Yes, you are Stronger than you Think
Yes, you are Stronger than you Think
As the year trudges towards the midpoint, the question on most people’s thoughts is whether the second half will herald a change of fortune. Millions of people globally are still reeling from the shock of an unprecedentedly high cost of living. Politicians possess a unique ability to stupefy the people into thinking their problems are just an election away from an eternal end. Beneath the empty promises politicians dangle at their hungry, hired crowds, there exists a deep social problem that will soon bulldoze its way into the national conversation.
Social isolation is arguably our biggest cancer, consistently growing in stature, especially amongst millennials and the disciplined forces. It is almost normal to bump into the news of young people threatening or committing suicide after seeing their path to prosperity blocked. From students unable to secure slots in secondary and tertiary institutions to youths failing at the police recruitment exercise, suicides have become a common theme in Kenyan news broadcasts. But how do we solve this conundrum? The answer to this question is not straightforward.
The role of the family in an individual’s social development is such that no one wishes to live without a supportive family. The thought of going back home to the welcoming arms of your mum is almost neurotic. The warm encouragement can give you the impetus to face the next day with renewed vigour. However, indifference or criticism from loved ones can break the hardest of hearts. The feeling of uselessness, burdening the others, and failing to fulfill one’s responsibility can cloud the mind and steer you towards previously unthinkable solutions. In a typical setup, love is one of the reasons people work and see value in life.
It takes a special kind of mental strength to overcome social isolation, especially if the family does not offer support. The close connection between mental wellness and individual success underscores the need for people to embrace social links, connections, and friendships. In the absence of a blood family, every person needs an artificial family with individuals who can listen and support them when the stresses of life strike.
As you make that almighty sigh after an incredibly long day, you realize you have been through so much, sacrificed so much, given so much, and received so little. Yet, the scriptures bless the giver more than the receiver. If that is not motivation enough, consider that young man whose family just grew bigger, the construction site he used to work at has just collapsed, and the landlord is one week away from unleashing terror on him. Where does he muster the strength to keep on keeping on? Trapped between enemy soldiers in the lowest of nadirs, the legendary King Ezekiel of The Walking Dead roared, “Yet I smile.” Begin each day with the positivity of a smile, the confidence of a lion, and the industriousness of a termite. When you can no longer move forward, visit the Top Rose for a refreshing massage, that brand-new hairstyle, and the best of acrylics that will change your perception and leave you buzzing with confidence. You only fail when you do not try, so why don’t you embrace that challenge and watch yourself become the envy of the world?