Torment (2)

Continuation of the post Torment(1)

I was thinking along the line, "If i am willing to compromise my principles right now, what's there to stop me to compromise in future ? What's there to stop me from shunning away from challenges ?"

Feeling a bit confused and depressed, i turned to one of my favorite book for inspiration and consolation "Dare To Fail" by Billi Lim

I came across a phrase by Abe ( Abraham Lincoln ) which started me thinking and with that, healing.

The most important principle of principles is to be flexible in
your principles

This sentence got me thinking....

Even in the best-laid plan, there are bound to be unforeseen circumstances that will require you to bend. Question is, will you bend left or will you bend right or will you simply break away into smithereens ? That is up to all of us to choose. Flexibility is important when dealing with life. In this 21st Century, we're constantly under change in this fluid environment. If we want to survive and grow, it's all about being flexible, and avoiding choices whenever possible. Choices suck, they are inherently limiting. But the limitations they bring about can be reduced if we exercise flexibility.

Sometimes, choices brings us to a mountain and in order to scale that mountain to attain greater heights, we have to let go off some weights. Letting go doesn’t mean giving up, but rather accepting that there are things that cannot be. It's in our moments of decision that our destiny is shaped.

We need to let go, for the betterment of all

Sure, letting go of certain things may cause you to lose what you may have gain by staying put. Yeah, letting go may mean letting the time, the effort, the pain you have gone through be put to waste. But if the sacrifices is required, then letting go, is the best choice available.

I've often discussed with Su Zhao ( one of my friend ) about principles and values and often seek advices from him and his opinions for i look upon them highly. He, too, gave me a similar lecture about principles. More importantly, he stimulated me to think about the future.

He told me once, "If the principles that you follow so strictly is going to cost you your future and cause your downfall, what's the use of your principles in your life ( rephrased ) ?

I have to say...i agree with him.

For Joseph Campbell, letting go of the life we have planned willingly, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us is one of the rules of life.

For me, now, i believe that letting go means taking a step back momentarily in order to be alive long enough to fight in another day =)

Staying alive to fight in another day

After thinking all these through and reaching enlightenment, i feel so much alive and zestful once again. The ethical dilemma has been cleared. The burden has been lifted. The pain has been shed.

From its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is, in the end, still a beautiful world =)

My decision has been made, though unknown into the future i peer, i intend to see it through.

------------------------Appreciation to my Friends----------------------

By alphabetical order :

Gordon : For telling me since time immemorial to cut the roots of the problems while i still can and shedding the unnecessary for a greater good in future and also for his advices and willingness to lend me all the materials i need.

Julius Tan : For his invaluable views and sought after opinions about a life of a student who opt for tri-sci which contributes a lot to shaping this decision

Jenny Chow : For her patience and suggestions on how to tackle Physics and also on this issue

Kai Ming : For hearing my frustrations and ideas out coolly and advising me to stand firmly in whatever decisions that i have made regardless of what others may think.

Lawrence Gerald : For his undue patience and suggestions given as well as opinions on me letting go ( thought he's against it )

Su Zhao : For hearing me out, telling me about his life and giving comparisons, as well as stimulating me to think through the intellectual conversations we had and also for him spending time to listen what i have to tell.

Zi Hong : For his iron patience as i unwind my burdens upon him and for giving his much appreciated opinions on this issue as well as offering for help.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." - Albert Schweitzer