It’s been longer than usual since my last blogpost. Somehow, I’ve not found anything sufficiently inspiring to write about. And, it’s not that life hasn’t been interesting but nothing has jumped out at me and said, “You have to write about this.” However, it’s been a long hiatus and some readers have started to ask why I’ve not posted anything recently!
The truth is that I’ve been feeling challenged by changing circumstances and a situation that took a monumental effort to resolve. As I grappled with a series of disappointments, unreliable people and grinding bureaucracy, I had to narrow my focus to the matter at hand with a determination that I would see it through to a successful conclusion, no matter what it took. Despite the early mornings, late nights, missed meals and an interminable wait that threatened to break my spirit, I refused to be beaten.
Finally, after a series of false dawns, dead ends and phantom endings, it was over and my doggedness had won the day. The weirdest thing is that, through it all, I was thinking about how all these ‘trials and tribulations’ would play out in my blog! How would I explain without naming the guilty? What would my readers think of my moments of weakness; the times when I felt as if I’d reached rock bottom? And, most importantly, how would it end?
That’s why I couldn’t write – I didn’t have a happy ending to offer. There was no satisfying conclusion; no lesson learned; no redemption. Nothing to rouse the spirit, inspire confidence or get an ‘amen’. Absolutely nothing. And in those moments of desperate emptiness, I came to a startling realisation – that my awareness of the narrative that is my life’s journey is the very thing that creates success. I mean, how do I end the story with failure? I can’t give up, can I? No, I’ve got to keep going.
The truth is that you never really fail until you give up. Trials, tribulations and disappointments are just pit stops along the way to your final destination. That’s why we love Hollywood films – the hero meets numerous obstacles on his way to defeating the evil genius, arresting the murderer or getting the girl. There is always that point when it looks like he won’t make it and there’s no way out, but somehow he toughs it out, grits his teeth and makes that final effort that wins the day. It makes us feel that we could do it too. And we can.
Instead of approaching life as a game of chance, a few twists of fate or the manipulations of unseen spiritual forces, we should treat it as our own personal movie, novel or play. We write the script, choose the principal actors, the locations and the soundtrack. No matter how many times you appear to be down and out, you can come back. Bullets may be flying in every direction; you may even get injured; but you won’t die. Not today. It doesn’t have to end until you win.
These days, my life is an exciting series of twists and turns. New characters keep emerging and the plot is more unpredictable than ever. Although I feel some apprehension about the changes, I’m incredibly excited about how the plot is going to unfold in this new chapter. I used to think I could control every aspect of my future through careful planning but that’s impossible. Nowadays, I understand that my main role is to hold my resolve, move forward and insist on my happy ending.
So, I’ll keep getting up, no matter how many times I get knocked down. I’ve decided to be my own hero and the last man standing.
What’s your story?
From Kingston to Calabar 
Welcome back! You were missed. And this is a powerful message you have here today which can be applied to the life of any and every one. Sounds though like it is time for a trip home.(smiley face!) Thank you for your intelligent, well-thought out and lived articles/blogs.
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It’s nice to know I was missed! I starting getting messages asking ‘what’s up?’ It’s time for a trip home but only if you’ll be there this time!
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Just let me know…..
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Well written and true talk, it only ever ends when we say it does. Thanks Michael.
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Hi Julia! I know that you know this to be true. Let’s keep going until we win.
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” My awareness of the narrative that is my life’s journey is the very thing that creates success… “! My favourite part! Nice piece Michael! Very encouraging!
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Thanks Eche, I can count on you to make me feel that writing this blog is worthwhile. You will succeed in ways you are yet to imagine.
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Well said my friend..it leads me to think that its the need for a happy ending that really provokes a belief in the almighty.Those of us who dont face the real prospect of a sad end indeed.
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Thanks David. I guess that’s the ultimate happy ending but hopefully there are quite a few episodes left! We’ll discuss this over a drink next week. See you soon!
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so are you thinking about that sad end?
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Another thought provoking piece Michael; I could really feel the depth of your struggles. With the attitude you have to life your trials will certainly refine you and make you a stronger man. Keep standing!
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Thanks Charles. One day I’ll tell you the whole story – the detail wasn’t necessary here. Much as I don’t like to struggle, I love the growth that results. I appreciate the support.
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Great piece Sir Willie. Sometimes it is hard to predict the future or control the direction of your life. I have come across too many obstacles that I have to overcome. Somehow things seem to work itself out for the best. I try to maintain a philosophy that life is a journey where I should enjoy the journey because when that journey ends, life also end.
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Thanks Taylor. You’re absolutely right – it’s best to enjoy the journey, taking everything in your stride and knowing that things generally work out for the best. Although you can’t control random events, I do believe you can affect the long term outcomes with the decisions you make.
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I love how you put yourself out there, and you’ sharing your story got me realizing i m not alone, no one is! ..Going through a similar challenge, &this is just what i needed to get back out there n keep moving. Thanks for sharing your light.
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You’re very welcome, Uju. I’m glad this helped you. Everyone is going through a challenge in some aspect of their life. That’s what life is all about. I’m sure you’ll get through it! Love and blessings.
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Well-written, Michael. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks EB, I can always count on your support.
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Michael this piece is truly inspiring, it shows that life is like a maze, with a lot of twisting n turning, but just keep at it n u will eventually see the light.
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Very true, Mr Gordon. Most success is due to our ability to keep going until we get our breakthrough. Sometimes we stop short without realising how close we are. Thanks for the support.
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Thank you sir for this piece and encourage to share. I connect to the essence that this piece holds. It’s become exciting to me how life leads me. I’ve come to trust more in God, make decisions and work hard at them, but always keeping it going. like I opined in your blog before this, i’ll rather fly than crawl! God bless.
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Thanks Charles. Please feel free to share with others.
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Thanks for sharing Michael! Very insightful and inspiring. I’m reminded of the quote from Deepak Chopra – “all great changes are preceded by chaos.” We must continue to look forward!
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Hi Yolanda, it’s so great to have you on my blog! Please feel free to check out the earlier posts and tell me what you think. Blessings.
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I like your stories. They are refreshingly real.
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Thanks Michael. I try to write as honestly as I can about my experiences and my observations of life, and I write when I’m inspired to do so. The best part is that when I begin writing a post, I’m never quite sure how it’s going to end!
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