In the past, my work achievements brought me a great sense of fulfillment. However, since being unemployed four years ago, I have been unable to find a new job. My financial difficulties gradually lead to the loss of direction and hope in life, finding myself deeply immersed in emotional distress.
During my journey of recovery in the hospital, my therapist helped me rediscover myself and learn how to build a meaningful life during my recovery. Now, I realize that I am not just a person in recovery; I am also a brother, a friend, a leader, a writer, a movie enthusiast, a book lover, and a football fan. I have various roles in life, and I find fulfillment through different avenues. Something as simple as watching Liverpool win a game can make my day! Perhaps, the simplest moments are the most beautiful gifts in life.
Even if my future job may not be as vibrant and dazzling as it was in my youth, I will continue to approach life with a positive mindset. I will strive to explore more roles in life and seek the pleasures of living.
I can still recall a time when I was the source of joy for everyone, even becoming the "class clown" of my secondary school class. However, starting from 2014, my emotional struggles turned me into the most unfortunate person in the world. After leaving school, I spent an entire year in a state of idleness, earning the title of a true "slacker." During that period, I deliberately avoided socializing, isolated myself and shed tears without reason. Each day became a struggle, and gradually, I lost faith in myself. This illness not only robbed me of financial stability, hobbies, and hope for the future, but it also made people who cared about me to drift away.
Thankfully, a few friends insisted on seeking medical help for me, and with the aid of medication and my therapist, I began my journey towards recovery. They helped me realize that I should no longer chase after what I had lost in the past, but I should instead focus on what I am capable of in the moment. I started utilizing my hobbies and skills, picked up my pen and clay at home and created my own stories. As I shared these stories on social media, more people began to show their appreciation towards my talent. Despite my modest income at the time, the recognition from my followers provided me with confidence and a sense of accomplishment. And to my surprise, the followers' engagement and comments helped me discover a completely new role in life.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my past self who endured those challenging times. Although I have once lost my hobbies, financial stability, employment, and social connections, this experience brought others’ attention and acknowledgement to my stories and talents. Furthermore, it guided me into the journey of being a peer support worker, where I can continue to use my stories to positively impact others struggling on a similar path.
A few years ago, I faced emotional struggles that led me to isolate myself and cut off ties with the outside world. Encouraged by my family, I decided to undergo treatment, and eventually, my condition began to stabilize. However, the years of unemployment still left me feeling uncertain about my future.
After being discharged, I had the opportunity to meet with a therapist, and through our conversations, I gained an understanding of the importance of finding my role in life. It also made me realize that change was possible.
I started exploring other possibilities and reflected on my decent performance in computer studies during my high school years. Motivated to enhance myself, I made the decision to enroll in computer courses.
There were moments during the learning process when I contemplated giving up, but with the encouragement of my family and therapist, I managed to successfully complete the courses.
Now, I have successfully secured a part-time job and recently completed the probationary period. Although the salary may not be high, this experience has allowed me to find a sense of direction and purpose for my future through my own efforts.
Feeling lost may be a necessary part of the journey, but it is through the process of trying and experimenting that we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. By navigating through the challenges, we can cultivate a stronger and more resilient version of ourselves.
In my first year as a therapist at the hospital, I immersed myself in every moment of work, wholeheartedly dedicating myself to the point of feeling exhausted and even experiencing work burnout.
However, as I looked back, I realized that I used to be someone who loved music, enjoyed time with family and my girlfriend. My identity should not be limited solely to my work.
So, I took a fresh look at myself and discovered that I am also a boyfriend, a son, and an artist who loves performing music. This made me realize the importance of having multiple roles and prompted me to readjust my life.
I gathered my friends whom I used to play music with, and we started doing live music performances in malls and on the streets. This not only brought me joy but also a newfound sense of accomplishment. At the same time, I began spending more time with my family, and our relationship improved because of it.
This experience taught me that the life roles we play in life are diverse and enriching. We should balance the different identities we have to make life more vibrant. Through exploring different roles, I not only regained the lost enjoyment but also enriched my life experiences, highlighting the significance of embracing multiple identities in life.
As the weekend arrives, I find myself grateful, sinking into the couch while holding a steaming cup of coffee. I blissfully indulge in this rare moment of rest, allowing the exhaustion of a week's work to fade away in tranquility. Reflecting on the mere three months since I proudly donned my graduation cap, I realize that my life has undergone significant changes. I have gracefully transformed into the realm of adulthood, shouldering responsibilities and encountering unforeseen challenges that test my resilience.
In the past, life was simpler as a student. I followed the guidance of teachers, steadily advancing towards my goals. Whether it was acquiring knowledge, preparing for exams, or planning for the future, I had a dependable support system. University life bestowed valuable experiences, such as fostering friendships and exploring newfound independence. However, as I tossed my graduation cap into the air, everything changed. Suddenly, I was thrust into the complex realm of job hunting, networking, and entering the workforce. The weight of responsibility and expectations seemed to multiply, leaving me breathless. Adapting to the demands of adulthood proved to be a challenging process, particularly when comparing myself to others who appeared to effortlessly navigate through it all. The daily commute to and from work drained me, and even after work, the stress clung to me, refusing to let go.
Nevertheless, I gradually realized that such transformations take time. I learned to set realistic short-term goals, seek guidance from mentors and colleagues, and accept my own growth process without comparing myself to others. I discovered the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, preserving time for my passions and connecting with friends. I learned to embrace setbacks as valuable learning opportunities rather than being weighed down by my mistakes. While three months may not seem like a long time, I have made significant progress in adjusting my mindset and cultivating self-confidence.
Life is a series of transformations, each stage bringing its own challenges. We evolve from helpless infants to curious children, and now I find myself adapting to the role of an adult. It may feel overwhelming at times, but I have learned to appreciate the journey. Through rest, reflection, and an open mindset, I can gracefully navigate these changes. Looking ahead, I am filled with anticipation for the opportunities that lie ahead.