Categories: uncategorized
Date: 18 May 2008 08:10:41
It seems that I have spent most of this year so far climbing my own personal mountain. I know I am not even half way up yet but already there are some important things I have learnt which I think it might be useful to share.
1. Whilst it is normally better to have done your research properly first of all sometimes ignorance allows you to attempt things you wouldn't if you had all the facts.
2. The manuel of "how to" is generally written by "the man". The categories which are used as objective criteria for making decisions on things therefore relate to the paradigm "the man" is using. However, there are alternative paradigms and solutions can, sometimes, be found, if one thinks creatively. Sometimes you just have to accept that you are never going to fit into the boxes "the man" has created.
3. The encouragement of both friends and random strangers makes more difference than anything else. As you attempt the seemingly impossible it is very easy to start to doubt your own sanity. The encouragement you recieve is evidence others view you as sane. The encouragement you give others can make all the difference.
4. Knowing you have prayer support behind you does make a real difference, psychologically. "Just being able to pray" can be the best thing in the world.
5. We are often too scared of the reactions of others. Once we dare to share our dreams there will be some who may seek to crush them, but many more will encourage us to fly.
6. We really don't know what others think of us, and how valued we are, until we are ready to move on.
7. Sometimes we have to accept that it is not "our lot" to be able to do things the easy way. You can let this crush you or you can set out to succeed anyway. During the journey you will move between the two, but remember the saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger".
8. For all the fluff, Facebook can be a useful resource. Social networking sites allow you to reach your friends quickly. When "the man" has emphatically said no Facebook lets you approach your friends who may send back a message which effectively says "we say yes, so let's stick it to the man".
9. Just because you find yourself uttering the words, "this is what I feel the Lord has said to me" it doesn't mean you have become a smiley Christian.
10. It may be all the things that look like they are getting in the way, (such as not having the best qualifications, being a tad too old, not being a practicing professional in the field of study), which make you best placed to explore your passions. Value the experience which has gotten you this far; without it there would be no dream and remember it's what has helped make you who you are.