Everyone of us possesses unique qualities that set us apart from others. It’s crucial to identify and cultivate these traits, and once recognized, it’s essential to be humble and avoid becoming overconfident. As we achieve excellence in a specific area, expectations rise for us to perform at that level. In this context, maintaining humility and a sincere mindset is vital. I too discovered a talent, which occurred during a badminton game where I realized that basic shots came to me effortlessly. I considered it a unique gift. This realization led me to pursue a badminton career, and after two years of hard work, I became the champion at the district level, entering the professional realm of the sport. Over time, I began to believe I was the best, which caused a decline in my practice intensity, and I started to disregard the advice of senior players and my coach. Soon after, I entered a state-level tournament, and my previous humility was replaced by overconfidence, neglecting that many capable players existed. To my dismay, I was eliminated in the first round by a player I had previously defeated at the district level, leading to great disappointment. I felt I had let down my family and coach, and I was ashamed to face them. When my coach found me, I anticipated anger for my poor performance; instead, he was calm and kind, providing me with a profound lesson on hard work and humility. He noted my change in attitude, which contributed to my defeat, and advised that one should always stay grounded regardless of success levels, stressing the importance of respect and humility towards everyone, including opponents. From that moment, I pledged to abide by my coach's guidance throughout my life. Although my defeat was an embarrassing experience, it was a pivotal learning moment, never too late to recover and chart a better course.
Upon witnessing her canary's death as a child, the poet was not initially overcome with "tears or sadness," but rather focused on the "fitness" of the canary's burial. However, as an adult, she goes through a profound mourning experience:
Unaware that death would bring such difficulty
Afterward, dark and lacking form or aim.
Following my initial true sorrow, I cried, felt sadness, was engulfed in darkness,...
Once her mourning concluded, she reflected on her youthful reaction to the canary's passing. She believes that her first reaction displayed wisdom, despite its apparent insensitivity. She perceives all human existence as a form of play, with death symbolizing a farewell ceremony:
The yellow bird lingers in my thoughts, and I remark
That the child may be insensitive yet wise, understanding the essence of play.
