Don’t lose the Big Picture of the Future

By Tiana Owolabi

“Freedom is not synonymous with an easy life. … There are many difficult things about freedom: It does not give you safety, it creates moral dilemmas for you; it requires self-discipline; it imposes great responsibilities; but such is the nature of Man and in such consists his glory and salvation” – Margret Thatcher.

Margaret Hilda Thatcher was a British stateswoman who served as prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990.

At some points in our lives, we would be required to take a stand for what is right or for what we want. Yes or No becomes slightly difficult to choose from. Arguably, dilemma is part of human existence. According to Henry Louis Mencken, an American journalist, “Life is a constant oscillation between the sharp horns of dilemmas”.

In my previous episode, I have been able to pass the message of how I wanted to become a prefect and how I started working towards it since SS1. I was so determined to be the best and I took actions towards it, the result then showed forth.

The time for prefectship position came as usual for every secondary school.

That fateful day, I and some of my colleagues in SS2 were called out to meet with the vice principal. People were assigned for different prefectship position.

Then, the big bang happened!!!

My name was not called. Not only me, including two of my colleagues. Isn’t that interesting?

Then, different questions ran through my mind… Why was I called out?

The next thing that happened changed the whole story

The vice principal then asked me and the other two ladies, “What prefectship position do you want?”

Immediately she asked that question, the BIG PICTURE of the goal I had in mind flashed through my eyes. The goal of becoming a prefect and not just any prefect. Then, I replied, “Assistant head girl”.

The other two ladies were asked and they gave the same response that I gave.

We were asked if we were sure about the decision. I stood my ground and said “I want to become the head girl”.

It is now a competition for three people. So, who will become the assistant head girl?

Let’s talk about the lessons.

Always be bold to stand for what you want. (Definitely, you must want a good thing)

Irrespective of the surrounding circumstances, STAND FOR WHAT YOU WANT.

Don’t be wavered by the decisions of others and make sure you have weighed your decision very well to see if it is something you can go for.

Know what you want.

Don’t lose the picture of the future you have envisioned (that is, your goal).

Always remind yourself of what you want to become and how you must work towards it.

There are sometimes you might not get what you want. If it’s a No, know that God knows best. Tell it to God. God might want to teach you a lesson through that “No” experience.

Be ready to take a stand.

YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF “BECOMING”

Previously, I explained how I stood my ground for the prefectship position that I wanted, which is the “Assistant head girl”.

However, the prefectship position became a competition for three people and who knows whom the winner will be.

As part of the selection process, I was summoned to the principal’s office. When I got there, the two vice principals were on seat already. I was shocked and surprised at the same time because I didn’t know what I was called for. My legs then started shaking.

Something I had never done before happened!!!

In this case, they created the scenario of students waiting to listen to an HIV talk. Then, I was told that if I was the speaker, what would I tell them about HIV?

Another HURDLE to scale through again…  How will I come out of this?

I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHERE TO START MY EXPLANATION. I have listened to talks on HIV but I really don’t know how to say it.

EVENTUALLY!!!

I DID IT. I SAID IT even though it wasn’t concurrent but I remembered I said some things about HIV.

Finally, I was announced as the “ASSISTANT HEAD GIRL”.

It was really a victorious thing for me. I was really proud of myself, reminiscing on how the journey to become a prefect began and how I worked towards it.

Dear Friends,

What is that thing you want to achieve and it seems it is not showing forth at the moment?

Is there anything too hard for the Lord to do? … Nothing is too hard for the Lord.

What you want to become or what you have envisaged will not occur at once.

You have to work towards it bit by bit, and of course, it is a gradual process.

There are processes of “BECOMING” you might need to go through to become better than you are today.

Do you want to excel in your academics? … Know what it takes to excel. You have to prepare for success DAILY.

Do you want to be the best in all that you do? … Be determined and work towards it DAILY.

Remind yourself of the goal and fix your eyes on the goal. By doing this, you become a better person and eventually, the best version of YOU.

I believe you can do it (you can say some positive affirmations to yourself now).

I hope this helps you.

Thanks for reading. You are AMAZING.

Feel free to share, drop your contributions and questions in the comment section or my inbox. I will be glad to respond as soon as possible.

–Tiana Owolabi (08068221976)