By Mike Poon
to integrate my dream with coffee as a whole . By manipulating my coffee-making skills , I can make people a cup of good coffee that makes them feel more relaxed and less stressed .
“ Now , I can proudly claim that I am successful with joy , as I am the one who defines my own success . I finally understand now that the meaning of success is to follow your passion , not a paycheck .”
His words are like streaks of light , pulling me back from the dark pit of depression . Indeed , we are individuals who share very different thoughts , aspirations , and dreams . The stereotypical definition of materialistic success may not necessarily be applicable to us . Instead , we should define our own success by following our heart and pursuing something we really want .
Understandably , following the crowd would mean that we are less likely to be exposed to risks and challenges . However , as time goes by , we may gradually develop reliance and addiction to conformity , losing our identity and orientation on our life path . Without the pursuit of dreams , life would be very dull and hard for us –– we are not living for ourselves and making our own decisions . Just like caged beasts , despite the stable food delivery and safety provided , we hanker for freedom and adventure in the outside world .
In our childhood , we might be controlled by our parents due to their concern of our immature minds , but now , as adults , we should be responsible for ourselves and no longer count on our parents to determine our lives . Therefore , we need to set ourselves free , bravely pursue our dreams , and make meaning in our short and precious life .
All of a sudden , my heart is filled up with warmth , where hope and determination alight again and rise up to enlighten the road for me and guide me to success . Wait for me , dream , I am about to come to you .
Regretless Recklessness
By Mike Poon
Lessons about teenage growth and coming of age , in my secondary school , were extremely overused by the teachers . It was not a big deal , as I was indeed a teenager and such assignments helped me figure out who I am , but it came to my unease because I didn ’ t know what growth was supposed to be . I figured out , recently , a way to identify one ’ s growth : you have indeed grown if you scroll back years ago on Facebook and would like to either delete your posts or to travel back in time to punch yourself in the face . It is nothing to worry about , you are not Billy Milligan . You might want to do so because you think your actions or words were immature and reckless years ago . Every one of us experienced such immaturity and recklessness , but it is not something to be ashamed about . It may even be pitiful if you haven ’ t experienced it .
My childhood , my adolescence –– what a carnival ! It was thanks to my recklessness . I was quite famous in my primary school , or infamous I should say . No teacher had ever successfully collected my homework , as my persistence went to the wrong place . I scolded my teachers for collecting my homework , visiting the principal almost twice a week . I was fierce , unstoppable . As the saying goes , “ You will not be depressed if your brain is blank .” I was quite happy at that time , although people around me didn ’ t feel much joy . My mum brought me to the clinic , as my teachers suggested , and I was diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder . People who suffer from this disorder are not able to control their behaviour , and are often identified as naughty or problematic kids . Things did get better when I got into secondary school , but school life was still difficult for me .
Majoring in English Language and ICT simultaneously , Philip is a chocolate-addict and foodie who enjoys using words to express himself and tell stories .
17
Regrets ? Some . I am sorry for bringing trouble to people around me , yet I am grateful for such recklessness . Most children nowadays are forced to follow the rules , to think inside of the box . There was an activity in which the teacher asked us to use ten straws to protect an egg falling from the first floor . My classmates were afraid
APRIL 2018