The Unseen Journey to Greatness
By Ife Thomas
Yesterday, I had the honor of speaking at an awards ceremony that celebrated extraordinary achievements in various fields, including community service, medicine, and technology. The event was a testament to the incredible impact individuals can have in their industries and beyond.
In my speech, I shared the inspiring story of the bamboo tree, a narrative that mirrors the journeys of many trailblazers we celebrated. The bamboo tree’s growth process is a powerful metaphor for success and perseverance.
It requires nurturing watering, cultivating, and giving it light - consistently for five years without seeing any visible sign of growth. However, in a remarkable burst of development, it can shoot up to 90 feet tall in just six weeks.
This incredible growth is a reminder to the achievements of the individuals we celebrated.
o the outside world, their successes may appear sudden or effortless. Yet, what often goes unnoticed is the prolonged period of hard work, consistency, faith, and resilience that lays the foundation for their breakthroughs.
In my book, “Finding Light in the Darkness”, I delve deeper into this idea. I explore the concept that periods of struggle and ‘darkness’ are not just obstacles but essential chapters in our life stories. These challenging times are when we learn valuable lessons that prepare us for our moments of triumph.
So, when you see someone shining brightly, achieving great things, remember the bamboo tree. Their height of success is not just a sudden spurt but a result of years of unseen growth, resilience, and learning in the darkness.
Their journey, like the bamboo’s, is a reminder that every phase of our life, especially the most challenging ones, contributes to our ultimate growth and success.
