Open the Unseen Wings

When you almost lost everything, you will find clarity and all the great things in life. This is the my story of being #financially free to…

Open the Unseen Wings

When you almost lost everything, you will find clarity and all the great things in life. This is the my story of being #financially free to ground zero.

21st June 2022. “The other side is under your feet by Tick Jiang**Influence life with life **by TagoreLive yourself as a light,Because you don’t know,Who by thy light,Out of the darkness.Keep the goodness in your heart,Because you don’t know,Who would take advantage of your kindness,Out of despair.Keep faith in your heart,Because you don’t know,Who would take your faith,Out of the confusion.Trust in your own power,Because you don’ t know,Who would believe in you,I began to believe in myself…Keep the confidence in your heart,Because you don’t know,There are people who believe in you,I began to be confident and self-reliant.Anytime, anywhere, under any circumstances,Don’t forgetThe dreams I keep in my heart,Not only did I let myselfOut of darkness and despair and confusion,More people have to believe itThey are the light in the night### Unseen Wings: Lessons from #Loss and #Rediscovery

Introduction In 2022, I stood on the brink of an abyss. A tragic divorce had stripped away what I once deemed my world: a near-successful startup, a home, my son, two cats, a dog, and the life I knew. But on Brighton Beach, as I questioned my very existence, I found an unexpected revelation — a moment of ‘paramita,’ the Buddhist concept of reaching the other shore, the end of suffering. It was then I realized: the ‘other shore’ was not a distant dream; it was right beneath my feet.

A Journey Through Wealth and Disillusionment

Growing up in China during its monumental economic shifts (1995–2009), I witnessed first-hand the creation of immense wealth. But with wealth came a change in values. I saw people spoil their children, make irrational investments, and lose what they had gained. Even in my own life, the rare moments with my father were marked by luxury shopping sprees — a hollow substitute for parental presence.

The Pursuit of Dreams and Reality of Success

Rebelling against my predetermined path, I forsook the family business and a life of luxury. Embracing my identity as a gay man, I married young in NYC, the city that first legalized gay marriage. I made my first million, enjoyed a life of passive income, and achieved what many would call the dream: a beautiful family, a new home, financial security, even an AI-optimized share portfolio. Yet, amidst this seemingly perfect life, fulfillment eluded me.

The Edge of Despair and a Moment of Clarity

Standing at the edge of the sea, contemplating the unthinkable, I faced a profound truth. Death was not an escape from an unhappy life. In that terrifying moment of clarity, I understood that my true worth lay in what I could offer the world: my wisdom, my story of overcoming adversity, breaking barriers, and challenging social norms.

The Rainbow Revelation

As I turned away from the waves, two rainbows appeared, symbolizing a message akin to Tagore’s profound words in “Influence Life with Life.” They reminded me that life impacts life, and the legacy we leave begins in the present moment. It’s not about what we have lost or what we could have been; it’s about what we choose to do now.

The Essence of Unseen Wings

Through this journey, I’ve learned that our ‘unseen wings’ are not defined by external successes or material wealth. They are forged in the resilience of the human spirit, the kindness we spread, the faith we inspire in others, and the confidence we build within ourselves and others. As Tagore eloquently puts it, we may not know who benefits from our light, kindness, faith, or confidence, but our influence resonates beyond our immediate perception.

Embracing the Now

As I continue my journey, I embrace each moment as an opportunity to influence, to teach, and to learn. My story is a testament to the power of unseen wings — the strength and impact we all possess, often unrecognized, always potent. In sharing this, I hope to inspire others to find their own unseen wings, to understand that even in loss, there is immeasurable gain, and in despair, a chance for rebirth.

Life influences life, and in this intricate dance of existence, we are all both students and teachers, forever learning to fly on our unseen wings.

• Tick JIANG The Light of the moment by Tick Jiang

By Tick JIANG on January 23, 2024.

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Exported from Medium on December 14, 2025.