Coolest thing I learned since becoming Miss Universe Malaysia đ„
Covid may feel like ancient history to most, but some of its ripples take years to reach the shore. One of those ripples carried me exactly where I am today. I lost things I thought were permanent and found things I never knew I needed. Since uncertainty has been my constant companion, it has made me braver than I ever imagined.
So, rule 101 : Take risks, even when they look irrelevant. Donât try to forecast about your life too soon yet.
Being a Miss Malaysia opened doors and taught me some cool lessons:
1/ Ă lâessai â try, try, try!
When I began my catwalk training, neither my coach nor I knew if the competition would even happen. Despite that, I still moved forward like a fisherman casting a wide net being unsure where the fish were, but being certain the haul would come. Just try, try and try. Even if you donât win, the catwalk and public speaking training alone will give you incredible confidence.
2/ Everything is fleeting, but that doesnât make it worthless
When I entered the pageant, old acquaintances (mainly from finance) commented it was a âA step down,â âLetting herself be objectified.â They might be right in their worldview.
In mine view however, life is nothing but âa beautiful dream that can vanish any secondâ (ć€§æąŠäžćș). I feel most alive to keep renewing my experiences. A pageant was simply another experienceâneither more nor less sacred than the ones before or after.
Iâve stared death in the face many times that every morning I wake up is another day of borrowed time/blessings. Thatâs the fundamental belief I have to try new things in life.
That said, beauty is fleeting and transient. Just like rainbows dissolve, dew evaporates and flowers drop their petals. Denying the value of beauty and youth because it wonât last forever is injustice. Shining briefly (even once) is still part of celebrating life, as sometimes what youâve been gifted demands escape, strangely enough it is like an existential urge. It wasnât pure ego, but a way to appreciate the fleeting but beautiful moments you create for yourself and others.
3/ The paradox of options
More choices donât automatically mean more freedom.
Every road circles back to the fundamental question of âwho are youâ? The only way to graze an answer is through experiences and reflection, knowing even the answer is always in flux with a dynamic system as you keep experiencing.
Fitzgerald once said: âI was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.â Life can be complex when it comes to navigating the âreal path of lifeâ. You need the wisdom to distinguish what drains you from what truly nourishes your life.To become world-class at anything, one must surrender to his/her truest self.
Post pageant, I realized it is hard to saying no to the shiny distractions that donât serve the vision, but I have to do so for my longer goal. End of the day no one remembers the beautiful gowns or the invitations to fancy parties. People only remember how you made them feel and the positive impact youâve made in their lives.
4/ Build connections & chase great conversations
Life is too short not to explore new ideas and exchange what weâve each learned. Through pageant Iâve connected with interesting people from all walks of life, and the best conversations always end with excitement to take action and start building the future the two (or more) of you just envisioned together.
5/ Beauty is vitality
I have very diverse tastes when it comes to beauty, but what all my favourites have in common is an exceptionally high energy level. The vitality you radiate comes from the books youâve read, the experiences youâve lived, the people youâve talked to or helpedâŠ.create bliss each and everyday.
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