Life’s Journey || Embracing the Ups and Downs
Hi everyone,
I hope you all are doing well and staying happy.Life is a beautiful yet complex journey filled with ups and downs. Sometimes, we find ourselves on top of the world, basking in our achievements and the beauty of life. Other times, we may feel low, and overwhelmed by challenges and setbacks. But isn’t that what makes life so interesting and unpredictable? No one’s life is a constant stream of happiness or sadness; instead, it’s a series of highs and lows that shape who we are. The key is to keep moving forward, no matter your phase. When things aren’t going your way, it’s not a sign to give up on your dreams. Instead, it’s an opportunity to work even harder, to keep that spark alive, because nothing is ever truly over until you decide it is.
We all have our share of happy moments and sad ones, but it’s important to focus on the positive and let go of negative energy. That doesn’t mean you should forget your failures or painful experiences—in fact, I believe that failures are often what brings out the best in us. They teach us lessons we wouldn’t learn otherwise and push us to become stronger and more resilient. So, let me take you through some of my failures, successes, and the best years of my life.
The Wish to Stay a Child Forever
First, I want to share a wish I’ve held onto for a long time: I always wished I could stay a child forever, living a life free of tension, stress, and failure. Childhood is a time without pressure or responsibility, a time of pure joy and freedom. But of course, that’s not possible—we all grow up eventually. And as we do, life presents us with new challenges and responsibilities.
2021: A Year of Mixed Emotions
Looking back, the best years of my teenage life were 2021, 2022, and 2023. These weren’t just happy years; they were a blend of challenges, failures, stress, and demotivation from those closest to me. Yet, they also brought moments of success, motivation, and pure joy.
In 2021, the world was gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdowns, quarantine, and overall tension affected us all. As my exams approached, the uncertainty and stress were overwhelming, especially since we couldn’t attend coaching classes. But towards the end of the year, as the pandemic began to ease, there was a sense of relief. A major highlight was a wedding in our family, which brought joy and allowed us to forget the difficulties of the pandemic, even if just for a little while.
Despite the challenges, I prepared for my exams diligently, especially during Ramadan, while fasting. I hoped to score well but then came the news that the papers had been canceled—except for compulsory subjects like Pakistan Studies, Urdu, and English. It was a mix of emotions: disappointment and relief. When the results were finally announced, I was filled with fear, but that fear turned into happiness when I learned that I had scored 85%. It was one of the best moments of my life.
2022: Facing Failures and Finding Success
The year 2022 was a year of both failures and successes. It was a time when I faced rejection after rejection while trying to get admission to a university. These failures were hard to bear, but I didn’t give up. In the end, I found success and secured a place in the university.
One of the toughest moments of 2022 was when I received my GPA for the first semester. Everyone around me said it was excellent, but deep down, I knew I could do better. I was disappointed because I had high expectations for myself. However, I didn’t let that setback define me. I worked harder in the next semester and achieved the GPA I knew I was capable of. That moment of success, after all the hard work, was incredibly satisfying.
2023: Struggles and Triumphs
Then came 2023, a year full of struggles and triumphs. One of the biggest challenges was trying to pay my tuition fees. The pressure of finding a way to finance my education was immense, but I was determined not to let it break me. I applied for scholarships and anxiously waited for the results. When I received the news that I had been awarded a scholarship that covered my entire tuition for 2024, I was over the moon. It was a moment of pure happiness and relief.
Why These Years Were the Best of My Life
You might wonder why I consider these years the best of my life, even though they were filled with challenges. The answer lies in how these experiences shaped me. These years were pivotal for my career, and they taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and resilience. The demotivation I faced from others was heartbreaking, but I remained strong, fueled by the motivation and support I received from my parents and true friends. It’s during these times that I realized how blessed I am to have such incredible people in my life.
Embracing Life’s Highs and Lows
Life is a journey full of highs and lows, and it’s up to us to embrace both. The best years of my life weren’t just about happiness and success; they were about learning, growing, and becoming a stronger person. I’m grateful for every challenge I faced because it led me to where I am today. So, no matter where you are in your journey, remember to keep going. Cherish the happy moments, learn from the tough ones, and never lose sight of your dreams.