How often do you regret past decisions? Or, do you ever sit down and wish that your life took a different path?
The thing about life is that we often look at what happens in other people’s lives and somehow wish that ours were just like that. We imagine what things would be like if things were different. The answer is exactly what you thought: our lives would be different. But is that necessarily a good thing?
We are all designed to take our own, very specific paths and fulfil our purpose as human beings. What you stand for and were created for is totally different from what your friend was made for.
In 2015 when I chose to defer my last semester, deep down, I felt like I was making a grave mistake. As a matter of fact, I thought my family would be against my decision. But as fate would have it, I deferred that semester three weeks to my final examinations, just so I could focus on a pageant. I won the pageant, travelled to Europe for the first time ever, and came back to complete my course. Had I done my examinations as scheduled, I am nearly a hundred percent sure that I would have failed. I didn’t have the concentration nor willpower to go through with it. So, I went back to school the following year, with full concentration, and scored straight As.
This got me thinking about a lot of things. We are often so hard on ourselves, unsure of what we should do, trying to conform to societal expectations, that we end up sabotaging our own lives.
What many do not know is that, it is okay to take a break. Take a breather. Even when the future seems uncertain and unclear. I have made so many decisions in my life, blind sided, not knowing what to expect afterwards. My comfort has always been in the knowledge of who I am, to God and to myself.
I got to a point where I no longer give too much thought to uncertainty. Life is full of uncertainties. Can you imagine what would happen if you worried about each and every one of them? You’d know no peace. But when you have faith, and you know very well that your Father in Heaven loves you and wants the best for you, that’s your turning point. Your life changing realization. You achieve a certain level of contentment and peace of mind.
Life is meant to be experienced. And when you take everything too seriously, take away your own peace, it is almost impossible for you to be happy.
If ever you question your path or past decisions, remember that your past shaped you to be who you are at this moment. Does that make you proud or sad? I have personally gone through a few things that greatly shaped who I have become and determined my path. Some, not so good. I always say that every experience is either a win or a lesson; never a loss. Because if it was meant to cause you harm, it would not exist in the first place.
Choosing to view things from a positive angle is always something very personal and empowering in equal measure. You define your life. You choose what path you want to take. And, our experiences, somehow, are always connected to our purpose.
Instead of sulking, get up and get going. You’re on the right path.
Ps: To my Kenyan brothers and sisters, I wish you a great and successful election period. Preach peace. Be peace. Know peace.