Never Give Up

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, I want to talk to you about resilience, the power of dreams, and the unyielding spirit within each of us. We all face moments when life seems unbearably heavy. You may have found yourself crying in the shower, feeling the sting of loss, failure, or heartache—wondering if you have the strength to continue. Nevertheless, let me tell you this: Never give up on your dreams.

Crying in that shower, feeling the warmth of the water against your skin, you might be enveloped by darkness, but remember that darkness is not permanent. It is a moment, a chapter, not the whole story. When you emerge, even if you feel lost, believe that light awaits you at the end of the tunnel. Set your goals; envision that dream. Never give up.

You are not alone in your struggles. Research shows we encounter at least twenty disruptive events in our careers alone (Feiler, 2020). Life is like a boxing ring; it will knock you down repeatedly. However, here is the truth: every time you fall, you have the choice to stand back up. There may be voices around you—some booing, some cheering. Focus on the cheers—those who believe in you and uplift you. You are destined to win if you refuse to quit. Never give up on your dreams.

I want to share my own journey with you. I dreamt of becoming a lawyer, a dream that nearly faded when I lost my father, the anchor of our family. In the depths of despair, as I faced the daunting responsibility of caring for my siblings and my ageing mother, I could have easily let my dreams slip away. But I refused. The nights were long, often without food, and tears stained my textbooks. Yet, I clung to my dream. My aunt reminded me that many had walked this path without support before me. Today, I stand before you as a lawyer of over 20 years experience because I did not give up.

When the winds of change threaten to extinguish your flame, remember the seven tools that can reignite your passion for your dreams, as outlined by Feiler (2020).

1. Accept it: Acknowledge your emotions; do not stay trapped in denial.
2. Mark it: Create rituals that honour your change.
3. Shed it: Release old mindsets that anchor you in failure or shame.
4. Create it: Remember, you are the composer of your own life. Take charge and explore new avenues.
5. Share it: Reach out to others; share your struggles and dreams. You will find wisdom and support in those connections.
6. Launch it: Step out of your comfort zone. Try new things that excite you—embrace the unknown.
7. Tell it: Rewrite your narrative. Transform your challenges into lessons that shape your new story.

Tough times do not last, but tough people do (Schuller 2006). Life unfolds in phases, and each phase teaches us vital lessons. God’s providence guides us, refining us into who we are meant to be (Clinton 2012). So, do not become weary. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” As you face your challenges, remember that every setback is a setup for a comeback. Never give up on your dreams.

Stand up, fight, and believe in yourself. Your dreams are worth it, and your journey is just beginning. Thank you.

References:

Feiler, B. (2020). Life Is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age. Penguin.

Clinton, R. (2012). The Making of a Leader: Recognizing the Lessons and Stages of Leadership Development. NavPress

Schuller, R. H. (2006). Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do! Orient Paperbacks.

Version, N. I. (2011). NIV Bible eBook (New International Version). Hachette UK.

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