Beyond New Year's Eve: Embracing the eternal dance of life
Positive Minds | Positive Quotes | Edition 034
As the sun sets on the final days of 2023 and we stand on the threshold of a new year, a moment of reflection is natural. But as we prepare to welcome 2024, I am struck by a realisation that challenges the conventional view of life as a series of 12-month cycles. Life, in its beautiful complexity, extends far beyond the confines of a calendar.
Think of life as a vast, intricate tapestry. This tapestry is woven not only with the threads of months and years, but also with moments and experiences that defy the constraints of time. An African proverb wisely says: "Life is like a shadow and a mist; it passes quickly and is no more". This reminds us that life is a fleeting journey to be cherished beyond the annual milestones we often focus on.
Our personal experiences and cycles are as varied as the landscapes of Africa. What is a significant moment for one person may be hours, days or even longer for another. The Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe beautifully captured this fluidity of life when he said, "The world is like a mask dancing. If you want to see it well, you do not stand in one place". This metaphor invites us to constantly shift our perspective, to engage with the changing rhythms of life and to embrace its dynamic nature.
The tradition of New Year's resolutions often pushes individuals to set goals for the year, but this does not resonate with everyone. Many African cultures understand that growth is a continuous process. A Tanzanian proverb says: "Little by little, a little becomes a lot". This speaks to the power of incremental change and daily commitment to self-improvement, rather than waiting for a new year to start anew.
In the pursuit of personal growth, it's important to aim for progress, not perfection. The pursuit of perfection can be an elusive goal, often leading to frustration. As Nelson Mandela, a great son of Africa, once said, "I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps trying". This underlines the importance of perseverance and continuous effort in our journey of self-improvement.
As we move into 2024, let us embrace life as a continuous journey of growth and learning. Let's commit to becoming better versions of ourselves every day, drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the African continent, which teaches us the value of resilience, perseverance and the power of incremental change.
Happy New Year 2024! May this year be a celebration of daily growth, a testament to our resilience, and a journey towards excellence guided by the timeless wisdom that transcends the boundaries of time and place.
And remember:
Just as the vast African savannah stretches beyond the horizon, so life unfolds beyond the boundaries of the calendar, each day marking a new step in our never-ending journey of evolution and enlightenment.
