Going Solo

I thought of a new name for my blog for a long time. I thought of something inspirational, or something really cool. In the end, I decided on something realistic. Or maybe not. Dreamers are seldom realistic, they're oftentimes ever-ready optimists.

So why going solo? I thought about it and it's actually inspired from a book from favourite author Roald Dahl. Its a self written autobiography and a continuation from the book 'Boy'. In this second book, Dahl writes the story of his adolescence and subsequent entry into manhood. I was inspired by Dahl's insight into his own life, one of adventure and daring. I liked that he found his life a wild ride of precariousness and exhilaration.

Many people envision their lives to be somewhat mundane. Who can blame them? After all, as George Orwell popularly said that thats what society expects from us. To be a good worker and contribute to the well being of the community. But we live in rather different times from the great author. The world is a different place from the one he knew and grew to discontentment.

If you had read my previous blog, you would have realised that I don't blog for fun. I do it for inspiration. As I have said before, I aspire to inspire, and that has not changed. So what really is going solo all about?

As an avid reader of the bible, I was intrigued by how many heroes had moments in their lives where they, as you put it, went solo. It was a spiritual journey of sorts. David, Abraham, Joseph.. The list goes on. But interestingly, each one had a journey to take, one that demanded total surrender to the Great Being (forgive my apparent lack of intimacy, its just a form of writing). But I found that it was in these moments that these men of the bible found their footing and it was after this period that many went on to do great things.

When you learn to fly a plane, you never do it on your own. First you learn the basics, the terminology. Then when you're done with the theory, you sit next to the instructor, and he shows you how its done. Once he thinks you're ready, you fly the plane, but still not alone, you have to do it with him sitting next to you. Then one day, one fine day, he looks at you and says "you're going solo". You're on your own buddy. No one to look after you. You have to press all the right buttons cause your life depends on it. Over and out?

Its scary, and dangerous. Alone? Can I do this alone? What if I fail. What if I crash? What if I crash the plane and wreck my future. Surely there must be a better way?

But there isn't. This is what sets you apart. And so you get into that aircraft. You have to concentrate and put those fears aside and focus. Everything that you have been taught now becomes tested. You're on the runway, then you start your ascent. Slowly but surely, you're airborne. And suddenly, you're there, flying alone, soaring above the masses, high above the fears you once had. All the fears washed away, because now, you are the Lord of the Skies, the master of your own destiny.

This journey will not be easy. But He is my guide, and I will put my trust in Him alone. And like Dahl, it'll be an adventure. An adventure with Jesus....