This is another episode of my life of “what the heck is she doing?” as I just unboxed my first-ever toolbox with a cordless drill that I bought during the 5.5 sale in the orange app.
Several ideas come rushing into my mind as the creative in me suddenly ignited. A flame once gone suddenly sparked. Questions fluttering – where should I enroll, how can I learn, who can teach me, how do I use these fudging tools. Which is a better mentor, Youtube or Tiktok? Words cannot describe how giddy I am now that I can fix things. Well, not really but I can now try since I have these handy dandy tools.
Who would’ve figured? I am in my late 20s, now living on my own in a big house with a walk-in closet that I’ve once dreamt of having as a little girl. I live with three cats and I am happy. Three words – I am happy.
To be happy as I am today was not one of my goals from five years ago. I did not consider it a factor of success. It wasn’t in the formulas I’ve seen. Looking back and asking myself, answering the question “how do you see yourself five years from now?”, I’d answer straight away – successful.
Success for me was dressed in suits and suitcases with a degree in law and having the title “Atty.” before my name. It was one way or the other. But what happened you may ask? Well, change. Things did not go how my mind mapped my life to be in my early 20s. The pandemic happened. Shit happened. A storm came. It flooded my mind, and the only thing I could do to survive was search for work, and I did – work, so I won’t drown from the struggles of life, from the struggles within. I needed to do something and preoccupy myself and my rotting brain.
But that was five years ago. I am still working, but the difference is – now, I do not feel like I am drowning. I do not feel like I am in a game of constant survival mode. I now control my life and at peace of where I am and who I’ve become. I am still welcoming change. My book of life is still open. My chapter in law school is still in the drafts waiting to be written again. But for now, I’d like to pat myself on the back on how far I’ve come and the milestones I’ve achieved, because my vision of success did not look like this five years ago.
One Response
This was such a beautiful and honest read. Sometimes life takes us far from the version of success we once imagined, but it leads us exactly where we need to be. There’s something inspiring about finding peace, independence, and happiness in the little things — even in unboxing a toolbox and learning something new. Proud of you for embracing change and recognizing how far you’ve come. Your story reminds people that success doesn’t always wear the outfit we expected, and that’s okay.