Are we forced to live by default and not design? Think about it… an architect already has a sketch of how the building should look like before they have even laid out the foundation. Do we ever enhance the God-given craft we are born with? Are we given a chance to or are our plans and desires limited to several predetermined options, making it next to impossible to live by design as it would be going against a system of normalised averages?

Well… growing up in Soweto and being fortunate enough to attend multiracial schools has revealed quite a mouthful (for lack of a better word). I have witnessed people from my neighbourhood, and other parts of the township achieve society’s definition of success but remain unhappy. I have witnessed people thrive in what they love. I have witnessed people being pushed to thrive in various activities because they are slightly above mediocre at the activity and feel that they are not good at anything else because of the criticism they received growing up. This has resulted in uncontrollable and shocking substance abuse, coupled with depression (which, by the way, most families mistake for seeking attention, even after a failed attempt at committing suicide).

You might be persuaded to think that such problems commonly occur in underprivileged areas or so-called “black” townships. I implore you not to be. The level of privilege, connection and/or influential people you may have access to does not serve any purpose if someone else is holding the pencil which is meant to draw the masterpiece which your Maker has beautifully designed for you. It does not serve any purpose if you are destined to serve a family legacy (or family expectations) over your own. 

Having coming from a background of ‘realistic’ expectations narrated to me by my family, it is surprising how blurry and farfetched my vision sometimes becomes, how impossible it seems and by attracting the “impossible” mindset, I blur out and unconsciously repel the little resource and opportunity I have (or need) to live by design. This does more damage once I realise how possible it could have been at that particular time.

What I am trying to tell you is that it is never too late, and we need to be the hope that we can achieve anything we set our minds to. A hope for the next generation.

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” – Helen Keller… a favourite quote from my mentor Kwazi.