Faithful

Last September, my co-workers and I were given an assignment wherein we had to choose one word to describe our best selves. More specifically, we were to answer the question “What if someone said that you had to trade in your name for a word that best describes you as your ‘ideal self’? What would you choose and why?" I didn’t choose a word that best described me, but instead a word that described me in my most ideal situation. I chose the word “Time” because, in my perfect life, I would have time to accomplish, see, and experience all that I desire. There is so much I want to do in the world and I can only hope that I’ll have enough time to do so.

A lot has happened since last September and, somewhere along the way, my one word changed. Upon heavy reflection and re-assessment, though my appreciation for time remained unhinged, the importance of certain values has heightened.

As such, if I were to be asked that same question today, my one word would actually be "Faithful". By definition, faith is to have confidence, trust or belief in something that is not based on proof. For me, as opposed to having a religious reference, being faithful is a confidence in the triumph of good versus bad. More specifically, my faithful nature is exemplified vis-à-vis my expectations for both my future and the future of everyone across the globe.

Personally

Each year seems to be more eventful than the last and more memorable than any other. In spite of the various curve balls thrown my way this past year, I’ve walked away feeling more positive, confident, and faithful than ever before.

My newfound faith has set off a comfort that things will work out for the best, regardless of how rocky they may seem at one point or another. I am faithful that things will fall into place – whether it is my friendships, relationships or my career. I don’t feel as much of a need to sweat the little things because I am confident that everything happens for a reason, and whatever is happening is bringing me one step closer to my dreams. I don’t need a specific path outlined for where I will be in the next year, two years, or five years, because I am faithful that each experience is a guiding factor in my self-discovery.

Development

In my years at Waterloo, the more I learned about development, the more I perceived issues surrounding it to be an insurmountable. I saw development as an unfair battle, one of the individual against unassailable organizations such as multinational corporations or the government. My biggest hurdle on this educational path has been rooted in my efforts to not become a hopeless cynic. Fortunately, my experiences this past year have shone light on the potentials for the future and have, consequently, restored my faith in the capabilities of the human species.

I have faith that good will prevail and that development is possible. I am faithful that truly participatory development and development projects that take into consideration the views of all stakeholders and are not pipe dreams, but instead realities of the future. Most importantly, I am faithful that the work I do in my lifetime – so long as I do so both passionately and critically – can have a positive impact.

All in all, I am faithful.

This newfound faith has instilled in me a sort of calmness that I’ve never felt before. Though life isn’t clear, I’ve let go of my fear and I trust that my intentions will manifest.

And to those doubters out there, don’t be too quick too judge. My faith shouldn’t be mistaken for naivety; I don’t think it will be an easy path. I don’t think it’ll happen without a fight or without sacrifices. I am, nevertheless, faithful that the struggle will lead to positive results, and that ends achieved are worth the means. 

Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.
       -Henry Ward Beecher