travelled extensively. Ashok's endeavours have been recognised with numerous accolades, including the IABCA Small Business Award and a runner-up position in the Telstra Business and Excellence award from AIM Management. He is also a certified yoga instructor from Sivananda and has held leadership positions in cultural and social clubs. Ashok is a proud father of two sons who are charting their own paths in life. Furthermore, Ashok embarked on a 4000km solo walk across Australia, spending almost six months in meditation. This incredible feat, his vast array of experiences and achievements, and his quest to explore the meaning of existence make him a unique individual with a valuable perspective on life that will resonate with readers from all walks of life. His main passion is to write teenage motivation and self-help books.

Book preview

Chapter 1: The Accident

Abbas was a young man in his mid-twenties, anxious, and had a lot of self-doubt. Every effort of his to change himself seemed fruitless as if those changes appeared only temporarily. He struggled with interacting with others and doing new things, which he desired but shunned.

He resided in a beautiful little village tucked away in a valley between two hills. Everyone seems to be familiar with one another here. His devotion to animals, especially his dog Nala, made him well-known in the community. He had known Nala his entire life, and they had always been inseparable. Now that he is older, Nala only goes on shorter journeys with him, primarily inside the village, and is especially required while venturing to the nearby forest. Nala spends his days in the front yard, relaxing, watching people walk past or noticing Abbas’ mother or Ma as Abbas called her, rushing around.

Abbas' days flew quickly as nothing was eventful happening in his life. He spends much time contemplating in his room or strolling about the village or the forest. Then there was the walking, which he enjoyed. Apart from that, eating and playing are some of his major pastimes, with the occasional helping around. The reason was mostly the same, it was the old longing to be recognised as an adult. Other thoughts included his Ma, the forest, and the village.

Occasional calls interrupt his thoughts as he walks around the village. But then, he would merely grin and acknowledge his friends' or other villagers' calls or pleasantries with a request for assistance. He was thought to be helpful; whether it was picking up a sack of rice or a basket of vegetables or summoning someone from another section of the village, he would gladly help. On his way around the village, he also likes to see farmers working, people building houses, and cattle being cared for. All of this attracted his interest, but he resisted getting engaged since he didn't want to appear foolish by making mistakes.

He had school pals that he had known since he was a child, but many of them had moved to town to study or work. He occasionally sees them when they return to the village. Apart from it, he had very little social life and was uninterested in viewing movies or sports. He was always sceptical of his abilities and recognised the little knowledge he could provide in discussions.

Abbas occasionally felt something unusual; a sense of assurance that came from within himself. Something reminded him that he could do great things, and he hoped he could have faith in himself. That notion removed his fear of doing new things, and Abbas constantly sought ways to better himself and society. It didn't last long; soon, defying thoughts arrived, reminding him that he couldn't accomplish much because of his education, skills, and family. Apart from living in a village, the list was seemingly endless. He'd have to focus on something else, but those ideas don't bother him for long.

On the other hand, he did not know how to summon the same confidence at will, especially in social circumstances, which reveals and isolates him. As a result, he likes to spend his time alone, except when someone asks for his assistance, or whenever supper is ready and Ma calls. He had completed his basic schooling but lacked the necessary skills to find work in the village.

The skills required here were different from what he studied in school. He shared a little house on the outskirts of the village with Ma, but he had no property to cultivate or animals other than Nala. He also did not learn to farm or cook, nor did he learn to study or deal with problems in an articulate manner. Because they rely on each other, his mother does not press him to go to town. Abbas also couldn't bear abandoning his ailing mother and Nala.

One day, Abbas decided on a different trip. This is not the usual trip with his dog around the village or to the forest near his village. Instead, he intended to visit the adjacent town of Nandapur. He'd been thinking about it for a long, gathering information from the people. He watched folks coming from a recent fair with smiles on their cheeks and both hands full of new stuff he had never seen before. The fair was noted for its vibrant marketplaces, where exhibitors