‘Survival’ is how we got here.
Survival is the one thing that mankind has done with excellence since
the beginning of time. Through gruesome and ravaging wars, endless pandemics, blazing storms and life-changing seasons, we are still here, we have always survived.
It is the ability to adapt and thrive through all the uncertainties and harsh realities of life that has
made man the greatest creature on earth. Our greatness is linked, or found in our ability to adapt, in our resilience and in faith or hope in the impossible in the midst of bleak circumstances, and these are key for survival as well.
While sayings like ‘It’s a jungle out there’, ‘look out for number one’, ‘survival of the fittest’ or ‘dog-eat-dog’ might be making the rounds and gaining more popularity, but no one truly succeeds- or survives by bringing pain to others.
Even though we may get hurt by those we love or sacrifice for, there is no greater joy than that
which comes from giving and helping others. The world is in deep emotional and spiritual darkness
because selfishness is at an all-time high. Depression, emptiness, suicide, divorce and diseases are
higher than ever before, and we live in a world where people have little or no conscience.
With this in mind, we must choose to be the change we want to see. Just like decisions and
conversations are being made for a greener planet, we need to start having conversations for
‘kinder’ souls on the planet.
Being kind is not being weak or foolish. But we must be aware that ‘the heart of man is desperately wicked” – it’s our choice to be different and do better. We must be kind, strong, discerning and forgiving if we are to survive and be great.
In summary, here are some basic rules of survival:
1. Take care of yourself first: No, I am not contradicting myself. In an aeroplane, you are told to
put on your oxygen mask before you assist someone else. Hurting people hurt people, so
make sure you are on the path to healing and wholeness before you go on a mission to save
the world.
2. Help others while you heal: There is a huge joy, peace and sense of purpose of fulfilment that
comes from serving others. There is always something in us that someone around us
desperately needs; a genuine ‘hello’ with a smile, a word of encouragement, an opportunity
to give or volunteer, a mentoring or adoptive parent to someone who truly needs it. As we
help others with their pain, we find a way to our healing. Remember that saying ‘give’ and it
will come back to you?
3. Build an atmosphere of hope, dreams and positivity: Hope is the mother of dreams and
aspirations. No matter what, never give up. Your life may take a couple of knocks and
detours, but keep hope alive by speaking and dreaming, no matter how things may seem at
the moment.
What are your unwritten rules for greatness and survival?
I’m rooting for you and cheering actively on the sidelines in your race to greatness.
Cheers to the future you!
