Uncle Akin: Living in the In-Betweens

Tuesday 5 December 2017

Living in the In-Betweens

Quietness + Confidence = Strength

We each got here without our own volition. None of us asked to come. And, guess what? No matter what we do, each of us is going to leave the scene one day, or the other. That is in no way pronouncing a curse on anyone. It is a mere fact of life. We come and we go. There is a day to be born. There is a day to die. Like Benjamin Franklin puts it, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” The first, surely, is universal.

"There is no cure for birth and death, save to enjoy the interval." (George Santayana)

So, being that we have no vote on birth and/or death, we need to use our vote where it counts. We need to use it where it matters. That is, in the in-betweens. That is the place between birth and death. We are accountable for that much. We do not have the luxury of blaming anyone else. The full weight is on us. That is where our votes count. Every man/woman is responsible for his/her lot in life, but only the successful are bold enough to admit and own it. Are you successful? Do you want to make a success in life - your life?

"We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses." (Carl Jung)

So, how is your in-between? How are your in-betweens? Are you taking charge? Or, are you still crying, mourning, and groaning about the things you do not have? Is your life defined by excuses, or a strong reason - vision, dreams, and goals? The onus is on you to make your life what you want it to be. No one else will do that for you. And, you have all it takes to make it all you want it to be. What you don’t have, you really don’t need it. So, stop waiting. Start moving. Start doing something.

"In between goals is a thing called life that has to be lived and enjoyed." (Sid Caesar)

Don’t be discouraged by the gap between where you are and where you eventually want to end up. The big in-between of life is made up of smaller manageable in-betweens. You know any mountain can be moved, right? All it takes is moving it one stone at a time. Break it down into manageable chunks.

"Beginnings are usually scary, and endings are usually sad, but it’s everything in between that makes it all worth living." (Bob Marley)

Life is not about competing with others or chasing after the proverbial Joneses. It is about making the best of ALL you have been endowed with, at all times, every step of the way. There is greatness within you. You are a champion. Permit me to propose a toast to the successful, great, and accomplished you. You got greatness within you.

"My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best I can." (Cary Grant)