I Hope You Win in Life

Last night, I came across a girl on TikTok who was live-streaming. I’m mostly on TikTok to observe and learn about people’s behaviors, as economics and human nature fascinate me. Some might say social media can feel shallow, but I see it as a window into real emotions, reactions, and stories. For me, there’s value in observing people in spaces as simple as the comments section.

This girl was talking to her viewers, engaging them openly. Her surroundings were modest—you could even hear chicken sounds in the background—and it was clear she didn’t live in the nicest place. I admit that I noticed her background, but the first thing that caught my attention was her face and how smart she was in responding to some of the mean comments. She wasn’t rude, and the negativity didn’t seem to affect her, which made me decide to observe more. Despite living in Asia, she didn’t have a typical Asian accent; instead, she spoke fluent English with an accent that was somewhere between American and British.

In the comments, most of the men admired her face and the way she spoke. However, many of the women were focused on why she spoke that way and, more critically, on how unappealing her background was, rather than on her intelligence or poise.

I’m not sharing this to single anyone out, but because it inspired me. I want you to win in life, and sometimes, we hold ourselves back by waiting for “just the right moment” or the perfect setting. Today’s world is obsessed with aesthetics, and while there’s a place for beauty, that focus can become a barrier. I sense jealousy from those who call you out just because you’re trying to start something. I’m not sure what motivates them to criticize instead of taking action themselves, but I admire those who start with what they have.

Your reasons for sharing your voice should come from a personal, empowering place. If you’re waiting for perfection before showing the world who you are, ask yourself: what are you really waiting for? Excuses often mask our fears. Starting where you are, with what you have, is where strength and self-discovery lie.

I hope you win in life, whatever your unique path may be. We all have different journeys, but I genuinely hope you find the courage to embrace yours. After all, “I’m not always right, but I want to write”—and I hope that you will, too.