Like most people, I always look forward to the new
year for two reasons: one, I get to set new goals for the year, and second, I get
to celebrate my birthday again. So a new year for me is a two-fold celebration
of new prospects, second chances, and renewed hope of life.
I am not one to “go big” during birthdays and more
often than not I don’t usually make a fuss so pandemic or not, there was no
solid plan for a celebration this year. However, I am surrounded by amazing
friends and family who always challenge this “boring” habit. Make no mistake, I
do engage in certain rituals to honor
the day.
At the stroke of midnight on January 1st,
2021, while the world was ushering in the new year with singing, fireworks, and
champagne, I was fast asleep! At the stroke of midnight on January 2nd,
2021, on my birthday, I was wide awake! And the realization that this year was
going to be more significant than any other hit me like a ton of bricks!
As if by sheer coincidence, I had a casual Chai session with an acquaintance who
would not stop warning me about the pitfalls and the crisis moments that would
come with this new year and this new age. Looking back to that conversation,
and that very moment, I think he inadvertently ushered me straight into one of
the most harrowing, confusing, mind-boggling, and yet rewarding crises of my
life!
I don’t think there is ever a time in my life where
I have been most introspective, fearless in my thinking, and unafraid to share
my unadulterated opinion like this year! Not only have I had to take a deeper
look into my life’s choices, but I have also questioned and evaluated every
belief, every relationship, and every decision I made or was made for me to get
to this point. This process shocked my system and my essence to the core! Hallo
Crisis!
Psychologist Erik Erikson opined that human beings
almost always go through various phases of heightened susceptibility to
particular changes in life where they contemplate their roles in society to
arrive at a firm identity. Proper navigation of these phases of life is what
prepares you for great tasks and challenges that lay ahead.
The journey to self-realization is not a matter of “if” but “when”. When you find yourself in this position, where you are
trying to unravel and become, I guarantee you will come out of it a better and
a stronger person, and society will thank you for it. If you already have, I’d
like to hear about your experiences in the comment section down below.
It is worth mentioning that this process of intense
analysis and exploration of your place and purpose in the world is quite lonely,
wildly disorienting, and can also be confusing for those that are witnessing
your evolution. It may also present the problematic balance between confusion
and faux clarity and if you are not careful, the balancing barn may topple over
to a crash.
Staying committed to the process is therefore
paramount; recognizing that not only is it necessary for the building of a
strong, firm, and formidable character but also a critical part of your growth
as a person.
Embrace the “crisis” and enjoy the journey towards
self-discovery. Looking forward to meeting a new “you”.
Hi All, thank you for reading. If you can relate or disagree with anything, I'd love to hear about it. Also, please feel free to share this piece with your friends and family.
ReplyDeleteCommon place
ReplyDeleteEvery individual will said to go through at least 4 Transitions in their life time.
By Grace some go thru it successfully while others stagger around it.
I've been privileged to work with A team In which we took a program called Mid Maisha Reflections that helps individuals aware of the Transition and helps in Re aligning oneself to purpose and significance for the life ahead.
This is a deep reality and as an individual goes through this phase, my prayer is that we would come out better persons. We took a similar journey, just yesterday, on marriage. And the question is, with what I know now, would I still be married at that age?
ReplyDeleteThis. Is. Deep! I'm even afraid to probe further to find out your answer hehehe. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteI love introspection. It's what opens one to a world of possibilities.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gem; I should call you to give you an update after what our conversation the other day...
DeleteAlways a delight reading and listening to you voice your thoughts. The crisis comes with its own good. It puts things in perspective vis a vis what matters the most.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tosh.
DeleteThis is great! Crisis leads to changing your way of doing things and create an opportunity towards improving of your skills towards achievement of your life goals..seek and ye shall be provided yawaaah...
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Thanks for reading.
DeleteLovely read Zin. I agree. In my experience , I find that real introspection at it's core can be very confronting . Yet it might be the key that rescues us from simple mindedness and smug complacency when we like Jesus did, embrace asking ourselves the searching questions!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have said it better my self! Thank you for sharing.
DeleteIt’s a good read.
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure and delight to listen to your podcasts and now to read this.
Thank you for sharing
Thanks for all your support.
DeleteThank you for the piece. I almost shade a tear as I read through your thoughts, one day God will wipe our tears and restore everything that we have lost along the way.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteToo short Zinma... am just saying
ReplyDeleteHahahaha! Wacha pressure....
Delete