Navigating Life’s Turbulence: Embrace the Challenge and Keep Moving Forward

Turbulence, as defined by the dictionary, is a universal experience. It’s a “violent or unsteady movement of air, water, or some other fluid.” This is a phenomenon that every person, political party, country, plant, equipment, plane, ship, etc., encounters from birth to the end of life. Remember, not the turbulence itself but your reaction to it shapes your life’s story. Dieter F. Uchtdorf wisely said, “It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop.” This understanding can help you feel less alone in your challenges, knowing that turbulence is a shared experience.

Have you ever been on a plane when the captain’s voice comes over the intercom, ‘We’re about to hit some turbulence; please fasten your seat belts.’ Despite the warning, many still find themselves gripping the armrests when the turbulence hits. It’s a moment that can strike even when the air seems clear, leaving you wondering why. It’s a lot like life’s challenges.

Have you not seen plants bent by wind and their leaves drying up when they encounter solid winds or without water to manufacture food that springs back when the rainy season comes? Have you seen a crop growing without dying first?

So, should we then think we are exempted from the turbulence of life from cradle until death do us part? God didn’t promise a life without turbulence, but he promised that if we served him in faith and truth and worked diligently without sleeping our hours out, he would be with us until we overcame. God’s promise was reinforced in Psalm 23, verse 4, which says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me….” What other reassurances do you need before you trust God? He did it for Paul and Silas in prison. He did it for Shedrach, Meshak, and Abednego in the den of fire. Why do you think he would abandon you and won’t do it for you if you are in turbulence in any part of your life? Remember, God’s promise of support is a constant source of comfort and reassurance in the face of adversity.

Like many great Nigerians, I experienced turbulence all my life, whether growing up or adulthood. I witnessed it in the workplace, as many of you might be going through now. The gravitational forces abound everywhere tried to pull me down. However, I remained resilient and believed that though I was born into a beautiful but humble family, I would not die the same poor way I was born. Was it easy? No. But I never gave up. I have never groaned through any failure. I always believe that I will not allow fear of failing to kill me before God’s appointed time. This belief in personal resilience and a growth mindset empowered me to overcome. If I can, you can, too.

Given the above, just like fastening your seat belt in a plane, you must envision that turbulence will come someday and be prepared to cushion the effect. It could also be sudden. The antidote is always to apply the Boy Scout mantra: “Be prepared.” This means anticipating challenges, equipping yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge, and maintaining a positive mindset. These are some of the tips that would help us bounce back in adversities.

1. Be calm; every beautiful brand experiences turbulence in all aspects of development. How they handle it determines their successes or failures.

2. Have a growth mindset.

3. Stop blaming others for your turbulence.

4. Introspect and see where the turbulence began. Walk your way back to ‘kingdom living’-a term that refers to living in alignment with your values and purpose-and apply the principles that guide you in this way of life.

5. Break some habits you might have that contribute to the turbulence process; pilots try to avoid clouds or winds on their paths. So, avoid the waves of unwholesome activities that do not add value to life.

6. Be optimistic that will always overcome.

7. Turbulence has not come to kill but to strengthen and build your resilience to bounce back. It’s an opportunity for growth, not a threat.

8. If things are smooth sailing, you need ‘experiential examples’-real-life instances or stories that illustrate a particular point or lesson-to leverage to overcome today’s harsh trends. These examples can provide inspiration, guidance, and a sense of perspective when you’re facing challenges.

9. Stop doubting your capability to excel. Doubt is a disease that has scuttled many dreams.

10. Practice being professional, not casual. It is often said that when you are experienced, you become a casualty.

11. Note that you alone can pick yourself up to bounce back. Even if others pick you up, you must stand and walk from where you fell.

12. Deploy ‘split-second social calculations’-a strategy that involves quickly assessing social situations and making decisions based on the potential outcomes-to reduce turbulence impacts in your life. This could involve considering the potential consequences of your actions or words before you act or speak, and adjusting your behavior accordingly.

Friends, if the sun and the moon shall sprout in their seasons, God will show up when you think it is over. Get up, move, and walk because it is at the point of service and your value addition that you will be remembered. It is not over for you until God says so. Happy weekend. Grace and peace!!!