There are some stories in life that are destined to be told, stories that must be told, for the lessons they bring and the eyes they open. I often wonder how and when we became such complex and ignorant beings. Living in this intricate reality, we frequently neglect our fundamentals and ignore the beauty and magic of simplicity. Observing the world around me, I think some people miss the purpose of life, which is doing what you love and cultivating love within yourself first. We are so infatuated with materialistic things and loving others that we don't realise the main intention of this beautiful life: finding ourselves, knowing ourselves, but most importantly, doing what makes us fall in love with ourselves every single day. I feel compelled to write this story; my values and conscience impel me to do so.
In the 80s, when happiness was chasing fireflies, a young girl named Emily lived with her grandparents and mother. Her father was a soldier in the army, often away on duty. Her mother was a homemaker. Emily was 15 when she decided to pursue her love for science, with hopes of developing a passion for medicine and becoming a doctor. However, in her last year of high school, she chose to enter the corporate world and become a finance specialist. She had no interest in commercial applications, but the riches of finance lured her into the finance world.
Years passed, and Emily, a young 25 year old found herself trapped in the corporate grind. She climbed the ladder of success, yet something was missing. The spark that once ignited her curiosity and passion for science was longing to be rekindled, it was a part of her no one could ever take away.
One fine Tuesday, she was in a meeting, seconds away from getting promoted after several recommendations, however her assistant called Emily out.
Furious by getting interrupted in such a special moment, Emily asks the assistant what had happened.Emily's mother was suffering from a malignant disease, and it had worsened. The blood from her cheeks drained and her eyes filled up with tears. She left the office and rushed to the hospital.
As Emily walked into the hospital she had dreamt of working at since she was 15, her heart quickened, a mix of anxiety and regret washing over her. The smell of antiseptic and the soft hum of medical equipment transported her back to her teenage years, when her passion for science and medicine had been her guiding light. It felt as if her heart was scolding her for not following that dream, for allowing herself to be swayed for the greed of avarice
A doctor approached her and said, "Ms. Emily, I'm afraid we are out of options. Your mother has no more than a few hours."
She sat beside her mother, and a teary smile was cast over her mothers face. Her mother said, "When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a doctor," her mother revealed. "But society in those days had different expectations for women. I was forced to abandon my dreams and focus on being a good wife and mother. I don't regret my life, but there's always been a part of me that wonders what might have been."
Emily's heart ached as she listened. "Mother, I feel like I've lost my way. I've been chasing money and success, but it hasn't made me happy, I thought it would but no. A sense of emptiness has lingered for years now, I was just seconds away from getting promoted, however, how joyous could I be in the business world. As interesting and innovative the corporate sphere is, the heart wants what it wants. Corporate must bring several people happiness and contentment, but I feel empty and now it's too late. "
Her mother squeezed her hand. "Emily, life is too short to live with regrets. You must follow your heart and do what you love.Promise me you'll pursue what makes you truly happy. I live these last few hours with so much happiness that you were in my life, however, my heart aches to see my passion slip away, don't let that happen to you. People will laugh at you and discourage you, but remember, 10 years later, only you will define your happiness, not the others around you."
Tears streamed down Emily's face as she nodded.
As Emily watched the ECG flatline, a tear ran down her face. Sometimes, losing a person you loved so dearly makes you realise that there is a timeline, a ticking timer in your life. Everyone’s time is defined, and you must make the most of it. Emily needed to leave that job, and she needed to follow what made her love herself which was helping others and spreading the love of medicine.
In the weeks that followed, Emily made significant changes in her life. She resigned from her high-paying corporate job and enrolled in medical school, reigniting her passion for science and medicine. It was a difficult transition, but she felt more alive and fulfilled than ever before. She regretted ever running behind the materialism that many of us have started worshipping in today's time.
In the quiet moments, when the world falls silent, we can truly hear the echoes of our souls. We can hear what our heart has been longing to say. In solitude, introspection, and contemplation of the cruel reality we live in, our heart tells us to go on. It ironically crumbles and dies to tell us to keep living and not just exist. As our bodies get burned or buried, all the material things burn along, but the personality and the soul are eternal. People, after our death, do not talk about our earnings or wealth. They remember us for our selflessness, perspective, the good we did, and most crucially, they see us for our passion and the love we cultivated within, which radiated outwards.
We confront the harsh realities of life and discover an unexpected truth: we do not have forever to fulfil our passions, so we must act now, valuing and living in every single second. Perhaps that is why our elders tell us to value each second, for sometimes, people die wishing for one last day, one last moment, one last look at their loved ones, but mainly, one last chance to truly live.
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