Each week we post an article or paper submitted by a member or "silent participant" of Guyana Caribbean Network. The featured article runs from Monday to Sunday each week. To submit an article for feature of the week contact us at admin@guyanacaribbeannetwork.com This week's feature is brought to you by "Charisma".

Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands
by "Charisma"

I recently got to thinking about how most of us always have the ability to remove ourselves from a given situation that is no longer right for us. One of my favorite sayings is that life is all about choices. Take the launching of this website, for example - those behind it made a choice to remove themselves from a given situation and take control of their own destiny. In other words, they looked at what was no longer working for them and decided to create something they believe would have a more positive impact on their lives. Whatever our situation, choices are always available to us, be it removing ourselves from the job we really hate going to every day or the relationship that we know is long over and done with and causes us pain. Granted some decisions will call for long term planning: leaving the job may call for acquiring new skills; leaving that dreaded relationship may call for rearranging your budget by saving more and spending less before you can move on. While I'm the first to admit that some decisions can be confusing or downright scary, once you meet that threshold whereby you just know enough is enough a decision is usually easier to make.

Many people are dissatisfied with the way their lives are going (e.g. others treating them with disrespect or always in a financial crunch) but never seem to ever get to the point where they become dissatisfied enough to make a needed change. Some fear making a mistake while others lack confidence in their own judgment. The truth is we all have areas in our lives that are very successful and others that really need some work and may involve taking a risk or two; or weeding certain people or things out of our lives. Whatever it takes we have the ability to accomplish it.

The decision to leave behind whatever isn't working and taking that leap of faith to something else that may or may not work takes great conviction. It calls first and foremost for vision, backed by determination and dedication. The former calls for an extremely strong desire and drive to succeed in the new path you're about to take; the latter motivates you to spend untold hours, if necessary, doing what it takes to realize what you envision or want to achieve. It calls for understanding that treading on a new and unfamiliar path may mean there are times when you'll have to take one step forward and two steps backward but the important thing is to take that first step. There's a Chinese proverb that says "a journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step".

This website is an inspiration and a reminder that most times you have at least one other option. I wish David, "Hope" and BK every success in this new endeavor and I also wish for those who happen to be in a place physically and/or emotionally that no longer serves to bring contentment into their lives that they find the courage to use their example and take matters into their own hands. They took responsibility and carved their own path. After all, it's your life - mould it!