I Seldom End up Where I Wanted to Go
If you’d told me 10 years ago that I would be a novelist, I’d have been like, “Duh.”
I was a very stereotypical sarcastic adolescent, lovely, and boy did I have plans! First off, I was going to be a teenage best selling author. Second, my novel would be so good that I’d be propelled to fame and Brad Pitt would leave another wife for me. Third, I would move Brad and me to New Zealand where I’d be a beautiful stepmother and spend my days writing stories.
None of that happened, obviously. I did not become a bestselling author (an injustice if you ask me) and Brad Pitt’s marriage ended with no input from me. Also, I’m not in New Zealand – I’m in Ndirande.
Oh, how life humbles us!
Anyway, there’s this quote I think about all the time and it’s very important to me. It’s by Douglas Adams, and it says:
“I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.”
I enjoy this quote because it reminds me to appreciate the invaluable experiences and lessons that come from disappointments and the unexpected course life takes. It reminds me that even my journey has not gone as planned, the life I’m living is not a consolation prize.
Sure, I didn’t get to be a teenage bestseller or get to be Mrs Pitt-Salome but what I got instead is something so beautiful I could cry from gratitude.
Ever since I announced the re-release of my novel, It Was Tender Underneath, I’ve been floored by how much support I’ve received. Not only have many of you shared the book on social media, you went out and downloaded the preview just to get a snippet of my work. Some of you even pre-ordered the novel before it hit digital shelves.
I’ve gotten reviews from so many great people in Malawi’s writing community, including Robert Chiwamba. It Was Tender Underneath was even featured in the press and National Youth Council of Malawi, opportunities that were made possible through the help of people simply putting in a good word.
And it all happened while I was in Ndirande, thankful and happy, and right where I need to be.
Lovely, you might not be where you wish and you may not end up where you’re intending. BUT if you cherish and learn from the highs and lows of the experience, you can make something beautiful out of where life has led you.
Haven’t read my novel yet? You can grab it right now from my bookstore or Amazon.
Not quite ready to buy? No problem. You can add Tender Underneath to your reading list on Goodreads.
