Perhaps from the moment we are born, our lives have already been decided for us. Although we don’t know what we will be or how our lives will turn out, everything has already been set in stone. Or has it? Maybe life is more of a blank canvas and it is instead up to us to decide what will be on it. So, is it better to go through life with a plan or to just go with the flow?
The Young Post recently asked this question, with a number of Secondary 6 students from Pui Ching Middle School tackling the topic. Whether they believe in fate, planning ahead, or somewhere in between, the students submitted essays reflecting on what they think, offering creative and insightful reads.
In this week’s edition, as well as the next, The Young Post will continue to provide a platform for the students’ voices through a compilation of their opinions and best lines from the remaining submissions of the Secondary 6 students.
Earlier this month, The Young Post published six articles by Pui Ching Middle School students on the subject.
Seeing what fate has in store for you
“In my experience, I have witnessed the enchantment that unfolds when one lets go and merges with the symphony of flow. In those sacred moments, time stands still, every breath is imbued with adventure, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary, transcending its mere existence. It is in these sacred instances that I feel the pulsating heartbeat, the divine spark within me, igniting me for a purpose”.
– Chan Kuan Wai
“Plans will never keep pace with changes. Therefore, instead of creating endless plans, why not choose to follow our hearts, embrace, and encounter our fates?”
– Chan See Ching
Since we are all unique and will achieve things in our own time and manner, there is no need for us to mimic or be envious of the success of others. Since everyone has a different speed in life, we don’t need to be stressed about keeping up with them.
– Cheng Chi Ut
Despite the many benefits of planning, as mere human beings, our plans can never account for the inherent unpredictability of our lives.
– Chu Wai In
In between fate & planning
“Letting our destiny decide our path while simultaneously making a plan can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life”.
– Kong Chi Kei
“By embracing failure and learning from it, we gain resilience, wisdom, and the ability to grow stronger in the face of adversity. Failure is not a reflection of our worth; instead, it is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement”.
– Chan Wun Lam
“A more nuanced viewpoint acknowledges the advantages of both intention and flexibility, suggesting that both are essential for fulfilling experiences and significant accomplishments. By seizing opportunities and aligning our actions with our goals, we can ultimately build a life that is fulfilling, purposeful, and progressing towards our aspirations”.
– Lau Meng Hei
“Combining the ability to adapt to changing circumstances with a clear sense of purpose and direction can maximise opportunities and increase the chances of achieving personal goals”.
– Leong Cheng Long
“Be prepared to adapt to the changes or abandon your outdated plans. Life is not a race, but a journey of your choice”.
– Leong Hei Chit
“While we may initially follow a predicted path, there are moments when we must deviate, adapt, and forge our way. There will always be crossroads, where we must evaluate whether to continue on the established path or search for the proper way to our future path”.
– Thomas Lo
“One must be receptive enough to unexpected developments yet discerning enough to channel energy towards personal priorities”.
– Ma Iok Kei
“There is no definitive response regarding the preference between adhering to trends or forging a distinctive path in life. This is a choice that individuals must make based on their personal circumstances and beliefs”.
– Pan Hoi In
“Although we cannot control the things happening in our lives, we can control how we react to them. Some interesting ideas are that the hero and villain often have similar backstories and living environments. One chose to make everyone suffer his pain and one chose to protect everyone from suffering his pain”.
– Pang Tin Long
Taking life by the reins
“By becoming the driver of our own train, we not only have the power to set our own destination and create a unique landscape throughout our journey but also to broaden the horizons of others. We can inspire them to discover what they truly desire in their own life journey”.
– Si Ian Wai
“Following our heart allows us to approach life with spontaneity and creativity. It strengthens us by having us face uncertainty and adversity, like how a waterfall disperses a calm stream. It allows us to embrace uncertainty and learn how to thrive in these situations”.
– Chan Ngai Long
“You have to fight for everything you want. Your effort determines the result”.
– Ho Hou Chi
