Starting All Over Again
Several years ago, I fell in love with the lyrics of a song. This was during my early years, when everything new to me was an adventure. The singer proclaimed in very soulful words: "Starting all over again is gonna be rough, but hold on, and you're gonna make it". (I don't remember the artiste now, but kudos to her). On first hearing that song, I took those words to heart as a motto. Several painful emotional experiences later, those words rose to the level of prophecy. But I really was a true believer and, no matter the occasion, I would not let go!
I am still a believer in those words today, but not as much as before. Now I realize that those words were simply statements of fact, not prophecy, spoken by one sufferer to others having, or about to have, their enlightening experiences.
Throughout most of my experiences, I faithfully remembered the advice to "hold on, and you're gonna make it". And, miraculously, so said, so done. Situation after situation, experience after experience, I held on and "made" it. Even through the most devastating of occasions in my life, the break-up of my first marriage, I faithfully heeded these words. As predicted, life settled down, the hurt disappeared, and everything began anew.
Now that I have lived and been through the experiences of life for a bit, I can understand why the singer set out to share that advice. You may disagree with my interpretation, and you have all right to do so, but here is my take on it. Personal progress is usually accomplished through strenuous, even painful, effort and blind faith!
Looking back over my many disappointing events and experiences, if I hadn't "held on" during the aftermaths, I would not have recovered and learned the valuable lessons that had been offered to me. By fore-warning me that my "painful" experiences would end, the singer "predicted" the value of riding out my situation. Without "hanging on", I wouldn't have learned lessons from the experience as I went through it.
One major characteristic I discovered through "holding on" was patience. Rather, I should say, the value of Time. During my many life surprises, I found out that things take time to grow and develop. Regardless of what I wanted, every situation took as much time as it needed to resolve itself! It mattered not if I fretted or threw powerful tantrum-parties. Things took their own time to develop. In response, I reluctantly learned to wait them out. (Found out along the way that this was called acquiring patience).
I am thankful today for having learned to "hold on". You see, I never knew the time would come when I would need to use the skills acquired from those "negative" situations to build a new life for myself. As such, having the awareness that "starting all over again is gonna be tough" gives me an added advantage over starry-eyed prospectors; I won't become frustrated when experiences don't develop as I want them to in the time that I want. Because I know that I have time working for me if I "hold on". I am gonna make it!
What's your take on this philosophy? Share your thoughts on the interpretation of this philosophy. Did you find it useful?
Recent Comments
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Bro, we have too much in common yes. This took me back to some very sad days in my life similar to yours. Broken marriage and all. God has allowed me to start over. I am holding on.
You know it Bro. But these situations can't stop us in achieving our goals. We take the situations with the good and the bad because they are just temporary hurdles in our ultimate journey. They may slow us down but they can't stop us till we say the job is done.
Muhsayy thank you for this outstanding reflection. It is coincidental that today is the day I am starting over with WA. I signed in and the first thing I see is your article "Starting All Over Again".
Your article is very profound, sincere and born of wisdom acquired through your life experiences.
I wish you much success and all the best.
I heartily return that wish for you. I am glad that this article clicks with you. That reaction has made it all worthwhile. May you have resounding success in all your endeavors. And welcome back.
The one thing that you learn (hopefully) on the road we all travel is that the ups and downs are part of the journey.
And that life like most other things is a process. It's not that the pain of failure is any less strong, or that the delight in success any less sweet, but the road is a long one.
Most things that happen are meant to be, and patience, rather than being a virtue, is the best attitude for the journey.
As a young person I was ready to hang the pictures on the wall while the paint was still wet. Now I can pull up a chair and watch the color change with the light as it dries.
You have said a mouthful! Life really is an uncharted journey that we each undertake to find its lessons. The question is: how mindful are we to distinguish its lessons from its quizzes?
Having inherited the "Worry Gene" from my father this had been a hard knock lesson for me. I know also that if I hang on it will be alright...but that worry thing has been difficult to overcome. It all does work out in the end. Do I always get the results I want? NO! But is there a blessing in the end? YES. There is a lesson in every trial. I come out just a little wiser through it all. Thanks for the post! Hang on we are going for a ride!
I understand every word you've said. That "worry gene" used to have a hold on me too,but I finally gave it up. I once read somewhere that 100% of our fears never materialize. I found that to be true of the "worries" in my life, so I gave them up. I now take situations as they happen and do not anticipate the results either. It seems to be working, so I won't fix it if it's not broken.
Excellent post. It reflects the lessons I have also learned. There have been many times when quitting would have been the easiest path, but I never felt comfortable with the idea. Keep pushing through the tough stuff and a person will eventually gain patience, some wisdom, and achieve a level of success that sometimes surprises them.
Thank you for your insight.
Glad we see eye to eye. Quitting is harder than enduring as I'm sure you have discovered by now. All success in life my friend.
That's something I'll remember and pass on to others. What I'm referring to is "Quitting is harder than enduring." I might add that it's also much less rewarding, my friend.
Sounds like where i am now..starting over and holding on
Like you with my life experiences i now know i must hold on
I"m glad you found this useful. What I did not put into words in the article is that if you hold on, whatever you're after is most sure to be yours in its own time. You always win. Wishing you success forever
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I enjoyed this post a lot. Yes, I found it very useful and I definitely can use your advice in a situation that I'm dealing with right now. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work :)
Marlinda
Glad I could be of some help to you. Feel free to pm me at any time with specific situations with which you believe I may be able to assist you.