The world is mine. As a child, I always had a gut feeling that I had a bigger purpose in the world. I grew up hoping to make a difference in the world and be rich and famous. Who will I be? The next Bill Gates? Bruce Wayne? Or perhaps the most interesting man in the world?
Unsure about my purpose in life, I stressed and worked tirelessly in my academics and clubs as I strived for perfection. Hearing success stories about people who had nothing, I knew that I had what it takes to become the next big thing in the world.
Then, life interrupted me. Like Kanye West in the 2009 Grammy Awards, life stopped me and said “Yo, Patrick. I’m really happy for you; I’mma let you finish. But your mom has breast cancer!”
Two years ago, my whole perception of life changed when my mother was diagnosed with an aggressive strain of Breast Cancer. A hard worker and successful business woman, my mother was one of the role-models whom I’d look up to as I aspired to “be somebody” growing up. A stubborn woman, my mother tirelessly fought against cancer and successfully won.
As she fought against cancer, however, I was reminded of an easily forgotten truth. Life is a short blessing. In the burning energy of youth, it’s easy to get caught up in dreams and aspirations. It’s important to remember, however, to enjoy life and breathe while working toward goals.
Looking back, I realize that I still am that confident, goal-oriented child with that youthful idealism in making an impact in the world. With a new definition of success, I believe that the most important thing in life is to savor it and help others. With some redirection, I now take time to enjoy each day and help others enjoy life through laughter and friendship, while still working hard toward my goal of making a difference in people’s lives through medicine.
So why do I do what I do? Because life is a shared celebration, which should be enjoyed and made the most of.
Comments