Road to Success

You never know till you tried.

A common idiom that prompt people who are reluctant to try something they are unfamiliar with, to step out of their comfort zone, gaining new experiences. Reality is harsh as success does not come randomly knocking on our doorsteps. What is success anyways? It is determined by the individuals.

Darkness was never my friend to begin with, but this particular road made me change my perspectives. It is the shortcut that parents would forbidden you to cross at night, friends would advise not to use it to go home and you might think I am crazy to cycle on this road during midnight. I would refer it as the shortcut due to nobody knew its name, and majority is unaware of its existences.

It has significantly shortened the distance from the west town to the east town of Kampar compared to the main road. The downside of this road is bumpy passage full of rocks, used furniture are abandoned at its sideways, often clogged with water in its holes after the rain which caused major difficulties for any vehicles, and worst of all, it is not equipped with a single street light. 

My first night encounter with the shortcut happened after I finished meeting with friends in the west town. I stood at the last street lights before entering the shortcut, contemplating whether I should just head back and sleep in my friends' place or to venture this pitch black, god knows what is waiting for me. 

I was shivering as cold air breezed across my spine, also adding an excuse to cover up my fear. I slurped my saliva and embarked my journey in the depth of darkness. I cycled slowly as the sound of different creatures that I am unable to identify vibrates in my eardrum. The road seems to be endless in the dark until I saw little yellow fiery lights ahead. Assumed it was ghost, I was terrified till I was unable to even scream. I stood in the dark, rocky road for a moment till I realized those are fireflies. 

I have never seen fireflies besides from pictures and I ran out of words discovering these little hopes. Beautiful would be an understatement to describe them. I stood awhile to admire their beauty of light, I never thought it would be so appealing and it was really an eye opener. Caught an firefly with both of my bare hands and got a closer look at it. Amazing, its body is 1 cm but the fiery light of it only a tiny part at the back of its body. It is a vulnerable bug as it flies in a rather slow pace, it was easy for me to reach out for them without effort. Then I remembered that I have to continue my journey back. 

I then reached to a small slope that look like slide, but it was filled with certain amount of stones and rocks as if it was provoking me to "pass if you can". To be safe, I got down from my bicycle and push it along side and concentrate my attention on making my way down. As much as I wanted to get out from the shortcut as quickly as possible, I did not want to risk any injuries here. Walking down the 45 degree slope was a challenge, but walking together with the bicycle brought it to next level. 

Moments later, I almost slipped but in the midst of trying to regain my balance, I had glance of dim scene. I raised my head and look ahead and above of me, and discover a magnificent view of midnight scene where the moonlight did not entire shine like how the sun does, covering the entire shortcut pathway. It was like an artwork of the universe. The mixture of dim yellow light fused with the contrasts of black, emitting explainable peaceful vibe caught me off attention. 

Plenty rumors saying that the shortcut was haunted, but it did not stop me from using it even it was 3 o'clock in the morning. That is the shortest way back and it was not as creepy as they said. Occasionally, I would leave my bicycle and walk my way to the town but often there will be passerby would offer me a ride, that of course it is during the day. You would find that so much kindness are filled in the road despite on how it looks. 

The discovery of this unpopular shortcut happened when I was heading to one of my friend's house then passed by its entrance, never thought it would be a life changing path that enable me to overcome my fear. Many memories made there although you might thought "what is so special with just a road?" Even though I am grateful to have it as a part of my life, I do hope it would be upgraded by the local authorities. At least, lay a tar road for the convenience of town folks. I fell from my bike due to the bumpy road and caught myself with bruises, but it hit me that there are ups and downs in life too as we need to learn to get back up on our feet and continue our journey.  

Tips of Affirmation

It is always easier to spend than to earn. While I am studying, I have worked plenty part time jobs as barista, retail assistant, data entry typist, freelance events and etc. All these job are to gain different experiences and mostly importantly, a side income for me to spend ( I am a full time undergrad).

As I was working as a waiter in a fully packed cafe whereby customers are willing to wait for at least 30 minutes to get a decent place in the cafe, I came across a group of friends who at last got themselves a table to seat. What happened was they requested for a jug of plain water so they would not need us waiter to serve them as all the waiters are extremely busy. I told them unfortunately our cafe does not have sufficient jugs but I will be there serving them. Twice they ask me to refill their cups and I did. I did it because it is part of my job. I smiled and asked them whether they liked the food, and turns out they love it!

As I am heading back to the bar, I saw their cups are empty, so I took the jug of water, and went to their table. Coincidently, one of they raised her cup to a waitress, indicates her to refill the cup. And that is when I took the cup from her, and refill it on the spot. I also refill others'. They thanked me and asked for my name.

When they rise up from their seat and were about to leave, I headed to their table, ready to collect the dishes. When I reached their table, they requested me to take pictures for them (The cafe I worked in is a photo worthy cafe that most customers came for its attraction). I agreed to help them but I did mention that my photography skills are bad. They said don't mind.

When we went out of they cafe, they started asking me casual questions as if we just met and making friends. Where am I studying, what do I study, what my course does so on and so forth. I answered all the questions but I did not ask any in return. I mentioned that this is my first day working in the cafe and they were amazed. Then we felt rain drops hitting on us and two of their friends are still in the cafe. Ended up I did not take pictures for them, they told me to continue with my work. I smiled and as I am about to leave, one of them passed me a tissue paper with some writings on.

"Here's a tips for you," she said. I did not know what to do but instantly I took the tissue and kept it in my pocket. I thought it was just words so, I thanked her without even looking at those words. "There's money inside," she said with a smile. I was shocked. I took out the tissue, flip it open and I am really surprised to find a RM 10 in it. I thanked her again and went off continued my work. I was so happy the entire day. I feel affirmed by this tips.

There are many reason to be happy with it even though it was RM10 (you might think it is a small amount). One, I only getting RM 70 working from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (working time ends at 7p.m. but it was so busy that I missed my break time, eventually I requested to go an hour earlier). It is considered a low pay but I have no choice as I could not find a better pay job. Secondly, RM 10 is a lot for a student like me. I could get 2 meals with it, or even better, 3 meals. The best was the affirmation given by a stranger, worth more than a RM 10. I learned that happiness really could come in many forms. What is your form of happiness? Share on the comment below!