Look Back In Joy

Curtis Loy

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. That's what my father would always say to my ear when I notice I am trying to procrastinate on something I ought to do. I agree with this mindset and act promptly anytime I am given a task.

To say that I am not one of such fortunate kids is not fair but I was not opportune to have all that some kids had while growing up. One typical thing I remember is the tray of rice that my mum would prepare as my birthday cake. It is fun watching album pictures all over again.

Telling my children how I grew up in a remote village with different kinds of toys other than what exists in their time now leaves a lot to behoove.

It is not very difficult to live but the memories of things we had overwhelmed what we did not have. Frankly speaking, I appreciate all that more than a building made of gold.

One obstacle that shaped me is career choice. Before I made for what profession I would like to engage in, I had no one to put me through. Meanwhile, when the time came to choose a career, there was nothing I could phantom.

Obstacles or hurdles are experiences that make you feel threatened not to do what is expected of you. When I was faced with the problem of career choice, I came to a crossroad, it was like Inwas thrown into utter darkness with no hope to come in contact with light. I struggled until I found light.

A mountain is the ladder that leads to a treasure land. And there are several ways to deal with an obstacle. It's either you climb through it or you drill through it to the other side or you blast it. This was the thought that clouded my vision.

I was not going to give up. Giving up is something that never came to my mind. It was not part of the options to be considered. The words of some fellows who had gone ahead of me always came to mind.

Whoever give up, fucked up.

Most times, as a Nigerian kid, you may not be able to choose a career, in the reverse, the career chooses you. The University matriculation examination is one thing, the admission is another ball game all together.

After writing the examination for the fourth time, I wanted to study banking and finance but the matriculation board never gave me the admission even though I was qualified.

As one from a very large family, the competition of trying to get an education was high and only time will determine whether I will get one or not.

I had to run a lower cadre program as if I knew time was running out on me. My younger siblings were close in on me. My parents may not look my way because of the number of children that insisted they wanted to go to school rather than learn a trade.

Pixabay

After three years away from home. I finally bagged a certificate that makes me earn a living. I was not satisfied, however.

I wanted a higher degree but now, it had to be financed by me. So, I decided to begin a savings plan that spans for a long period of time. When I saw that I had kept enough money, I went back to school to study history. It was tough though, but I was resilient. I wouldn't give up the hope of getting a degree.

After I had satisfied that urge, another one came and kept pursuing my dreams until I found some level of inner peace. My story is a motivation for me and my siblings. I have learned to always consider time as a huge factor for a productive life.

I am sincerely grateful for what I have achieved and count it all joy that I had the privilege to count my blessings one by one. Like they say,

Slow and steady win the race.

Looking back today, one would say that the journey of life is not for the swift but God that shows mercy.