Are You Courageous Enough To Dust Yourself And Try Again For 2015?

By Sandy Daley

The late great Nelson Mandela once wisely said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Wonderful words to live by, especially as we embark upon a new year. I myself am often gripped with fear as I continue to dream, and dream big; but there is no choice in my opinion as living with regret is the worst kind of life that there is.

However, the important questions to ask is, “Are we bold enough to tackle all that life has to offer us? Or do we buckle at the knees each time that we are met with challenges?”

I know that I try my best to face each day with unresolved dignity and a resounding force, but each day is difficult, and it can only be helped with humility and deep faith in one’s own God – whichever God you choose to pray to.

As 2014 ended, it certainly reminded me that “Life is really like a box of chocolates”, as Forrest Gump said in the 1994 hit movie. Bwoy, you really neva know what you are going to get! With a toddler in the home, a career and a dream that still will never die. I am living proof, once again, God was in control of each situation. So, as I watch the 2015 Golden Globe Awards show, filled with beautiful gowns and creative people, I am forever reminded that every man’s journey is different, and that life has a way of “working out”.

As the old folks used to say, “You make plans and then God laughs at your plans and does what he wants to do”, and truly gives you what has been ordained for you. With that being said, one only has to follow the will of the one up above, ride the wave, and truly follow the path that has been laid out for him/her (and follow it I did).

I tackled the issues head on, dealing with each situation in 2014 as they arose, asking for guidance and strength, as I went along each day unsure of the outcome of the decision that I had made.

That, however, is the beauty of the journey of life. It is not that you won’t be faced with difficulty, but rather, how you handle each difficult or testy scenario of your life. Your character is tested, and thrust into the forefront by how you handle stressful situations, and “if it does not kill you” they say, “it only makes you stronger.” Oh boy, am I ever a stronger woman than I was a year ago!

“You know that you are a brave woman Sandy, for making the choices that you do,” a close friend of mine said. “No, I am not,” I said to her very sternly. “I make decisions based on my ability to handle each situation. If I can handle it, I trust myself to go forward, and so therefore I do,” I quickly added.

As I embark on a new year, unsure of where the road may take me or my children and family, I am grateful that with each passing day, there is hope for us all, even though the road may seem bleak at times. I am forever reminded by the famous Nelson Mandela quote, “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

Falling down is a part of life, but the great thing is that we all have the ability to rise again, and reach even greater heights than where we were previously. In this New Year, also remember to make choices and decisions that you are comfortable with, because at the end of the day, you are that man in the mirror.

As William Shakespeare once wrote, “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” These words should serve as a reminder to us that life is worth living, no matter what life throws us within our lifetime.”

Also, remember that everyone’s journey is different. Although it is easy for you to look at others with regret for your own life, for the things that might not have worked out for you; however, your day is coming soon. Keep the faith and continue to push forward. Dust yourself off and try again in 2015. This may be YOUR year!

Sandy Daley is a columnist, radio and television personality and actress. She is also the author of “Whose Vagina Is It, Really?” She can be contacted at: Website: www.sandydaley.com, Facebook: womanincontrol@facebook.com, Twitter: twitter.com/whosevaginaisit and/or Email:thesinglegirlspot@gmail.com.