"If the essence of my being has caused a smile to have appeared upon your face or a touch of joy within your heart. Then in living - I have made my mark." Thomas L. Odem, Jr. (American actor)
I am a writer at heart. My love for art and creativity was stunted at a young age because of an elder's opinion. I showed a work of art I was so proud of, which was completely dismissed with the remark, "You will not make money out of that, you know?"
As an Asian American, I grew up in a household and a society that dictates your worth through grades and accomplishments, honors and medals, accolades, and how successful you are in life. I have learned unhealthy coping mechanisms by measuring my worth in terms of what I could achieve in life, not knowing that I was inherently worthy.
I was then catapulted into a profession in healthcare that I offered my love and passion for and held it noble for 30+ years of my life. I have gained accomplishments and accolades in my chosen profession for over three decades. I have been active and held positions within my profession's association.
I started developing health issues when I was only 28. I was diagnosed with anxiety/panic disorder when I was 35. Later, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder when I was 40. One after another, health issues kept appearing, but I was functional, so I kept going. I was driven. I was passionate. I was unstoppable.
In 2019, at a time when I was about to reach yet another rung on the ladder of my career life, LIFE HAPPENED. I was hospitalized with a severe infection in my right eye, which resulted in two eye surgeries. That's what I called my Universal Sucker Punch.