I am not boasting about my hardships as a kid. Rather, the prospect of having breathing room and freedom when going to college had me feeling exhilarated.<\/p>\n
Finally, I could have my own perspectives on life and develop a more open mind to try new things.<\/p>\n
But with the great Asian expectations, it was cut short. I had a deadline: four years to study and secure a high-income and stable job, mandatory upon graduation. Then financially provide back to the family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Cycle complete.<\/p>\n My parents\u2019 expectation of providing for a successful heir in America was complete.<\/p>\n So, now what?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Graduated from university in business and now we work in the industry. All of a sudden, I am an adult, and I have to navigate this journey called life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For context, my parents were physically there but mentally absent. They provided for the family, but we had great expectations to serve. I was pushed to become an adult earlier on. Now, I feel like a child again, exploring different aspects of life I didn\u2019t earlier. The one big topic that kept coming back was self-identity.<\/p>\n Human psychology and behavioral science have always fascinated me. Reading has recently been a therapeutic de-stressor. I allocate time for a few chapters to read on human psychology and personally develop.<\/p>\n Soon, Barnes and Noble became a nice date idea. There\u2019s something about physical book copies that feel meaningful and special over digital versions. I came across this book, \u201cIkigai\u201d (a Japanese concept that combines the words \u201ciki\u201d and \u201cgai\u201d to mean \u201ca reason to live\u201d). The book helped me reflect and reconnect back to another Chinese book covering society\u2019s definition of success for our current generation.<\/p>\n Here are some questions to ask when having a mental reality check:<\/p>\n Have we been chasing the type of success portrayed by our society?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What do we want to become and where are we going to end up?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What makes us happy and fulfilled?<\/p>\n I have asked myself multiple times, what would bring me happiness. Buying a new car? Buying a house? The next Chanel purse? Is it even about the money and power?<\/p>\n That sounds more like a standard format of \u201csuccess\u201d portrayed by society. Don\u2019t get me wrong, money gives you freedom and a sense of security, which leads to happiness. In the modern day, money is key to survival.<\/p>\n So is your health.<\/p>\n Money is limited by one\u2019s ability to produce for the economy. If you get sick, your potential output is now hindered. Your performance review is on the line. Many don\u2019t take sick days and end up mentally drained till breaking point.<\/p>\n Mental health \u2013 overlooked but the most important factor to function. Your emotions help balance your physical health and mental stability every day.<\/p>\n Being a fan of the Studio Ghibli animation films, here is a memorable quote: \u201cWe are used to understanding happiness as \u201chaving.\u201d<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at this quote. Real happiness should be \u201chaving nothing.\u201d No worries, no illnesses, no disasters. Think about it. One finds peace by being stress-free mentally, physically, and spiritually. Have no lingering thoughts burdening the mind. Not being tied down by the stress of obligations; nor complacent in an environment that does not encourage growth and change. Inner liberation and self-awareness allow individuals to live with their true purpose, values, and beliefs.<\/p>\n Having materialistic goods is something for others to see. Reaching Maslow\u2019s hierarchy of self-actualization means understanding who I truly am and what impact have I had on our generation to feel a little bit more fulfilled. That is the true definition of finding inner peace.<\/p>\n Everyone is at different stages in life and battling at different times. I found closure on this path and now am ready to jump on to my next chapter in life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kevin Tran is a Marketing and Financial Consultant in San Jose, Calif.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cI have fulfilled my parent\u2019s expectations\u2026 So, now what?\u201d This is the thought we are left with once we have finally fulfilled our responsibilities as Asian American children. Perhaps it\u2019s time to learn self-identity. Exploring self-identity enhances one\u2019s true values and beliefs. As new adventures bring humbling experiences, the reality check becomes eye-opening. Different life…<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/PAGE-ASIAN-AMERICAN-EXPECTATIONS-02-AdobeStock_998913264.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Co-Author:<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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