Skipping to the Good Part?

Yesterday, I watched the cheer dance performances at our school's intramurals. Every performer gave their all, and I was thoroughly entertained. However, I couldn't help but wonder if I should skip some of the performances and explore the booths outside the gymnasium. A thought crossed my mind – what if I already knew which performances were the best, and I only watched those? It would be more efficient, right?

But then, I pondered on a bigger question. How would we recognize the good parts if we skipped the bad ones? How could we identify the best if we hadn't witnessed the worst? In life, we often wish we could skip the trials, the unpleasant experiences, and the memories we'd rather forget, and only hold onto the good times. We long for things to unfold exactly as we desire, with no suffering or unwanted detours.

What drives us in life is the hope that things will get better. We can't enjoy the rewards of things we haven't tried, taste the results of efforts we haven't made, or succeed in things we haven't really worked for. This made me think of a song that says, "let's skip to the good part." Sometimes, we just wish for good things to happen, but life's real beauty is in its unpredictability, with its ups and downs shaping our journey.

I strongly believe that challenges are there for a reason, either to bring blessings or teach us valuable lessons. This belief has never let me down. In this complicated world, I could choose an easy, risk-free life, but that would be dull. Our character is formed by what we conquer and achieve in life.

Recently, a psychology intern talked to us about life being like a blank canvas. I thought about how our life experiences, memories, lessons, and even difficulties are like the strokes, colors, and sketches that turn our lives into works of art. As an art lover, I believe creating art involves many mistakes and continuous effort. You can't call something art without the artist's hard work and dedication. Likewise, you can't appreciate the end result without understanding the importance of the process. Life's complexity can't be fully grasped without going through both the good and bad times.

Why can't we just fast forward to the enjoyable moments in life? Well, it's because the good parts exist in contrast to the bad ones. We call things "nice" because we've experienced not-so-nice things. It's essential to see the challenges in our life as a necessary counterpart to the positive experiences that follow. Life, like the yin and yang, always has a balance of both. One of the secrets to living a fulfilling life is changing how we perceive it. Whatever we undertake, there will inevitably be obstacles along the way, but it's in overcoming these challenges that we truly grow and appreciate the better parts of life.

For 18 years, I've been navigating this journey we call life, and like anyone else, it's been a continuous learning experience. No one can claim to be perfect, but we can always strive to be better than we were yesterday. Throughout my life, I've made numerous mistakes, some of which I find quite embarrassing. These are the kinds of missteps I'd rather keep hidden, buried in the depths of my past, never to resurface. However, I've come to realize that without those very mistakes, I wouldn't be where I am today.

I recall facing significant challenges in life, ones that felt insurmountable at the time. Back then, these obstacles seemed enormous, almost unbearable. I had no choice but to confront them, for I understood that without conquering these challenges, I couldn't progress. But looking back now, I see that these trials, once big in my eyes, have since dwindled in significance. They no longer cast the same imposing shadow over me, for I've managed to overcome them.

You see, life has a way of presenting us with its fair share of hardships and challenges. These tough moments serve a crucial purpose: they allow us to truly appreciate the good things that life offers. They are the stepping stones, guiding us towards the best that life and, for many, God's plan has in store for us.

A gentle reminder that we often encounter challenging moments in our lives, and it's important not to be too harsh on ourselves when we do. There are aspects of life that are beyond our control, and it's perfectly normal to feel disheartened or down when faced with these difficulties. However, it's equally important to remember that we have the resilience and strength to weather these storms and emerge even stronger.

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, and it's these variations that add depth and meaning to our experiences. When we confront the "bad" parts of life, it doesn't mean we've failed or that we're inadequate. Rather, it signifies our willingness to engage with life's challenges and uncertainties. It's okay to take a moment to acknowledge our feelings, to pause and reflect, and to gather the inner strength for another attempt at overcoming these obstacles.

In essence, these tough moments serve as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. They allow us to learn, adapt, and develop the resilience needed to face future challenges. So, while we may feel disheartened at times, it's crucial to remember that these moments don't define us but instead help shape us into more resilient and compassionate individuals.

102023 | Leigaia *✧･ﾟ