Our minds set sail, propelled by the natural forces that challenge us—wind and waves. We navigate uncharted waters, our thoughts swirling like a whirlwind of ideas. These ideas, like winds, blow upon us all, touching every aspect of our lives.
Our lives operate in a similar way. We begin without a specific destination, but as time passes, we start to shape one. This happens because we have an innate capacity to learn, grow, and develop through both our successes and failures. When we reach a destination, we gain something valuable. Though these destinations may not guarantee a predictable outcome or tangible reward, the journey itself often becomes more valuable than any material gain. And as soon as we finish one journey, one destination, we embark on another.
We have all experienced the dark winds of frustration, despair, loss, and pain. Despite starting in the same ocean of life with a shared destination in mind, we end up in such different places, why is that? Have we not all been sailing on the same waters?
What guides us to different destinations in life is determined by the way we have chosen to set our sail.
– Jim Rohn
The major difference lies in the way we think. We can control the direction of our sailing mind. The same circumstances happen to all of us. We all go through moments when things fall apart despite our best efforts. Difficult and painful circumstances are not exclusive to a certain group of people. Both the rich and the poor experience pain. The educated and the uneducated face heartache. Health or lack thereof does not exempt us from loss. African Americans, Hispanics, Caucasians Asians, etc. all experience personal despair.
Tragedy and seasons of hopelessness touch each of our lives. It’s natural to experience discouragement and pain in certain situations, but the real challenge arises when we allow ourselves to remain immobilized for an extended period. Life has its ups and downs, moments of sorrow and moments of joy. The important thing to remember is that these difficult times are just seasons, and we must strive to keep progressing and moving forward.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.
-Ecclesiastes 2:1-8
It is not what happens to us that determines the quality of our lives, but rather what we choose to think and believe during the struggle. Our thoughts are a CHOICE! Will you choose to believe that your current situation is the end of you, or will you choose to believe that despite the struggle, you can overcome any limitation? You can use any moment as an opportunity to learn, grow, and elevate your mindset. Regardless of the season, reaching out to others who may need help can provide you with a new perspective and a sense of gratitude. And gratitude has the power to change your attitude.
Your mind is like a ship, capable of sailing across the universe if you don’t allow negative thoughts to sink it.
– Matshona Dhliwayo
