I Am The Master Of My Fate; I Am Captain Of My Soul

Last couple of days have been quite exhausting not physically but mentally. I find it satisfying sometimes to ponder questions which have significant impact on our life. Lately my mind has drifted several times towards impending questions of my future and what it may bring to me.

Can you truly picture what you want to be in future? It is a basic question but to understand it in depth you must answer it with honesty and integrity of your soul. Don’t cloud it with the thoughts of materialism that is inculcated in everyone’s mind from birth. Let your heart decide what path to tread and only then you’ll see what was always in plain sight but is hidden from you.

So once again back to my original question:

Can you truly picture what you want to be in future? Is it like a single image? or Is it like a list of possibilities all of which bear resemblance to your likely future? If so, Is there anything invariable in each of your dreams or picturisation of your future self?

Think about the time when you would realise your dream and answer my question. What is that you wish to be around yourself when you reach there? For a moment keep aside the wealth, position, recognition or awards that you desire and answer my question. These might still be important but they are not what should be used to define your life.

Everyone has preconceived notions about what future would look like. But do you truly believe that you could predict knowing the endless snags which lay in store for you out there.

I was getting frustrated pondering such endless list of questions which seemed unfathomable for the time being. So I took a break and started watching one of my favourite movie Invictus. The film tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela who after spending 27 years in jail and then becoming the first black president of South Africa, joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team to help unite their country. Mandela shares with François a British poem, "Invictus", that had inspired him during his time in prison. I will share it with everyone for it truly stirs something deep and profound inside you.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeoning of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

In these lines I found peace of mind and understanding about the most important aspect about the future. It does not matter what tomorrow might bring, it is our attitude towards life and strength of our heart which would decide our fate.