If you've been reading my blog for some time now, you know that I usually share the good, the bad and everything in between. The challenges I've had to go through have been many and I share most of them with you guys. It's not because I am looking for sympathy or I want people to take pity on me because I don't need either. What I want is to share my journey as I go through life and hopefully be able to inspire a person. Or two. I also wish for my daughter to someday read my thoughts and experiences in the hopes that she will grow up to be a better version of me by learning through my ups and downs. So, although I started the year strong and dedicated myself more than I ever have. Things started to fall apart around me epically and I took hits left right and center that were debilitating and emotionally draining. It became so intense that I started to lose hope and in my own self confidence.
However, with all the struggles and hardships, I have had to face and overcome, it's a wonder I'm still standing. Still soldering on and continuing to fight the good fight. To be honest, it's no longer a choice but a must. Life goes on in spite of its difficulties. And this is where I always take time to be grateful for that one infallible defense, I have against all my trials and tribulations - resilience. This is probably something that my grandparents have passed down to me. A valuable gift that continues to serve me well to this day.
I'm also a single mother. I don't have the luxury of throwing in the towel whenever things get a little too much. When you have a precious gift like my daughter, you will find ways and means to overcome whatever obstacles come your way. It's not a choice. It's mandatory. When I had my child, I knew that I am no longer responsible for myself alone. I have another life to nurture. She has become my source of inspiration, my motivation and my overall cheerleader. And she's a big factor that contributes to my resilience. She's, my powerhouse.
My other baby is my business, Maia Dreams. Which means that I am not just an entrepreneur but also a boss to a number of employees that rely on me to be at the helm of our ship as we all traverse the very complicated waters of business and everything that comes with it. And if I'll be completely honest, I don't always know what I'm doing. I am still learning to this day and I'm not ashamed to say that. Every day presents a new lesson to be learned and I am willing to absorb as much as I possibly could. I am a firm believer that we should never become complacent because everything and everyone will always be a work in progress.
My resilience in business comes from knowing that I have staff that look to me for guidance, I have students who come to my program to improve their well-being and I have a program that is needed to at least equip our youth with tools and strategies that will help them navigate life.
You should also know that I am not a quitter. I'm the type of person who never gives up. Yes, there were times when I've been on the verge of throwing in the towel. I think it's a pretty normal tendency when you get overwhelmed with what's been going on with your life. You will get to that point where you will question everything. You will doubt your capabilities. The voices of those who want to devalue you will become stronger than the voice of reason. These are those times when you will feel like you've hit rock bottom. And I guess I have. A few times even. But just as I thought there isn't anything else I can do but quit, I remember the many times that I've gone through much, much worse. And that's when I tell myself that if I was able to survive before, I can very well do so again. I'm a strong Maori woman, with the blood of my valiant ancestors flowing through my veins. I will prevail. I am resilient.
I know that some people find the word RESILIENCE somehow overused these days. You see it being written in different contexts, you see it all over social media, hear it in speeches and wielded by everyone who want to appear strong. But there is a reason for this and it's because it's what keeps the wheels turning for those who encounter resistance, a stumbling block, a seemingly insurmountable wall. And by definition, resilience means the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties, toughness. And knowing its meaning makes me feel better for the world because it tells me that it is filled with people like me who aren't afraid to do everything to survive the storm. I am one of them. I continue to roll with the punches. I will not give in to that dark abyss of hopelessness because I am a fighter.
I have never been in this situation before however at the same time I know I am learning so many different lessons that will help me become even more resilient. Resilience is part of the character of the woman God destined me to be.
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