**WARNING - Philosophical content**
I used to really enjoy reading Aesop's fables as a child; little stories with a greater allegorical meaning and edifying messages to instruct you on how to live your life. We all know about the tortoise and the hare, and that slow and steady wins the race. I am not denying that this is true, in fact, many times it has been proven to be spot on, but I think that, in its own way, life teaches you its own lessons in the strangest of ways, without the need to turn to a book for the answer.
For instance, I remember very clearly a time at primary school when we were rehearsing a play about the Greek gods. Our teacher, Mrs. Atkins, in her infinite wisdom, decided it was a really good idea to audition the parts out. Very democratic and fair of her you may think. However, it was not her who decided which roles we were given, but our classmates. I can still see it now, we were in the assembly hall and four or five of us had to deliver lines for different parts. Subsequently, the rest of the class voted for who did it best. As if that wasn't traumatic enough for most children to be judged in such a way, I was a particularly sensitive child (I know, it's shocking, isn't it?). Needless to say, primary school was also much like a popularity contest and I was the fat kid who was always chosen last for games. Literally.
So, as the parts were given out and we were working our way down the hierarchy of the deities, and I was still left standing, we finally got to the role of Hermes. My Greek mythology is a little rusty now, but I believe he was the god of travel, communication, language and writing - perfect for me really! (Although according to Wikipedia he was also known for thievery, trickery and athletics (bah!)... maybe not.) He served as a messenger to the gods, with winged sandals to help him travel faster. So, for this role, the actor had to run - lightening fast - from one side of the stage to the other about three times before delivering their lines. So, I ran - or shall I say more accurately, waddled - my way back and forth and the other children, being as cruel as only children are, decided I did it best and that that part was for me. Although if I remember correctly, it may have been the final part to be assigned.
Anyway, as I practised, I became more and more self-conscious about the part and thought that it wasn't for me and that I would end up being ridiculed. Besides, it was very tiring to do all that running. I mentioned my doubts to the teacher and she asked if anyone would like to switch roles with me. Another girl, let's call her Sarah, basically because that was her name, immediately volunteered and in an instant I was demoted to banging a drum off-stage.
I regretted my decision instantly and I was inconsolable. After all, it may have been hard but it was my part, and the grass is always greener on the other side. It was infinitely better than being part of the percussion section! (No offence to any percussionists, I just preferred drama to music). I went home that day and my Mum could tell something was wrong, as even her chocolate-rice-krispie nests couldn't cheer me up. (That's the thing about me, if chocolate can't do it, there is no amount of prozac or any other antidepressant that can lift me out of it). But it was too late, Sarah had my part now, and there was nothing I could do about it. I went on to play that drum as best I could, but I always felt remorse over giving up so easily.
I remember thinking even at that young age that I would learn from the experience and I wouldn't let it happen again. So, although it may seem inane or trivial, what I learned then, was actually of great value:
Don't give up on something so easily and don't be deterred, it may be hard work, but you will regret it if you don't try or see it through.
I'm sure things have happened in your life too, that, from the outside, may seem ridiculous but actually were of great importance to you. It is from these things that we should learn and it will help us infinitely more than an abstract moral from a story.
There are always going to be Sarahs in this world waiting to make the most of an opportunity that you don't, and I can't believe I almost forgot that. Just over a year ago I almost gave up entertaining any notion of breaking into the media because it was too hard or too costly, but I recently remembered this anecdote which helped me to get back on track. It goes to show that you never know what is around the corner.
On that note, I am off to work on my next application...
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