ON YOUR MARKS

Sana Umer, Friday’s web content editor, just got her driving license. This tame announcement says nothing about the several years she put in realising this elusive dream. Plagued with self-doubt every time she was told, ‘Sorry, you did not succeed this time’, she struggled to find that strength within her to get back behind the wheels and give it yet another try.

Courage, she realised, is not a visceral emotion but has a shape and form. It is a well that we need to draw from every time we feel devoid of strength to continue; fight back or even finish what we start. It is that cord of self-belief we are anchored to, that keeps us focused and determined. It is that marker that keeps us on track.

While Sana is busy taking a bow in between resetting her ambitions and is in search of new horizons to conquer, I can’t help but ponder on how achievement is never the finishing line, it is always the stepping stone. Life is not about happy endings but fresh beginnings. It is about going on with steady resolve.

Haleema Humaid Al Owais proves that. When life threw a curveball at her she did not cower in fear of failure, instead she played it to the best of her ability. As you read the Emirati enterpreneur’s story on page 22, you’ll realise it is not so much about her achievements and awards that make her the winner, but about her attitude towards learning – expanding her horizon, knocking at new doors, curious to know what’s beyond and embracing the experience with an open mind. And most of all, constantly challenging herself.

As I take on a new position, here in Friday, it is people like Sana and Haleema who are my well of inspiration, my marker in life, reminding me that I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.

Achievement is never the finishing line, it is always the stepping stone. Life is not about happy endings but fresh beginnings