Standing by the Decisions that we make

There comes a time in life when one has to make a decision that differs from the common acceptable norms of the community. Actually the people who have no self confidence will never make such a decision. They cannot withstand the pressure.

Recently I was faced with such a scenario. I was invited to attend a social function. Most of my old good friends were invited too. And from the onset, it looked like a Grand Get together for old friends. Most of the invited guys were looking forward to the Grand Day and the excitement could be felt in the mails that were exchanged in the build up for the Grand Day.

Having decided to dedicate this year to my academic path, I was faced with a challenge of spending a few hours at a social function or spending the same few hours preparing for my exams. Most of my good friends could not believe that I could fail to spare a few hours and attend a social function. To them, that was a sign of boycotting the function. Some went further to suggest that I never attend functions that I have not organized. Others wondered why I would not attend since the social function was not scheduled on the same day as the exams. One good friend called me on phone and assured me how she had not bought the idea of my not attending the social function due to my exam preparations. To her, I was telling lies!

It was then that I realized how life’s events have changed me. I recalled the time about a year ago when I decided to refocus my life. I chose to follow a certain path. I decided to close all other doors that where leading me away from the path of life that I had chosen to follow. This was the only way to focus on just one goal and peruse it with no distractions. Unfortunately this particular social function though good was on the doors that I had decided to close.

Unknown to most of my friends was the fact that when I did refocus my life; I gave up my social life so as to create time for my academic ambitions. Being a full time employee, full time student and a full time freelance programmer and consultant leaves me with no time for social functions. I don’t have time for TV or even Movies. I use my snippets of free time to check on my family and close friends – yes, I have a couple of friends that I am hooked too –including Atwooki, whom I met just a month ago but has touched my life with her kindness. These friends of mine understand my life priorities and have been a source of guidance and inspiration.

I thus had to uphold my decisions and spend the time preparing for my exams while my old friends were having fun at the social function.

I can only hope that one day; my old good friends will understand the reasons that made me refocus my life. Only then will they understand why I had to sacrifice my social life in exchange for my academic ambitions.(maybe then I will not be labeled a liar!) For it is through pursuing my academic ambitions that I will be able to take good care of those that Mother Nature has bestowed upon me. Unlike many of my old friends, Mother Nature blessed me with responsibilities at a very young age and I am forever grateful.

For life’s events will always dictate on how we live our lives. At times life even pushes one in a corner so that one is forced to make certain decisions but those decisions have to be upheld by us the individuals.

Even if it means going against the norms of society or letting go of the old traditions that you held dear or letting down your great friends. Always know that focusing is closing all other doors and going through just one door. I hope you know which doors to close.

And be ready to accept the repercussions that will arise once you uphold your decisions. For the pot that wants to eat the fats must have its bottom scotched.