"BEYOND THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT" BY TORRECAMPO, ZHOEY ALEXA D.
"Beyond The Shadow of a Doubt"
For my CLF poster, I incorporated various elements that reflect what it means to be a human created in the image and likeness of God. At the base of the artwork, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is depicted, grounding the piece in the story of humanity's origin. Flowing through the scene is water, representing the holy water of Baptism, which cleanses us from Original Sin and marks the beginning of our spiritual journey. On the left, light pours from a chalice, symbolizing our sacred connection with God both in body and spirit. A hand reaches toward this light, signifying the role of saving grace in our lives and our constant yearning for divine love. Above all these elements, a pair of eyes watches over the entire scene. These eyes symbolize self-awareness, human dignity, and the understanding of origin, history, and destiny. Sealing the cracks throughout the piece is wax, representing God's unwavering love for us, even in moments of sin. Rather than turning away, He continues to embrace us with mercy and open arms. Finally, the purple candle stands as a symbol of the human spirit: a reminder of the importance of knowing our identity, purpose, and the value of our relationships with others.
"It's not what you are that holds you back, it's what you think you are not." This quote by Denis Waitley is one that I resonate with deeply. In this current world of comparison and expectations, one cannot help but second-guess oneself and their capabilities. I, myself, often experience what is called "Impostor Syndrome." Defined as the inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills. Along the way, I started believing I had no chance at anything that I did. However, I have come to realize recently that this is definitely not the case. In truth, there have been times in my life where I proved myself to be more than I ever expected by taking chances my past self would not dare to.
An experience where I acted beyond my basic needs or desires, where I felt like I was aiming for something, was the time when I applied for The Josenian Premier. That day, I walked down the hallway and saw the flyers that were put up. I was not really interested at first, but then I looked a bit closer and noticed a position that I wanted to try out for. Gathering up my courage, I prepared my portfolio and submitted an application. I waited in anticipation and felt as though I was grasping a significant opportunity in my life. This experience taught me that I am able to achieve incredible things if I gather the courage to. The biggest obstacle to progress is the fear of failure. I learnt to rise above my limitations and threw my doubts out the window. I felt as though I was called to take on the challenge and seize the opportunity. No matter how much I tried to reconsider, I had found myself wanting to enter that world instead. In that moment, I was more than just a mind or a body, I was a combination of all my past decisions and hopeful dreams.
At first, I viewed the situation through a limited perspective, focusing only on my own motivations and fears. This only made me anxious about the application process and filled my mind with self-doubt. Over time, however, I came to realize that this moment was just as significant for the other applicants as it was for me. Each person who submitted an application carried their own worries and uncertainties. When I began to see the experience from a broader perspective, I understood that many others were likely feeling just as nervous as I was. That realization brought a sense of comfort and that I was not alone in this journey. My mindset shifted from “I applied for this organization” to “We all applied, we are not alone, and we are all doing our best.” By considering both the partial and holistic point of view in the experience, I gained a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. As the saying goes, “Ninety-nine percent of the things you worry about never happen.” Moving forward, I will remind myself to stay grounded and reach out to the people I trust.
Early on, I believed I was not qualified enough to apply for The Josenian Premier, and I assumed others were far more confident and capable than I was. Looking back, I now realize those were just opinions, not objective truths. What helped me separate truth from opinion was actually going through the process and reflecting on how I felt afterward. This shift in perspective helped me recognize that my anxious thoughts were not truth, but rather negativity that got to me. Through reflection, I could see how much I had grown simply by taking the chance and stepping out of my comfort zone. Seeking truth over blindly following opinions has made me more emotionally self-aware. It has taught me to approach challenges with curiosity instead of fear. As I continue to improve, I will remember that truth often reveals itself through experience.
This was more than just applying for an organization, it was a journey of personal transformation. By facing my worried thoughts and seeking truth over assumption, I developed a stronger, more grounded version of myself. Moving forward, I will continue to embrace opportunities with courage, knowing that every step taken brings me closer to the person I strive to become. As a Josenian, I am called to the core value of Interiority, looking inwards and developing a better sense of self. Thus, I encourage everyone to take a second to think and see if you are content with where you are now.
The phrase "beyond the shadow of a doubt" is used to express certainty or absolute truth. It is often employed in legal contexts to indicate that the burden of proof has been met, and there is no reasonable doubt left. In everyday language, it signifies that something is indisputable or without any hesitation. The phrase has its origins in the 18th century and has been used in various contexts to convey a high level of confidence or certainty.