The Timid Me

Introduction

Time has moved so quickly that I have become a Grade UF 48 Pharmacist without even realizing it.

• It is still vivid in my mind that when I was a provisional registered pharmacist (UF 41), I thought that UF 48 and UF 52 pharmacists must have worked for a very long time and had plenty of knowledge and experience.
• Yes, it has eventually reached to a point that I should feel that I am unworthy if I could not address juniors' questions.
• However, the truth is that the unstoppable time has made me a senior and no otherwise.

I still lack the confidence to give educational talks or presenting case studies to my peers.

• Even the knowledge that I share here, there could always be more to learn and I may not aware of.
• On the other hand, I prefer to sit in the audience seat and absorb new knowledge.

I am comfortable being a junior pharmacist, performing daily routines of screening, transcribing, filling and dispensing tasks in the outpatient pharmacy.

• All these tasks made me feel like I am actively contributing to my patients' well-being.
• I have no desire to make difficult administrative and management decisions or deal with audits and complaints.
• Moreover, mentoring and managing new pharmacists is a challenging responsibility.
• Undeniably, there are times that I wish to avoid facing those annoying patients.

Meanwhile, I have seen my batch mates become senior clinical pharmacists with certain credentials, and even juniors who have completed a Master's or PhD degree.

• It is strange to think that I am now sitting in the audience while junior pharmacists take the stage as speakers. Nonetheless, it is happening.

The Illusion of Youthful Idealism

Until adulthood, we often spoke about "I" as if the world revolved solely around us – phrases like "I want to" and "I hope" dominated our conversations.

• Growing up within families that often prioritized our needs reinforced this self-centered perspective.
• When things did not go according to our wishes, we felt as though the entire world was conspiring against us.

Before venturing into the real world, young people tend to believe that their own perspective is the only correct one and that the world should conform to their ideals.

• This overconfidence stems partly from a naive belief that they are destined for success and a perceived superiority over older generations, often attributed to advancements in technology and the passage of time.
• Even with our perceived intellectual superiority, we fail to appreciate that the roles will eventually reverse, and we may become the very generation that younger individuals view as resistant to change and clinging to outdated ways.

However, through time and the often-painful life lessons of falling, crying, and moving on, we gradually realize our own insignificance and the wisdom that often lies in quiet contemplation.

• Previous generations likely encountered similar challenges, wrestled with the same issues, and diligently sought solutions.
• Management decisions and plans are typically the result of careful consideration of the needs of various stakeholders.

Despite this, this youthful ego fuels our ambition, driving us to explore and experiment.

The Vastness of the World

Whenever I am standing atop a tall building or on an airplane, I am struck by the insignificance of human existence.

• We appear as mere ants scurrying around, whether in cars or on foot.
• The metallic cars that seem so sturdy and impenetrable from within appear like toys from a bird's-eye view.
• Consequently, we are equally powerless in the face of natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes.

Compared to the awe-inspiring vastness of nature, our presence on Earth is truly negligible.

• We occupy an infinitesimally small portion of the planet, that we claimed as home.
• Even if we depart from this world through accident or peaceful death, it will have no significant impact on the grand scheme of things.
• In the vast expanse of time, everything continues unabated.
• We are merely one of countless individuals who pass away every second.

While we may tend to believe ourselves to be the most brilliant among our peers, the often-overlooked reality is that many others are equally or more brilliant.

• Every era produces its own heroes and heroines, individuals who make significant contributions to society.
• However, we often fail to recognize the immense effort and dedication of others who are tirelessly pursuing their dreams.
• Many of these individuals remain quietly dedicated to their pursuits, their brilliance often hidden within their own focused lives.
• Only through active reflection and a conscious effort to look beyond our own perspectives can we truly begin to appreciate the remarkable individuals who enrich our world.

Summary

This realization does not diminish our individual worth, but rather serves as a reminder of humility.

• Remember that who you are today represents a continuous improvement from the person you once were.
• Cultivate a positive mindset towards the efforts of others, and never forget to respect others, just as you once expected respect from them.

In life, complaining is never an effective strategy.

• Remember, if you are not willing to work for it, then do not complaining about not having it.

From another perspective, we should also realize that very few people pay close attention to every detail of our lives, beyond our immediate family and close friends.

• Most people may offer judgment for a time, but they quickly return to their own concerns.
• Therefore, it is crucial to be yourself and live life on your own terms.