We often sit around waiting for that one special moment, that deciding moment, those few seconds that I believe would orchestrate and dictate the rest of my life. Well sadly, while we sit and wait, moments like this keep passing by, as we look yonder towards the perfect moment. Would we then say perfection does not exist? Not entirely, it probably does, but so do all the times we could have harnessed to our good, what we let go by because they showed up in disguise.

Let me tell you about a moment like this in my personal life. A few days ago, I was to attend a forum at which just under 40 leaders of different sects would gather to dialogue. Now knowing that I was soon to be the master of ceremony at a certain event of over 140 delegates, I asked the team putting this one together, whether I could moderate this discussion (I was really trying to test whether this audience would think I have what it takes to blow up). And fortunately, they took up my request, having no knowledge of my moderating skills or whether I had any at all. Maybe the confidence, certainty and daring spirit spoke to their instinct. I rose to the challenge and sought out to give out the best of what I had groomed in my preparation closet. In all honestly and humility, this session went much better than I thought.

I took a moment of reflection after this incident, and in this space, I realised that this was actually one of those moments that would orchestrate the rest of my life. Few who know me know this little truth; I envision moderating presidential debates and facilitating various ‘huge’ events. So for me , being in a room with such distinguished and decorated leaders  who I had come to admire, and have them not only recognise the authority bestowed on me , but also give feedback was just priceless. I came to realise that this moment was in actual sense a test. A test of my wits, a test of my capabilities, a test of my endurance, a test of my ethics to name only a few. I can safely say I passed.  Am I totally confident of the future now, well of course not, but I am braver, wiser and better seasoned to embrace it and strive to thrive in it.

Had I not grabbed this opportunity and stood to the challenge, I would not have believed that I could be capable of such an achievement and probably would still doubt whether I will do well at my next big event. Mine is no queer story. Often times in our lives we keep waiting and hoping for that big moment that will come well announced, and branded with promise for us to accept and embrace it. Well this may happen, but often times, the times that actually count are the ones not publicly announced, the little strides towards progress, the silent shares and the golden tears. The moments when no one is cheering and no one sees the value in what is happening at present, but you choose to foresee the impact, you choose to train hardest today to be fit enough tomorrow , and where you give it your best even if is seemingly inconsequential. Moments like this are the moments that remain in history as the point of translation.

So be on the lookout for moments like this, be on the careful look out because they may not call out to you but you may have to just go on a leap and grab them. And when you do, appreciate them, appreciate the process, learn all you can and be sure to pass it on.

Enjoy the moment

 Gift Mbewe

Gift is a development strategist who possesses wide experience in planning and project management across the globe. She is also a competent communicator who has mentored many in public speaking and leadership, from high school debate club to organising TedX Platforms. She sincerely believes in a united, thriving Africa and is very interested in welfare for the greater good for all communities big or small.