MY MIRROR SELF

Unlike humans, mirrors don't distort, bend, or misinterpret the images they reflect. Life's events can be viewed differently.

I gave the mirror a harsh, judgmental look as I fixed my gaze on it. Being bald, it is not necessary for me to check my reflection more than once for combing "operations." I'm getting older, too, as indicated by the few greying hairs that are still on my head. I examined myself more closely and put aside my typical negative thoughts about how useless I am. Disappointment, anger, and sometimes even disgust fill my mind as I walk away from the mirror. I looked into the mirror and saw aspects of myself that I didn’t like. The man who stared back at me pointed out my imperfections—and more and more imperfections. No matter how fast I move in my circle of competence, I will remain in the same place. Velocity would have brought stability to the carrier's trajectory. I have lost it in my life.

The story is a clear account of missed chances and opportunities. I realised it was an aspirational problem. I didn't even put any effort into being clear about my own life goals. Acquiring qualifications and accumulating wisdom are two very different things. In my case, my wisdom teeth were completely absent. I ended up becoming something I didn't even want to be. For me, I could say a career as a teacher is the last refuge for a failure like me.

In the rear-view mirror, nothing appears very bright or even particularly rosy.

I had to get used to looking ahead rather than backwards while looking through the windscreen. What lies ahead on the road? I struggle through the fog, trying to keep my eyes on the road despite my own myopia. So the view through the windscreen isn't exactly sunny. I think it's time to focus on what lies ahead for a while instead of what lies behind me.