In the quiet corners of my mind, I yearn for a feeling—no, an experience—that speaks to the essence of being Gary Sheng. I want the core of my identity to radiate a sense of serenity, to be a sanctuary of relief and inner peace. When people think of me, and more importantly, when I think of myself, the first thing that should come to mind is that reassuring whisper: "Everything's going to be okay."
I want to wake up every day with a tangible sense of clarity, that joyful realization that I am here, in the present, alive and buzzing with the radiant energy that comes from simply being.
My goal isn't just to exist but to live in a way that's so aligned with my truest self that it builds a neurological pathway—a full bind, if you will—between my existence and the feelings of peace and presence.
Because if I can be that beacon of serenity for myself, I can be it for others, too. I don't just want to feel peace; I want to embody it. I don't just want to experience serenity; I want to project it outwards, to be a mirror that reflects these emotions onto everyone I interact with.
In my most contemplative moments, I've understood that becoming this version of myself isn't just something I'd like to do; it's something I have to do. If I don't cultivate these qualities within me, if I don’t understand how to navigate my own stormy seas, how can I ever hope to support others in finding peace? So I embrace the notion that I get to be peace, I get to be serenity—first for myself, and then, only then, for the world around me.
That's what I want the experience of being Gary Sheng to be. A life where the joy of existence is so potent, so all-encompassing, that it leaves no room for anything less than what elevates me and those around me. And in that journey, the pathway to becoming that person becomes clear each day, with each mindful step.
So when I close my eyes and envision what it feels like to be me, that's the feeling I want to be overwhelmed by—a sense of complete and utter peace, entwined with the invigorating thrill of being alive. And it's in that sacred space between peace and aliveness that I'll find my truest self.