Symbol of Strength

Hello Beautiful People,

I know I have been MIA lately. Apologies to keep you waiting so long but I promise your girl has been writing…………….exams that is. Exam season is now over and while I have been away inspiration has been coming left, right and centre so I promise to have some new interesting posts for you guys, and I hope it touches someone somewhere one way or another.

Todays post was inspired by a question I am often asked when I take a picture of that big beautiful landmark in the centre of this small beautiful city of Paris.

“Don’t you ever get tired of seeing the Eiffel Tower, you see it everyday?!”

My goodness the answer is NO! No matter how many times I walk past it, no matter how many times I see it, or how many times it lights up or how many pictures I take, I will always always always appreciate its beauty.

Why?, well before you start to think I am a little bit crazy let me tell you a story…..

It reminds me of the time I wasn’t ready for an opportunity but I took the leap of faith and took it anyway. It reminds me of how far I’ve come. I look at it and think “I’ve made it”.

It reminds me of a time when my biggest nightmare came true and I had no choice but to understand that this was no longer an ugly dream but now my reality, however, while I was living my worst nightmare my prayers were also answered. No matter how much it may feel like the devil has you God always comes in at the right moment with words like that from 2 Timothy 1:7, and wraps you in His arms and whispers.

“You can do this”

It reminds me of a time that for a whole month depression had me so far knocked down to the ground. The only thing that kept me sane was the beauty in this piece of art reminding me that I am here, I will prosper, don’t give up, this time will pass.

It reminds me of a time when I had to face one of my hardest challenges to date. I won’t lie to you people, even though this experience has been great and I wouldn’t change it for the world it did come with its trials. To live in a country where you don’t speak the language is one thing, but to be in a new country all alone, dealing with culture shock, no friends, no family, is one of the most testing experiences I have ever been through and I have never been so homesick in my life.

It reminded me when times got tough that;

Every thing you have now you once prayed about.

Yes, this is the life I chose, but you never realise how hard its actually going to be until you get there.

It reminds me of a time that I wanted to pack up, give up and go home, but something deep inside will say “you’re not a quitter”, and one thing I have definitely learned is that;

You will never progress in life if you remain in your comfort zone.

Being in Paris brought back memories of way back when, when I was broke, living pay-cheque to pay-cheque up to my eyeballs in expenses and debt. The beautiful monument I saw everyday on my way home reminded me that I can never, ever go back to that place no matter how bad things may feel now. I feel the assurance that everything is going to be okay and the words written in Matthew 6:25-27.

Now I am sure this post may come as a surprise as I have sown my time here to be nothing less than positive, and that is because it is 100% TRUE;

Just because something has been challenging and mentally exhausting does not mean that it is negative!

In fact that’s how we all learn and grow through life.

Moral of my story is; what is the Eiffel Tower for you? What is that thing in your life you hold so close to home and reminds you of everything that you have been through? What is your symbol of strength? Be it a favourite place that you like to go and be by yourself to think or even get inspiration, a picture, gift from an old friend, piece of clothing, or maybe the very first thing you were able to afford to buy yourself with that pay-cheque from your first “real” job, something you would have never been able to afford in the past.

My Beautiful People, know that God created all things with His awesome power and can use any of His creations as a comforter for you. So I ask again what is your symbol of strength? What is that thing that gives you joy every time you look at it in a way that no one else will ever understand? It is special and don’t ever let anyone make you feel silly about it.

Remember……

It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else, it just has to work for you.

P.S.

If peradventure your desire is similar to mine and you are looking for an opportunity to live in Paris, feel free to talk to me (drop a message in the Contact section and I will be more than happy to help).

The opportunity to work , live and study in France was given to me by Le Repertoire de Gaspard. I am so grateful to have been a part of this and be exposed to the real Parisian experience. They are so helpful in many ways, be it administration, accommodation or any other difficulties, they are ready to offer assistance. Everyone in the office is so friendly and I have made so many friends along the way. Through the trials and challenges they were there to listen and help as much as possible. With almost everyone once being in my shoes (foreigner turned Parisian) they were very compassionate and understood the struggle of settling in.

 

Like I said I was not 100% ready for this opportunity but It didn’t stop me from trying. They say, “an opportunity lost, can never be regained”. It doesn’t matter how unprepared you may think you are, there is a big chance in front of you, TAKE IT!  If you wait for perfect conditions before you start something, you will always have an excuse, and before you know it time will pass you by.

Whatever it is that you love, your passion, your desire, they are there for a reason. Take the leap of faith, share them with the world. Be an example.