🤯 Despite Of, Not Because Of

Sunday Scoop #39 - This one is more for me than for you. However, if you're feeling that life doesn't seem to turn out right no matter how hard you try, this may just help you.

Hey friends,

As expected, last week was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster.

Not going to bore you people with a pity party but the absolute ‘Highlight’ was Ivy Day turning out to be significantly more disappointing than I expected.

Throughout the week, I found myself constantly revisiting an idea that I thought of back in Form 4.

Make it a ‘Despite of’ story, not a ‘Because of’ story.

Throughout Primary School and my initial years in High School, I think I’ve been extremely lucky to have achieved the goals I put my mind to. It might be slightly narcissistic to say it, but I found things more or less a breeze.

However, as I progressed through life, the time came for life to start throwing curve balls at me.

Missing out on Awards. Falling behind on Academics. Processing the loss of a loved one.

The situation I was placed in didn’t allow me to opt out. My back was against the wall and I knew that the only way out is to move forward, to find a way to roll with the punches and deal with the curve balls.

That was when I realized I wanted this to be a ‘Despite of‘ story, not a ‘Because of' story.

Despite all the curve balls, despite how harsh life may be, I want to come out on top, to come out the other side a better person.

I refuse to make my circumstances a reason, and worst still, an excuse for not making it in life.

If you don’t yet realize this, the world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. (Rocky Balboa)

At one point or another, we all have to learn how to take responsibility for the things that happen to or for us.

It’s part of the adulting process.

Now, whatever you may be facing, this isn’t the ending scene yet. You still have the power, potential and privilege to write your own story.

Go out there, give your 200%, and make this a ‘Despite of’ story, not a ‘Because of’ story.

Wishing you all the luck you deserve to make it out there. You’ll need it.

Jia Shing.