Episode 139 : In pursuit of happyness

A few of my biker friends and I watched The Pursuit Of Happyness last Saturday.

As the movie played, I thought to myself that man gives his truly best shot when he has his back towards the wall. And a movie began playing in my head...

It was the worst of times. From the middle of 2001 till the end of 2002.

Well-wishers advised I stop looking at programming positions in technology companies. And join a BPO. Unwillingly, I gave it a shot. BPO companies were hesitant in taking a programmer in and I wasn't convinced that was what I wanted to do.

I did not stop studying for my post-graduation either. Or stop applying for programming positions, even entry-level ones, at technology companies.

That part of my life... others called it "being stupid".

The Hyde seniors let me be, and took pains to explain to doubting Thomases why I was hell-bent on doing what I wanted, even if I appeared to be on a path to self-destruction.

I later realised that if my parents did not back me, life would have been a lot, lot tougher.

Today, I look back at the past and smile at myself. Proud that I did not give in.

It's only been four days since I watched the movie, and I find myself unwilling to allow negativity to overwhelm me. Sure, there are times when I argue my views on being "realistic", but it is better than sinking into a morass of despair.

And today, I believe I can do it again.

It appears that my frequent riding trips are putting some people ill at ease.

'I am tired of your happiness, I want to see you hitched!' she said.

'Why are you so jealous of my happiness?' I retorted.

Chris Gardner: And it was at that time that I thought about Thomas Jefferson writing that Declaration of Independence. Him saying that we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And I thought about how he knew to put the "pursuit" in there, like no one can actually have happiness. We can only pursue it.

I am not truly happy, but I think I am content at the moment. And I like to think I will get there.

This part of my life... I call this one "in pursuit of happyness".