The words “I am so sorry for everything” brought me back to a past life I had almost forgotten. It was more than a decade ago when a series of events and actions caused me to leave an institution and shaped the trajectory of my career.
Some people mistakenly think that things have come easy for me. I do not deny that I have been blessed in many ways and I am grateful for the gifts I may have not always deserved. But what people do not see is the many lessons I have had to learn in a life that has not always been rosy. How to believe in yourself when others don’t. Learning to grow up quickly because of life circumstances. Being okay with making mistakes and looking stupid as you learn something new. How to not be afraid when things are uncertain and trusting that all will be well. Not being ashamed to dream and going after them. Understanding that hard work and passion are just as important as ability. Learning to be grateful for what you have rather than focusing on what you don't. And perhaps the most important lesson -picking yourself up and staying positive after you fail.
Then there is also the important lesson of letting go of grievances and learning to forgive. I have learned that things happen for a reason - we may not understand why right away but there is a silver lining if we are patient. However, it is only when our firsts are not clenched with anger that that we open ourselves up to what God and the universe has in store.
But it is ironic that the apology comes in a week where I have much to be thankful for. Then again, perhaps it is but fitting. Because rather than commemorating milestones, I celebrate the fact that I have overcome tribulations and, as my friend Allan says, made not just lemonade but also lemon squares. And that has certainly made life sweet.
Some people mistakenly think that things have come easy for me. I do not deny that I have been blessed in many ways and I am grateful for the gifts I may have not always deserved. But what people do not see is the many lessons I have had to learn in a life that has not always been rosy. How to believe in yourself when others don’t. Learning to grow up quickly because of life circumstances. Being okay with making mistakes and looking stupid as you learn something new. How to not be afraid when things are uncertain and trusting that all will be well. Not being ashamed to dream and going after them. Understanding that hard work and passion are just as important as ability. Learning to be grateful for what you have rather than focusing on what you don't. And perhaps the most important lesson -picking yourself up and staying positive after you fail.
Then there is also the important lesson of letting go of grievances and learning to forgive. I have learned that things happen for a reason - we may not understand why right away but there is a silver lining if we are patient. However, it is only when our firsts are not clenched with anger that that we open ourselves up to what God and the universe has in store.
But it is ironic that the apology comes in a week where I have much to be thankful for. Then again, perhaps it is but fitting. Because rather than commemorating milestones, I celebrate the fact that I have overcome tribulations and, as my friend Allan says, made not just lemonade but also lemon squares. And that has certainly made life sweet.