‘You are free to choose, but you are not free to alter the consequences of your decisions.’
In the beginning, there’s always a choice but thereafter it becomes a little bit hard to decide what I would call a ‘chance’ and a ‘choice’. Some call it destiny. Whatever it is, I know in the end it all boils down to making a choice, which inadvertently becomes our fate.
At times life is kind and sometimes it is cruel. It is just a game that you need to manoeuvre with a big heart and a positive outlook. Many of us harbour big dreams -an innate quest to excel. To be labelled achievers. To leave an indelible mark, one that will have us remembered long after we have been lowered Six feet under.
On the other hand, we all have got our worst fears, failures, hang-ups, non-starters, naivety and all the other tags that come with being a member of the ‘mtu wa mkono’ club (the kind we all belong to because we have to eke out a living – to survive, well unless you are the son/daughter of Njenga Karume).
In pursuit of these dreams and/or high aspirations, we do need to understand ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, just in case you find yourself caught in a rut or are too scared to take that leap of faith.
Be kind to yourself
Often, we are our own worst enemy, thus why we tend to be too hard on ourselves. Especially if it isn’t easy to forgive yourself or even celebrate yourself for a mundane achievement (You know, a pat on the back for finally spending less time trawling on YouTube or snooping through Friends-of-friends pictures on Facebook?)
Think about it. The ‘Prince of Peace’ rode on the back of a lone donkey and not a motorcade of Benzos or BMW’s (Like our local politicians).Christ’s example was simple. From it, I draw on the inspiration that we must always be joyful and humble.
Move on past your hang-ups and celebrate life. We need to make good sailors who anchor deep. When there’s a change of direction in the wind, then we adjust our sail. Don’t let life swing you in all directions – set a goal and choose the path to take. (Pray for wisdom)
Security blanket
On a more personal note: My Postgraduate studies are nearly done. The future does seem pretty hazy. I am constantly mark-timing and afraid of making wrong decisions or missing out on opportunities. Like my friend, Ciru said (RIP). I am afraid of leaving my comfort zone to venture into the unknown.
I like my ‘security blanket’ for, without it, I feel exposed and vulnerable (or so I think).Yet I do believe that everything in life is pre-destined (yap, I belong to that school of thought). As a Christian, I have grown to believe that as long as things are destined to be so they shall come to pass.
Anyway, I have always believed that we all have our moments of victory, big or small; all you need to do is look inward. After all, we just need to be happy. Live the life to the fullest. Not counting time, but let time count. Know what God gave us? Abundant joy!*(I am writing in plural because I believe that there is another soul out there who shares similar sentiments)
Be blessed.