​Be Something

As human beings we have the ability to be anything we want to be, from a pet psychologist, to a chef, to street vendor to a politician or an artist.  This simply means we have the ability to DECIDE.  Our decisions are sometimes based on our social or geographical context, or even our cultural or religious beliefs.  From a very young age already, we are asked to decide: ‘What do you want to be?”

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As young person growing up in the township my challenge was deciding what to be without being told what to be. When I was in primary school, I wanted to be a policeman, a doctor, a fire-fighter, a soldier and lets not forget - a President!  In high school, not much changed, and in the absence of career guidance, I wanted to be what I saw.  Consequently, I did art, theatre, community work, acting, radio presenting, sports and many other things.  In the process, I realised that whilst I was trying many different things, I was becoming a jack of all trades and master of none.
 
My biggest learning was discovering that unless I made a conscious decision to be something, I would not necessarily amount to anything.  Instead, I would float around and try to be everything with very little effect. Many people find themselves having worked 6 to 10 different jobs by the of age 40 years, mostly motivated by the need for money.
 
So, in order to move forward in life, it is important to use your ability of making decisions to your advantage.  Dare to be something, to stand up for something, to know who you are – and rise up to become excellent at something.  Whilst it is possible to change direction at some point, do not waste time faffing around doing something and then yearning to be or do something else.  Time is after all the one thing you do not get back.
 
Yes, it is likely that you may fall down and fail a few times.  But, that is what helps you to become a champion in whatever it is you want to be.
 
So, stop dithering, take a leap of faith and BE SOMETHING, especially what makes you happy.
 
Later, Papi Maremeni
DJ and Social Activist, Orange Farm