If it scares you, you should probably do it.

Whenever I encounter a scary situation, I always tell this to myself. 

And because of that, I was able to do this.

Sky diving is the scariest and most exciting thing I did in my life. Adrenaline is pumped into your veins the moment you step into the plane and you're gonna scream your lungs out when jumped off the airplane.

I am also scared of public speaking. That's why I joined Toast Masters club.

Growing up I was a shy timid boy. Probably because I have 5 sisters who are much louder than me. :)

My dad was working overseas leaving my mom solely taking care of us 6 siblings.

Even though my dad was away most of the year we never felt that our family was incomplete. We always felt the love and care of our parents.

In school, I'm an average student probably because I don't like getting too much attention to myself.

Growing up as an introvert. I interact less with people and I did not like participating in group activities.

But it's not all bad, because of this I learned how to be independent and responsible for my actions.

Back in 2013, I was working in the Philippines when my dad called me and asked me to move in Dubai.

I felt scared at first and worried about starting all over again.

I guess most of the people moving to another country will.

We all feel scared when faced with uncertainty.

But sticking to my mantra, I said yes to my dad and moved into Dubai.

Moving here was difficult at first.

Jumping from job to job, getting my visa cancelled and working without salary.

I felt weak and disappointed because before going to Dubai, I was confident with my skills but when I started going through interviews I was being told that I was not qualified for the job or I was not good enough.

But I kept moving forward knowing that there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

After going through all of these challenges, I realized that it made me stronger, made me a better person and thought me how to appreciate what I have right now.

Now a days I'm living comfortably here in Dubai, doing what I love with a positive outlook in life.

Software programming is my passion. Working as a software engineer gives me the challenge I'm looking for in a profession and makes me excited to get up in the morning and go to work.

I also started joining different communities and learning different things from other people's experiences.

I also travel to different places. Seeing the places that I only used to see in TV shows when I was a kid.

Travelling makes me feel free and open up my eyes to different things.

I have to say, seeing different cultures makes you realize that there's loads of things you know nothing about thus making you grounded and humble.

So whenever I encounter something difficult I always look back to the things that I wen through and remind myself that this too shall pass.

I still have a long journey ahead. I'm blessed that I'm surrounded with people who are helping me to succeed. 

Knowing that the only thing permanent in life is change, I'll keep asking my self the same question.

Does it scare you? Then you should do it.

 

p.s. This is the speech I used to win my best speaker award in the image above.