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Refocusing - From Fear to Hope
- Elena Tong
- Feb 3, 2022
- 3 min read
I struggled hard for most of my life with mental health, specifically around fear, anxiety, and depression. And for years, I find myself feeling less worthy, and believed I'm hopeless. At that time, it was a real struggle to find a reason to live for another day.
I remembered wanting to run back to my shell as every time I tried to say something, others will jump into conclusions or impose their thoughts, expectations, and desires onto me. I eventually learned to suppressed and repressed my feelings as I felt what I truly wanted does not matter. And for years, I believed so.
If it wasn't for the level of darkness I have been in, I would not be able to appreciate living with hope and faith. I doubt I will be able to endure the challenges I had, and rise nevertheless to spread hope and light.
Life isn't easy. Personally, I do not think it will get much easier as I have chosen a path less traveled. However, I strongly believe that I can and I will be able to defy my odds and overcome adversity each time around. I have done it for 1.5 years, and I believe my experiences are helping me to understand how to process my mental state of mine while being in flow with my life values.
I am not here to prove to myself, or anyone else. Instead, I am here to seek for long-term, sustainable solutions around the topic of "mental health". Hence, I chose to stand on the platform of 'self-redemption and mental empowerment'.
The meaning to self-redemption is to win today's game by redeeming yourself from yesterday's losses. I believe this is one of the long-term solutions in my quest of supporting others that are struggling to find a reason to live for another day. The emotions, and thoughts can be extremely intense when we are experiencing depression, and suicidal ideation. At times, the noise within can be so overwhelming that it felt that everyone, including the universe is against us. And so, I hope to bring this forward and make this my life long purpose.
Joining the Miss Plus World Malaysia pageant, and now preparing to challenge myself in the International stage - Miss Plus World, I have been through a rollercoaster of change - from a girl striving to stop being so selfish, to a woman with the desire to spread love, hope and light to others.
Some people have asked me, "Why did you choose to join a pageant? You could do this without it."
The truth is, yeah.. maybe I can. However, I wouldn't be this confident, bold and empowered woman I am today without the pageant. I learn to process my fears, and listen to my voice within. I took my challenges head-on and created miracles with it. And, I believe that this is the platform that will definitely help me reach out to a wider audience, and have my voice heard louder than before.
Just like any obstacles you have in life, the key to having a positive experience is to remain calm like the water. Focus on your purpose, missions and/or goals. Understand that you can overcome everything you are experiencing. And allow your values to be stronger than your fear. Give yourself that opportunity to grow without holding yourself back. I strongly believe you deserve happiness, success and infinite possibilities.
Let's not allow fear to control us,
Let's not allow our voice to be lost,
Let's take a day at a time to create the change you hope to see,
And be the drop of water will make ripples throughout the entire pond.
- Elena Tong, 3rd February 2022
Note: I will be representing Malaysia in for the international pageant, Miss Plus World on March. Buzz me to learn how I can help you spread your brand to a wider audience
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