Story Writing
"Is that all you got". This is my inner mantra, my cerebral soliloquy that repeats whenever I try something new. In truth, nothing is impossible and I believe in myself. I have gone through many milestones mentally and physically to ensure I enjoy sweet victory continually. There is doubt that my personal growth has been sparked and fuelled by my 'never say die attitude'.
No thrill without the butterflies. As a child, some of my earliest fondest memories were about horrible acts. Jumping off the tallest diving boards 20 meters high only to hit my head on shallow waters. Maxing out the speed limit on racing carts, and slamming right into brick walls. Mom would tell me to try again or that there's no 'wrong' answer. "The fun came from not knowing what might happen" she would often say. She instilled an adventurous spirit in me whether it was trying new foods or riding the tallest scariest rides in the amusement parks with the most loops and twists. She was my partner in crime when it came to trying new things. When I got a bit older, we became roller coaster junkies, always riding the scariest rides first. We knew that if the scariest rides were the first to go, the rides that left our hearts racing, our legs trembling, the ones that gave us the rush we so desperately desired, absolutely nothing else could pale in comparison afterward. I thought everyone grew up loving adrenaline and nursing countless injuries just like me.
It never occurred to me not to try. Even during my earliest days in elementary school,
I constantly sought out new challenges including getting flustered trying to put together puzzles that consisted of more than 5000 pieces, taking on science experiments that were meant for the older kids and failing miserably at them. I even built a human-sized hut made of bamboo that collapsed at least 10 times on me in the process leaving bruises on my arms as well as broke several ribs. Later on, in middle school, I came to learn that mistakes were simply part of the process. I remember spending hours on end trying to program a game sacrificing the free time I was supposed to use playing with friends. Each time I failed I slouched on my desk and cried from frustration. It took me two months to successfully program that game and it only ran for less than an hour, regardless I was proud of myself. In 7th-grade, I burnt my fingers trying to bake a cake, which turned out delicious and my classmates loved it. The smiles and admiration from my peers made the pain from getting burnt worth it. I came to realize that failure and sacrifice were part of the learning process, an opportunity to find better ways of doing something.
My adventurous mind-set carried on to high school and became one of my greatest assets. Entering my freshman year of high school I became even more reckless with my ventures. I craved newer more exciting experiences that challenged my limits and abilities. I learned how to drive at the age of just 14 years old and joined the local boxing gym to participate in all kinds of contact sports and I loved it despite all the hurdles. Also, I ran cross-country despite being overweight and chubby and I did my best not to be among the last to finish the race. Often, whenever there were fights at school, I would be the first one on the scene to break it up. My friends would avoid anything that could end in disaster. I on the other hand did the exact opposite. I intentionally stepped out of my comfort zone to experience new things and grow.
I was never fond of public speaking, I always hated talking in front of large crowds. Nevertheless, I was determined to be a risk-taker and at one point I joined the annual school science fair where students presented various projects. I admit I was a little tense while presenting my project but it was worth it and afterwards I found my confidence to stand and present in front of a large crowd. In 11th grade, I pitched the business venture I had worked hard on over the summer in front of dozens on entrepreneurs, performed a solo piano piece in front of huge crowds at music concerts, and participated in plays for my English class. It was in my nature to neglect fear and step out of my comfort zone. People often told me that it was impossible to overcome my fears and that I would fail but they were all narrow-minded. I knew all too well that failure was part of learning. They didn’t see the value stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. Growth came from new experiences and stepping out of your comfort zone. I was unintentionally following my instincts. Sure, I’ve had a lot of skinned knees, bruised egos, and wasted Saturdays, but I’ve also had a lot of great days. Memorable victories where I overcame mental barriers and learned valuable lessons. New Experiences that helped me grow and overcome fear and I don’t regret it.
Hardships and stress have shaped my life and have enabled me to achieve growth and well-being. My experience in elementary, middle school and high school pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to be better. Unequivocally, I've gained new understandings and perspectives. I have gathered that predictability isn't an excuse for narrow mindedness. Sometimes 'normal' isn't good enough, if you want to be special you can't think like everybody else. Being special means being open to spontaneous inspiration and following it. After all creative problem solving is usually a result of trial and error. Know that while you have a special mindset others may not. They may look at you with disapproval and call you crazy but don't let that disappointment stop you from achieving your goals. When you fall rise up with more determined to reach your goals than before. As the saying goes, no pain no gain. Easy means stagnation. So dare me please - I'm ready to see what more I can do.
