When I lived in Istanbul, we used to get a lot of visitors and it was my job to be the more or less English-speaking tour guide. As I led many different friends through the twisting streets and alleys, rooftops, and bazaars of the city, I had a number of unwritten rules. One I used to insist on was, "We will only pass this way once." If someone wanted to go into a shop, or make a purchase, or look at some item of interest, they had to do it on the first encounter, because for many reasons the opportunity might not present itself ever again.
The same principle applies to our lives as well. If we are given a choice to do something, go somewhere, or visit someone, don't put it off until tomorrow. Too many factors might intervene and prevent us from a second chance. So when opportunity knocks, answer the door.
In my life, I have pretty much lived by that credo. When the opportunity to go to university was available, I took it. When offered a summer job in Ottawa, 2000 miles away, I took it. How could I pass up the chance to travel to Uganda and teach one summer? I couldn't! The chance to teach overseas became available and I took it. (Ultimately, I accepted a job but the government rejected me). Opportunities to live in Warsaw and Nassau were put on the table and without much more reflection we jumped at the chance.
A number of people have surmised that I have been really lucky to do some of the things I have done and seen some of the places I have seen. Nothing is farther from the truth. I did what many others would not or could not do, I accepted the opportunity and took my chances. It was a conscious decision, not a lucky lottery win.
The only major opportunity I declined was a job offer out of university to work in a chemical plant in Trinidad. I rejected the offer as they required a two-year commitment that I was not prepared to make at the time. Other than that one example, I guess I could be called a "Yes man" in the best sense of the word. Knock, knock! Here I come!
No comments:
Post a Comment