Life

by I.
(Malaysia)

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be (possibly your roommate,neighbor, coworker, long lost friend, lover, or even a complete stranger) but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.

All my life I was wandering about aimlessly. My parents were not there for me. All they bothered about was their work. Money and work. To them money=happiness. Every day I would go to an empty house furnished with exquisite ornament from Italy and Rome. But is that what I really want?

One day I was at home just wandering around the house. I sat down and cried. I cried for many hours. I recalled how long I waited for my parents to come home. I remembered all those empty promises. Years after years they promised to bring me to Italy once they got promoted.

I want my parents to be there for me. Is that to much to ask? I do not need the money. I just need a little bit of their time. I don’t think they know what food I like to eat or what is my hobby. Are they really my parents? Have they ever fulfilled my spiritual self?

I began seeking for attention and belonging with these people whom I called “Friend”. I went down the wrong path. I gambled, I drank and I thought I found paradise with them.

Soon I went deeper and deeper to this wrong path. I smoked pot and neglected what was important. I spent more time out of school. My classmates went to me and talked to me. They tried to change me; they tried to help me. But they soon gave up.

But somebody did not give up. Mrs. Vania did not give up. I remember her calling me out every afternoon for a chat. Initially I was reluctant to reach out to her. I was quiet and I did not want to tell her about my “friends.” I did not want to tell her what I did outside school.

One day, She asked me one question, “When you grow up is this what you want to be?”

That question jolted me back to reality. I recalled all those activities I did. Suddenly I felt ashamed. Is that what I really want with my life? To smoke, to drink? Do I really want a bleak future?

Gradually I opened up to her. She was there by my side supporting me and helping me. She made me ponder that what I was doing was nothing. I changed. I became a better person.

I kicked out my friend. Mrs. Vania told my parents what I was facing. My relationship with my parents gradually became better. My parents were angry at first, but they were very supportive. Each day I woke up with a bright smile. Each day, every moment, every decision makes a difference. The people I have met, in this case Mrs. Vania, have made a tremendous impact on my life. Without her presence I doubt I would become a better person.

My so called friends have also made a huge impact on my life. The people you meet will change you. If they enter your life they become a part of your life. Your sister or the man you just smiled at. The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you become.

Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones. Sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.

Just remember - everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul.

If feel lost ask yourself this question, “When you grow up is this what you want to be?”