I remember very well when Husband first told me his dream. To build a business, to create something to call his own. How nice it is to have such a clear dream, and to have the courage to pursue it.

He had a go at it in his mid thirties, after a very successful decade in the corporate world, managing a global team and business by the tender age of 33 (he likes to remind me that this is one of few areas he beats me at, as I was a couple of years later than him in achieving that. For the good of his ego, I gladly concede defeat!). He found success, but the stint sharpened his thinking on what he truly loves. And so when the opportunity presented itself to learn about this area, he seized it and went back to the corporate world, for another decade. He had a great time, learning everything about something he is passionate about. A few years ago, circumstances led him to a crossroad again – to continue in the corporate ship, or to chase the rainbow at the horizon just after the storm that was the Global Financial Crisis.

Husband agonized over it. I did not. I knew it was going to be bloody hard. We would have to dip into our savings, live through a period of great uncertainty, and I would have to be the main breadwinner. But I cherish the magic of chasing rainbows too much not to encourage him to. What LKY said deeply resonates with me – “there’s a glorious rainbow that beckons those with the spirit of adventure. And there are rich findings at the end of the rainbow. To the young and to the not-so-old, I say look at the horizon, follow that rainbow, go ride it”. I wanted to ride that rainbow with him.

It has been as difficult, and as rewarding, as we have imagined the journey to be. People often see only the glamorous side of entrepreneurism. Only those who have taken the path know the sweat, fears and tears. It’s not about the capital at stake, or how much reserves there are to fall back on. It is rarely about the money. It’s far more about the mind. The omnipresent threat of failure, and the relentless assault of uncertainty. The insidious assertion of doubt, and the unconscious seep of belief. None of which, I’m inclined to think, human beings are built for. Hence the constant fight or flight tug of emotional war. Flight is the easier way out, only those who want it bad enough fight. I never for one moment, even in the most challenging of times, allowed either of us to think that flight was an option. But then again, there’s no bigger foolhardy optimist than me!

The hardest period is behind us now. I don’t know where this journey will lead in the years to come, but where it has led so far, I’ve had no regrets.

When I was very little, my rainbow was dancing. But I quickly realised I was never going to be amongst the best. I didn’t want to spend my life being just good enough, so me being me, I let that rainbow go. My next rainbow was public service, inspired by the giants of history I admire. There cannot, I thought, be more fulfilling work than leading and serving, for the common and greater good. But alas, I know I’m not cut out for politics, nor civil service. As explained in “Inappropriate dressing”, I am not good at conforming! I haven’t given up yet though. I am convinced that I can chase this rainbow without compromising who I am. I just need to figure out how (see how obstinately optimistic I am?!). I will keep searching, as I never want to be without magic in my life.

What is your rainbow? I hope you are chasing it, and have someone to ride it with. There’s no greater fulfillment in life, I think.

[Those of you looking forward to “Best time of my life! – Part II”, stay tuned, it’s coming up next!]