As far back as I can remember, my life and ambition have known no bounds. I wanted to see the world, experience different things, try to soak up as much knowledge as possible… Prestige, titles and praise never mattered to me; I did it for myself, and my own fulfilment.
It all began with the stories told by more experienced members of my family, and later on moved to my studies and looking up information online – as I was growing, so was my wish to see new things and explore the unknown.
And so, I used every chance I had – to learn and experience new things, to travel, all the while remaining a hopeless idealist.
In a sea of advice from my childhood years, I remember, to this day, something my parents said – the only things worth the investment of time and effort are knowledge, experience and travel. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to experience other cultures and especially lucky to have such nice parents who were able to recognise that, and invest in my education as much as they did.
Many have said I’d waste my youth studying and not take time to enjoy life as I should. But deep down inside, there was something encouraging me to go forward…to discover new things about other places and cultures, nurture my talents and absorb everything that inspires me. I have dedicated most of my life to photography, music, dance, writing, languages, travel, architecture and so on. And you know what? Looking back on those days, I can see it was a huge sacrifice but even more so – a blessing. And I wouldn’t change a thing.
Every single experience and discovery represents food for the soul, it nurtures it, and helps it grow. Be careful though. Going down this rocky road requires a lot of effort and willpower. And we might stray from the path and make a mistake here and there, after all, we’re only human… But no matter what, keep going. Be persistent, motivated by truth, aim higher, and get inspired by the beauty that surrounds us. Take in those small imperfections we so often neglect to see, store them, and allow yourself to be happy because these are the true life values. All of us will pass away some day, and our actions will stay behind as footprints in the sand long after we’re gone. They will live on in people’s thoughts and memories… And that’s something that motivates me when I feel like giving up, when it seems no strength is left to get through the day…
So if this article succeeds to inspire a single person during their time of need, like people dear to my heart helped me when I needed it the most, my mission has been successful. And remember – sooner or later great sacrifices, efforts and persistence really do pay off.
A. Vlaić