The water sits still, not with a loud roar, but with a quiet, undeniable impact. We all know that we can survive longer without food than without water. Both are essential, but they serve us on different levels and for different purposes. Without water, food cannot be digested, or at least, not without great difficulty. This aspect of water, being so still yet so powerful, got me thinking: how can I train myself to be like water? Still, but powerful.
Being still comes with plenty of advantages. The world doesn't have a hold on you because you're used to maintaining your cool. It means that you keep your life private, and people only get to see what you allow them to. Honestly, that’s a life I desire.
As human beings, we have an innate urge to feel loved and appreciated. This desire can be so strong that we sometimes forget to reciprocate that love to others. It's why we strive so hard to be the best in our field - so we can be recognized for our achievements. I remember when I was working and decided to go back to school to advance my career. My initial thought was simple: advance my skills, and in turn, upgrade my payslip. But as time went on and I earned my Level One CIFA certificate, my agenda began to shift.
I felt like I was on top of the world. I started expecting special treatment simply because I had gone back to school. Then one day, a colleague asked me, "Why do you struggle so much with all this reading? You know that nowadays, no one is bothered with reading a four-page CV, right?" His comment stung, but it also brought me back to my core reason for studying. I had started with the right attitude, to gather more knowledge and become better at my craft. But along the way, I drifted from my main purpose and started chasing the prestige that comes with career advancement. Just before I went too far down the path of seeking applause, I was brought back.
What's the moral of the story? Often, we start with the right motives, aiming to do good for a better society. Then, as we start to rise, the applause feels so good that we can lose ourselves and shift completely from our main focus. That is when things can go south. Success and failure are parts of being human, and so are rising and falling. What sets each of us apart is how we choose to bounce back. Will you sit down and say it's over, or will you get back up and finish what you started?
In the heart of seeking approval and worth on this planet, always remember to emulate the still waters. They are mighty and powerful, yet so humble at the same time.
My name is Jacqeline Mutuma. Besides writing, I’m also a teacher of financial terms and aspects on YouTube. Check out my channel, ‘Financially Fluent With Jacky,’ and let me know what you’d like to learn next. Kindly subscribe to this blog for more powerful and engaging articles every week.
Until next time,
Stay safe and be blessed,
Love, Jacqeline Mutuma.
Congrats 👏
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