Life is made of choices and opportunities
As I looked upon the pictures way back to a year ago, it's amazing that so many things have happened and changed. We keep moving on daily, taking small steps and just look ahead... and then suddenly the past just seems like ages ago.
Perhaps that's just how an adult life is. You make choices every single day, and it is your choices that 90% determine the outcome of tomorrow (the other 10% would be things that happen beyond our control). Just like choices, opportunities, no matter how big or small, pop up in seconds; and it is the actions in those seconds that make a difference between our life yesterday and today.
The problem is, taking the right actions upon our opportunity may not as easy as the coming of opportunity itself. Only the ones who are ready to make the most of that opportunity is given that opportunity. And readiness itself depends on the quality of yourself, which needs to match, with that opportunity. When there is a gap between your readiness and what the opportunity requires, either you will not get it at all or once you get it, either you or others will not be happy with what comes afterwards. Promotion equals opportunity and readiness.
The importance of being yourself
To be ready, you need to grow, both in your knowledge and your character.
Growing your knowledge can be done alone, but growing character - you need to do it together with other people... because it allows you to receive feedbacks, to see how you are different than them, to know how you can give and take and learn. But above all, even when you are with them, you need to be yourself. Trying to be someone else just to get accepted will not grow you; instead, you will get even more distant with your own self, and what is unique from you that should be put on the table to benefit others will not come out.
Be yourself. That way you will have clear eyes to see the gap between what you are now and what you want to become. And find people whom you can grow together with - people that allow you to be yourself and be accepted the way you are.
Don't Compare
If you believe that you're unique, so does everybody else.
If you believe you deserve a golden opportunity that you already have, so did everybody else who finally received a silver, bronze, or rose gold opportunity.
Sometimes we are not given a chance when we believe that we are ready; support those who are given that chance (of course, as long as they are taking that opportunity to benefit the greater good). One day you may have to be in their shoes, and you will be the one needing that support. And also: observe. Even if it is not you that is chosen today, it does not mean you are not chosen tomorrow... and even it does not mean you are meant to be chosen for something even more difficult. Trust that God is good, therefore trust in God's timing.
Sometimes we may feel that we are not ready when we are given a certain chance; still have faith that there is a reason why you are given it (either for you to learn, or you actually have something to give to those who gave you that chance), and try to perform well at it. Never take it for granted.
Persevere in Faith; Look to More than One Channel for Growth & Satisfaction
You have your personal growth list and you realise that the place where you are devoting yourself now is not capable of accommodating you to level up. Don't quit easily, unless you see another more promising opportunity. Until you find other compatible place, persevere in faith. Try to look for other places to serve and be devoted to. The world is wide and places are many. Find one that suits your soul and your goal.
When the Time for Changes Come, and You Feel Something Holding You Back...
Is it your wonderful job?
Is it your relationship with family and friends?
Is it what your origin place offers that anywhere else doesn't?
Most likely because you are already in your comfort zone.
If it is your wonderful job, know that it is part of your life job to learn, and to learn means stepping out of your comfort zone, including your current job.
If it is your relationship with family and friends, then tell them and tell yourself... that you will go back to them with a better version of yourself, and you can bless them more when you return. Sometimes being far away is necessary as it teaches one something that one cannot learn where he/she comes from.
Be leaving on a jet plane: August 31st, 2017.
