A reminder for myself

Dear Noreen,

I know that life is difficult for you at the moment. The long and frequent on-calls, the ever darkening and enlarging dark circles below your eyes, the fatigue and absolute absence of social life. You might have lost your motivation, you might have forgotten your aims and dreams, you might be in despair.

This is a reminder for you. A reminder which you sorely need now.

Remember the time when you talked to seniors while you were going through your rotations before the end of medical school? One of them encouraged you to go for the MRCP as early as you can and take it seriously. Even if you end up failing the first time, at least you will know what to prepare for the next opportunity. This is your ticket to escape the cycle, to specialise, to climb up the ladder. Remember that you'd wanted to do whatever you can to avoid ending up as a chronic MO in Malaysia?

Do you remember your childhood dream? You've only accomplished 15% of it. The whole world is still out there waiting for you to explore. Europe is such a small area. There's still the big continent of US waiting for you to set foot in it. One of your dreams was to do your sub-specialisation there so that you can explore even more!

Do you remember that you adopted most if not all the advises on becoming a millionaire? Not only that you were courageous enough to think that becoming a millionaire might be within easy reach of you due to the ever shrinking value of currencies, you thought that you should aim higher towards billions instead. One key point that you must remember is: Millionaires are willing to suffer first as they're fighting for freedom, not comfort or financial stability. Remember, all the effort that you've invested will eventually bring you nearer to your goals.

I wished that I hadn't gotten this foresight. This difficult and winding road that I've chosen at present. I can see myself turning into you. Turning into the you who's slowly losing your motivation, giving up your dreams, choosing the easy way out than staying on fighting.

I am repainting all your aims and dreams again. This is a reminder to you. A reminder which you can come back to read over and over again as it will not expire.

All the best to you. You can do it!

Love,

Noreen of the present