The Giant Within You

I know sometimes it’s easier said than done, and that life is not easy. I also know what it feels like to want to give up.

I’ve been there a few times. I know how difficult it is not to give up when everything seems to be falling apart, when nothing seems to work and when life just seems worthless, and like a waste of time.

I also know that a few of you are at that point where you want to drop it all, where you just want to completely give up on life. And you know what, I completely understand you, because I have been there many times and I know exactly how you feel.

The worst part is seeing everyone else around you make it and live absolutely exciting and fulfilling lives, yet here you are fighting day-by-day to keep going. How unfair that seems and how worthless it makes you feel.

I won’t tell you to snap out of it or give you step-by-step guidance on how to get to the life you want or need, because I sometimes do not even know where I am headed.

I’m no Dr Phil. I too am on that journey of figuring things out, which comes with a lot of downs and of course, also some refreshing ups.

I don’t have all the answers, but I can share how I keep going. It’s important to find something to hold on to. Something that gives you hope and that gives you the courage to wake up in the morning.

A dream or a special someone, or that treasure of a memory – there must be something that keeps you holding on. For me, I have found comfort and hope in my Creator.

When I think back on everything life has thrown my way – countless car accidents, several assaults and robberies, and brutal attacks that almost cost me my life, even a few days I spent behind bars in jail for some stupid mistake, the deaths of dear beloveds including my father and brother, and grandparents, and some special friends, not to mention the terrible encounters I had as a teenager which remain very clear in my memory… Or three full years of unemployment which saw me deep in depression and of course, my terrible high school experience, where being bullied formed part of my journey.

I sometimes wonder why I am still alive and how I made it this far in life. But when I think back, and I remember all those moments when I felt completely alone, I realise that it is only God’s grace and love for me that brought me through it all.

And this is how I keep going. The hope and courage I get from my relationship with God every time I get down on my knees and pray, overwhelms everything else.

I am no saint and not even close to being perfect. In fact, I have flaws for Africa but my Creator is always there for me, and when everyone and everything else turns against me, He is always there for me. Today I am where I am because of my faith and hope in God.

I want to encourage you today to not give up. You have it within you to make it – to achieve that goal, to beat that health issue, to rise beyond that poor financial status and make it to better days.

You have it within you to succeed in that venture, your studies and be successful in your career. You have it within you to find your way out of that shack in Havana and into a house in Ludwigsdorf. To care for your family and give them a good life. You have it within you to be successful and live a better life than you do now!

We sometimes forget that it is our attitude that makes the world of difference. I forget that too many times. And while life throws us all these challenges, something that will never end, find that one thing that pulls you out of it all and grows you into the giant within you.

Don’t give up gents.

Till next time, cheers

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