CHOO onthis

I neither think I can effectively articulate/communicate my deep fillins’ through writing nor do I think this blog post is the best place for this but here’s my inspiration as a of late.

A once, very close friend of mine shared with me stories about the various things he learned one day by watching people on and around a bus that he rode everyday to go to class. He entitled them Observations from a Bus. In one of his stories - he describes how he is a block and a half away from the bus stop when he hears his bus coming but decides to stay cool, not rush for the bus and take the next bus. In front of him, however, is a woman who struggles with her decision to make this bus, or go for the next one. Here is an excerpt:

The Woman Running for the Bus

…But, a half block in front of me, a woman started running for it, then stopped, then starting running for the bus again. I don’t know why she did this, maybe it was doubt that made her think she wasn’t going to make it, maybe it was not wanting to look silly from running for the bus, or maybe her shoes were uncomfortable, who knows. But, all in all, she ended up not making it. I think her little start-stop-start dance can be applied to our everyday lives. We are presented with many opportunities throughout the course of life, be it professional, academic, personal, etc, and we, to some extent, pursue them. However, what tends to happen when we pursue these opportunities half heartedly? … witnessing her made me want to pursue all of my aspirations with a clear focus and perceived path, not to be deterred by unpreparedness, indecision, or doubt. Hopefully, by doing more of this, I won’t miss my figurative “bus” like the woman did. 

This story is so applicable to me right now. I tend to be a dabbler, tried to learn to be fine with indecision (I realized I was never built this way though), had sprinklings of doubt and sometimes laziness got in the way of running at something full speed. Should I continue on like the bus lady, I see myself missing out on a lot of great opportunities and honestly, I think I may have missed some already.

I don’t know if it is living in New York that has matured me in that its made me feel the need to be more responsible and direct about my actions, or its just a natural response from getting older, but I’ve learned a lot in the last 6 months in NY. Though the time in-between was somewhat of a battle, the experience has brought me to the point where I am now more comfortable and fearless about making a gray answer black or white, I’ve recognized (accepted and am actively working on!) my weaknesses (yes, even I have them) and of course, in relation to the story above, I know the importance of going in 100% for something I truly want.

Like my friend, as I am making decisions about my future - in career, personal etc…I will go for things I want whole-heartedly all while well-equipped to do so - even if it means taking a chance on something, working ridiculously hard or catching a different bus. I’m anxious and excited to see where this leads me!