This is such a beautiful topic.... From Pressure To Purpose.
So, it happened that I learnt a skill some time ago, mind you, and as at then, I didn't learn it because I was passionate about it, but because life had me cornered and I didn't just have an option.
Some years back, I got hit with something and my life went on pause. It was an illness and it dragged for a very long time, it was one that made me undergo several surgeries and various doctors appointments. Before the illness, I had certain physical jobs that I do, but then warnings came from doctors about what I could no longer do.
And it was a time when hospital bills and all had eaten deep into my parents finance. They've sold stuffs all because of my health and were into millions of debts. My dad was already retired and my mum's only managing her small provision shop. It wasn't easy for them, dma.eway it wasn't easy for me, I was sad cause I had become another burden/weight for them to carry.
Every morning, I wake up thinking of things that I can do. I really need to do something, even though my body/health is limiting me, even still, I can't keep going on like this. And that was how I stumbled into learning graphics related stuffs, I learnt customization of mugs, frame designs, customized throw pillows, and various customized/personalized items. I didn't really have what it takes to learn it, no tools, no laptop and all, but I was glad to come by a friend who was into it and offered to teach me.
When I first started, it wasn't easy, my body has grown so weak that it's like I've gone so comfortable at doing nothing. I was sick for years, so I think that was why, but then I just have too keep going, there are times I look at myself and just shake my head, how did I end up like this. I wa since a very agile and hardworking young boy. There are times I cry and all, but then failure is too expensive. I can't afford to not do anything.
I saw the struggle my parents were in, even though they didn't communicate it, but I very well understand it, I saw people they are owing money call, and all, insane how it was weighing them down. And under that pressure, I learned faster and focused. I pushed myself to watch tutorials online in addition to what I'm being taught physically. It wasn't easy, there a t wtimes I get corrected in an odd way, but then I kept going, sometimes customers talk to me rudely, still I just smile and kept going.
The first time someone paid me for a job I did and said they loved it, I felt on top of the world. My first customers didn't know they were my first teacher, the first orders came with anxiety, fear and also hope. The first money I was paid for the job I did gladdened my heart, not because of the money received, but it made me realize how the pressure I was in didn't break me, but it redirected me.
And that skill restored my dignity. It allowed me to support myself without affecting my health, it allowed me do certain things for myself without disturbing my parents, it as well helped me to do the little I can in clearing off their debts. And that experience of mine has taught me that there are times when growth does not come from desire, but from the pressure to survive.
I learnt that skill under pressure, and it taught me that even though life can narrow ones options, even still it can widen ones strength. And the version of myself I'm most proud of is that forged when I had no option but to give in/adapt.
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Images are mine.
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