An Ode to Myself

Bad news: my project got aborted after four months.

Turns out, it might be one of the most valuable experiences of my life.

I was aligned with the company's mission: making high-quality prosthetics accessible to all. However, I was not aligned with the company's values and way of operating. To be honest, if they hadn't stopped the mission, I would have quit and I'm really proud of that.

THE KEY TAKEAWAY

This is my key takeaway, and it's something I should carry with me for the rest of my journey. Whatever I'm doing, whether it's personal or professional, a job or a passion, mandatory or optional, I must be aligned with my values and with the person I am. Yeah, I know it's easy to say but we always have a choice in what we do with our lives, even when it doesn't feel like it.

Working in a toxic environment because you need that job? Well, fuck it. I'd rather be broke than misaligned with myself.

Stuck in a relationship because you love her or him? Sorry, but I love myself more.

Friends with an asshole because you've known him for years? I'm not leaving you behind, but I'm letting you go from my life.

This is the realest challenge I've ever faced. It's about introspection, value alignment, and decision-making.

THE DRIVE TO CREATE

I've been questioning my drive to create, and I realized that some of my projects were done not for myself, but for others and for external social approval. Not all of them, but some of them. Admitting this was already a challenge in itself. But the real challenge lies in finding the genuine underlying drive to create and foster culture.

That's my answer: I want to push culture forward in my own way.

I promised myself : always be in pursuit of creating, but with an impulse that is real and true to myself.

FROM THE NOTEBOOK

These are the exact words I wrote in my notebook:

Hamza. That's from you and for you. I am really proud of who you are and of what you are accomplishing. Remain true to yourself and keep pushing forward this way. The cherry on the cake? The way you do it bru: with care, passion, and love. I did not find myself, I found where I'm heading.

I believe that's an ode to me, from myself.

WHAT'S NEXT

I'll enjoy my remaining weeks in Brazil to the fullest. After that, I'll be back in my hometown with my family and friends.

The plan? Recharge, gather energy, and find a new project for my mission before setting off on a new adventure.