Maya Angelou gave us Still I Rise,, which is a poem I look to for inspiration whenever I feel disconnected with myself in this journey called life.

‘Life is not a bed of roses’ was partly motivated by the poem as well. But the truth is, one young man triggered the saying into my head. I remember when I told him that I felt lost in a world full of people. He then told me not to be too quick to judge life because life is not a bed of roses, but it’s a wonderful gift you can ever get.

True happiness is just a state of mind, it is no way connected with material glory. Life has more sorrows than joys and we just cannot ignore the bitter truths of life and only search some moments of happiness to keep ourselves satisfied. Yes, it is true that happiness in life comes in a moment and vanishes, and then we spend the rest our lives seeking that happiness.

But then at the end of the storm the sun shines.

As many may say, life is not always sweet and great, and as per your experiences, it has its own share of sorrows and sadness. Life is a journey and there is no such thing as a smooth journey, there are humps along the road, similarly to life. We face obstacles and it is these obstacles that make life the beautiful thing it is. Life is not a bed of roses because in order to get to the roses, we first pass the thorns and thorns are sore when you step on them.

Life is a shadow and a mist; it passes quickly by and then is no more, so make the best out of it. Yes, we know that life is not a bed of roses but either way it is better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life. But remember, it is he who has no place that moves fast through life.

Life is one of the greatest gifts one can have but it has seasons. In life there is a season of happiness, a season to be born, a season to die and a season to die. Life does not need anyone who rushes it because it is a hill that requires patience and the view is great. If you go in search of honey, expect to be stung by bees. In life, take your time my African child, if you rise too early, the dew of life will soak you.

Life is like a garden of flowers, it has many colourful flowers on its path, but the prettiest have the sharpest thorns. Nothing great comes easily and nothing easy can equate to greatness. If life seems to be going left for you, just think of a leopard when it rains, the rain does not wash off its spots.

I am Sharon Ncube, a lover for life, a believer of success, a dreamer, and most of all, a dream chaser.

I am one who knows that life is bitter-sweet and that life should be lived in the present while preparing for the future. If you notice, I did not speak of the past because I strongly believe that the past belongs to the dead. Those who have lived before us have paved the road for us.

Many may not agree with me on that statement. They have been told that each one of us has got their journey of life and the roads are different. But I tell you that this life’s journey is on an express road and that is why we have the same colour of blood and just different genes.

So, to you my dear reader, I say unto you: those who respect the elderly pave their own road toward success. Know where you come from because those are your roots. But don’t let your roots limit you to greatness, for the roots do not prohibit the branches from spreading out.

Reach great heights and spread your wings to your freedom. Water and feed yourself with success but never forget where you come from. A living dog is better than a dead lion so be grateful for your life. Speak softly and carry a stick and you will go far.

In this walk of life, remember one thing: if you want to go quickly go alone, but if you want to go far go together.

I’m grateful for this life and all those who have helped in this journey. Thank you for all the moments shared, whether sad or happy, I’m glad I had them with those I had. It is because of them that I look back on my life and say ‘indeed life is worth living.’

Live the life you want and not the life society and family wants for you.

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Tell us: What line did you take out from this motivational piece?