You woke up this morning feeling rejected, feeling low and feeling sorry for yourself, everything you do seems to go wrong and as the recession takes another dynamic U turn and approaches a new lane filled with another dull mood of economic depression, you think to yourself- things can only get worse.

You lost your job nearly a year ago and ever since then you have made 537 applications and attended 11 interviews, but its always the same story, “We are very sorry Mr Brown, we will not be taking things any further at this stage but we wish you the very best in the future”, and even on the dating scene, similar shades of Dejavu embrace the air

“I am sorry Mr Brown, you are such a nice guy, but you are not my type” or “I am sorry Mr Brown, you are too serious, I want a man that can make me laugh” or “I am sorry Mr Brown, I like a man , with a bit of swag”

This year alone- you have already received 9 sorries and last night, as you drove past the city, you came across a Big Billboard – with these words written in bright colours “THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER” and you thought to yourself “Yes Right”

Slowly but surely, this negative energy begins to creep into you like a new disease, it takes control of your spirit, your mindset and your BEING- Failure slowly becomes your new friend and invites you into a whole new world of doubt and depression.

When we feel rejected, it consumes part of our being and affects our mindset and even our body language …

Well- I have a message for you Mr Brown- THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL, it is not always about what happens to us in life that makes the difference, What sometimes makes the difference is how we react and respond when we are faced with challenges and phases of rejection- this is what sometimes seperates WINNERS from those who have lost in the beautiful game of life (I refuse to call them loosers)

Every rejection, Every failire, and Every defeat is also disguised and designed with the Riddles and The Lessons that will make you stronger- It is called THE GAME OF LIFE, but the thing is Mr Brown, you have to be able to read in between the lines, you have to understand what God is trying to tell you,you have to learn from each page of Life, you have to persevere, overcome, but most importantly- you have to BELIEF and have a FAITH –  because LIFE is a beautiful journey- – and whatever your story- you are capable of greatness.

I then went to tell Mr Brown something that took him by surprise “You see Mr Brown, I have failed several times, but each time i fail, i jump up and celebrate”

He then looked at me as if I was crazy “Why” he asked

“Because each time i fail, it is a sign that God is trying to tell me and show me something new and  it is also the sign for a new season on LIFE called CHANGE”

Mr Brown still looked stunned “What do you do for a living he asked”

“What I do for a living does not really matter that much- I am just a qualified sinner trying to be a better person”, but I will tell you two things about me “I thrive on creating things out of nothing- because that defines my purpose” and I was born to change the world- no matter how little …

W stood in silence for a few minutes- for the first time in a long time, it was nice to see Mr Brown smile

“I think its time for me to step up my Game and Smile”- those were Mr Browns words

“Yes” – I said- and anytime you fall down, wipe of the dust from your back and stand up- but also try and understand- how and why you fell

Tony Tokunbo Fernandez