Growth Through Resilience

“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” This powerful reminder from Robert H. Schuller resonates with me deeply as I reflect on the journey till Q3 of 2024.

Instead of fleeing from challenges, I chose to stand firm and embrace the storms that came my way. Each obstacle was a lesson, echoing the ancient wisdom that “Crisis means opportunity.” By holding my ground, I not only emerged stronger but also discovered the stunning beauty of resilience, ultimately leading me to the beautiful rainbow that follows the rain.

This year, I crossed several items off my bucket list, and it taught me that wishing alone isn’t enough. The real magic lies in careful planning and dedicated execution. Without a strategic approach, even our most cherished dreams can fade into the realm of unfulfilled desires. This experience reinforced my belief that dreams require tangible actions to bring them to life. Equally important is the belief in those dreams, which reminds me of why I chose to persevere when challenges arose.

One of the highlights was delivering a large-scale project that demanded collaboration across multiple departments. Working alongside colleagues I had never collaborated with before presented numerous unforeseen challenges along the way, and the process was months long grind. There were sleepless nights filled with doubt and pressure whether I had made the right decision. Yet, I’m proud to say that we preserved through it all, and our hard work resulted in a successful expo. This experience not only reinforced my determination but also deepened my appreciation for the power of teamwork and grit.

This year, I also embraced the challenge of stepping outside my comfort zone. Thanks to the advanced players I met in a social badminton group, I discovered just how much I had to learn. Eager to improve, I signed up for training, which led me to wonderful friendships and opportunities to play. However, my journey wasn’t without setbacks; I sprained my ankle in my third month and had to take a month off to recover. That pause was disheartening, but when I returned, my coach celebrated my comeback. With consistent training, my skills improved, boosting my confidence and allowing me to reconnect with the social group I initially joined. Badminton transformed my lifestyle - I became more active and found joy in meeting new people through the game.?

One of my dreams came true this year when I visited Canada, home of the stunning maple leaf. Although I missed the autumn colors, the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, dusted in white snow, were a sight to behold. A particular magical moment was watching snowflakes fall, enhancing an already beautiful landscape. On this journey, I encountered an elderly woman using a four-legged walking stick. Her determination inspired me - it reminded me that we should never give up, regardless of the challenges we face. She reached her destination, embodying the themes of resilience found in “The Unexpected Finisher” by Uncle Yee Sze Mun - a remarkable tale of an IRONMAN legend who defied the odds in his 60s and 70s.

With less than 100 days left till 2025, I hope to be among the last standing, savoring the sweet rewards of hard work - much like the moment I witness the first snowflakes fall upon reaching my destination. That feeling truly was indescribable; it’s pure magic. Let’s celebrate our milestones with loved ones and support each other and finish the year strong in strength.

#PersonalGrowth #BucketListAdventures #Resilience #LifeLessons #MindsetMatters