On Building Blocks and Trusting The Process

Start small, the increase will come.

Sep 02, 2023

Envisioning

Lately I’ve been thinking about the importance of process and laying solid foundations for what’s to come. In June I went on a solo trip/retreat for the first time shortly after I had finished my exams and it was amazing. It was the first time in a while I had some time to myself and it was really a trigger to live more intentionally. Since then, I’ve been spending more time envisioning the life I want for myself. From my relationships, to my career, finances, lifestyle etc. I’m trying my best to think big but most importantly allow my thoughts and goals to be shaped by God’s guidance. I think this is really important because often times we don’t realise we set our own timelines based on what society says should be done at a set time. But I personally don’t subscribe to this. Why? Because placing ourselves on timelines that were never ours, causes us to constantly be in competition with others. We’re depriving ourselves of walking on our own paths and preventing our stories from unfolding in the time that’s best suited to us.

Living Life on Your Lane

I believe in out-beating yourself and constantly spending time to ask, what can I do today that I couldn’t do yesterday? What have I learnt now that I didn’t know before? Or to switch the gears, what do I want to learn more about now that I don’t already know? Of course, these questions are not from a pressurised place, but more so looking for ways to continuosly improve yourself.

Recently I had an amazing opportunity to interview my friend’s mum at her book presentation and I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting since then. More so on my public speaking journey. The picture below is from the event and the one under, you may recognise it from my earlier newsletter. It was taken when I was 18. One of my goals this summer was to improve on my public speaking skills and comparing these pictures, I’m happy I chose to challenge myself on both occasions. I’m not where I want to be, but I’m where I need to be and I’m committed to the process of continuous development.

The Realities of Building

Building is tough. By building, I’m referring to the building blocks of our lives. From our careers, ventures, relationships and more. There’ll be times where we’re wondering where is all this effort going to? Why do I have to spend so much time practising my writing, baking, speaking when I’m not sure where it’s all leading to? Or other times where we’ll have to make decisions that may not make sense to others, but it’s in alignment with our purpose. In the midst of these changes, I’m learning the importance of trusting the process and not being afraid to make mistakes. When we think of physical buildings we only really get to see the full picture when the building is complete. It’s the same with us, we wouldn’t understand some of the processes we’re currently going through until later on in life. But even in the middle, we prepare in anticipation of what is to come and stay ready even in the waiting. Behind the scenes are more important than the external. It’s where discipline, character and consistency are built. It’s where you can make mistakes freely without fear of judgment.

I love this quote from one of my faves! Mazino shared this at the Uncovered Conversations’ leadership programme and it’s so apt.

I love these hidden moments, they’re priceless. I’m learning a lot on hiddeness as I’m building Uncovered Conversations. There’s so much work that has been done and is done behind the scenes that is teaching me the importance of patience and stay committed to the course regardless of what curveballs lie ahead. There are days where I’m tired and feel unsure of myself. But I always have to remind myself it all comes down to reaching one life at a time. I know the journey is long, but I’m learning to enjoy and endure every part of it, even the unglamorous side of things.

Navigating Doubts

We may envision where we want to see ourselves walking into but feel so far from the mental picture we imagine. To the point where we may even question how do I continue? Will this work out? On days like this, I lean into my faith and choose to continue to walk in confidence because I’m building my life based on my God given vision. I’m learning to rest knowing that my story is already written. None of us are random, our lives are already accounted for and our stories are unravelling daily.

I recently promised myself that I will stay committed to the process of my journey. The hours, weeks, months I’m dedicated to it all. I know it’s not going to be easy, it’s been far from smooth already, but there’s something so powerful about remaining relentless to a vision in spite of the odds. Taking breaks and recaliberating when needed are necessary but knowing when it’s time to return is equally as important. The journey really does continue and even on the hard days, let’s choose to put our best foot forward.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

It can be easier to want to shoot up but have no roots or foundations but I’m choosing the steady climb rather than speed. Slow and steady truly wins the race. I’m also realising the importance of times and seasons. There’ll be times where you’re a novice, a time to be quiet, learn from others and be still. There’ll be other moments where you’re called upon to speak, to teach others and share your knowledge. Regardless of where we find ourselves though, remaining a learner is crucial. But even as I’m at the start of my race, I’m learning to not despise my days of little beginnings. I want to be a master at my craft, but mastery takes time. It takes years of development. Ultimately I want to be one who is here for the long haul and not an instant succcess. I’m encouraged knowing that my building is not in vain as I’m doing this in partnership with God.

Living a Life that is Truly Yours

I only want to live a life that is true to my design, the life that I’ve been created to live. Not setting goals or aspirations based on what I see other people doing. But rather lean into divine timing and let God set the pace and trajectory for my life. I believe in the importance of vision casting but I’m also aware that God can choose to disrupt. Our plans don’t always align with His ways. Sometimes we have an idea of how things will pan out, but there are surprises on the journey. I want to lean into the surprises, and allow myself be taken on a journey that is unique, one that is specially carved out for me. I know this is the path I will thrive on the most, because it’s mine. It was designed for me to win. I think the more we choose to let go and let God, our lives are more colourful. We begin to see how His ways are better than any plan we could ever have imagined. Psalm 37:5 sums it up so perfectly.

‘Give God the right to direct your life and trust Him along the way, you’ll see He pulled it off perfectly!’

Slow and steady truly wins the race, we’ll be grateful for the solid foundations we’re laying today. It’ll all pay off. As we wrap up this newsletter here are some points to hold unto:

Choose the steady climb, you’re not in competition with anyone, take each day as it comes.
Focus on your journey, remember we’re not measured by how well we’ve done in comparison to others, but more so how far we have progressed on our own journeys.
Stay committed to the process, the minutes, hours, years. Mastery is developed over time and we’ll thank ourselves for not skipping the process.

Here are some resources that have helped me recently:

Resources 🫶🏾

Book: ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ by Koko Kalango: I shared earlier on that I interviewed my friend’s mum at her book presentation. This book is the perfect faith booster for anyone who’s been needing a pick me up. It’s so real, honest and relatable.

Video: ‘Becoming a Different Person’ by Sarah Jakes Roberts: I listened to this recently, and it was so encouraging. Sarah Jakes Roberts spoke on the importance of letting go of the old and staying committed to discipline, practices that align with who you are becoming. I’ll highly recommend it!

I’ll love to hear your thoughts, share below!