Right. The entry you're about to sink your teeth into is, in fact, a rewrite. On reflection, this is quite appropriate. 2019, so far, has had a few false starts so why shouldn't my blog keep in step with life? So... into the breach, we go.
Unless you count my ill-fated attempt at realizing a childhood dream from last year, I haven't written anything of consequence for a long time. I met someone a short while ago who suggested that perhaps I should, if only for posterity, consider resuscitating my literary journey. As it turns out, more than just two or three people find my ramblings interesting. Apparently, some even find them inspiring. Who knew?
At the point of penning this entry, you find me a 45-year-old Caucasian man living in sunny Cape Town, South Africa. It's the middle of Summer. Everything is as it should be. Except that it isn't. We're embarking on a run up to a general election that could, potentially, heal our country from a decade of corruption, theft, state capture and a whole lot more. Or, it could herald a time where we, as a nation, go up in flames fuelled by hate, racism, and a general inability to see the otherness in one another. It's fair to say that the only thing certain about being a white male in South Africa at the moment is uncertainty. In fact, it's a little terrifying.
Foreign countries, it turns out, are quite reluctant to grant asylum (don't even start me on citizenship!) to a C4 quad of a certain age unless you can show definitively that you won't be a drain on their economy. I may not have written finals at Stellenbosch university but I can point to the fact that I've been pretty successful as an online marketer, a reasonably competitive industry. Hell, I've been headhunted by corporates twice and, if it weren't for the fact that I can't do 16 hour days in an office, I'd be heading up a team now. I don't need to brag, really, but this doesn't paint a picture of a deadbeat immigrant, does it? So, where to for this multilingual professional? The truth is, I'd be successful anywhere.
Believe it or not, I've even received a couple of marriage proposals. One from a girl in the United States. One from a mademoiselle in France. Here's my problem. I can't marry for any reason other than being in love. At this time, I can't honestly say I'm in love with either lady. Besides, what difference is it going to make if I can't get to either? I've always said that I could find a reason to love any girl. Girls are wonderful that way. I don't need the love of my love to be drop-dead gorgeous. She may come with a wart or two. Hell, she may even come with a chequered past. I don't care. 2019 is going to be the year where I'm going to get myself in a financial position to travel, be it to meet a girl, see the world, or flee the latest African failed state. Right now, I'm at T minus $2000.
Back when I started out my life as a man with a disability, not even my mother, my biggest cheerleader, was 100% certain I'd make it in life. As anyone living with a disability will tell you, nothing can prepare you. It's anything but a bunch of roses. If I proudest of anything, it's of the fact that I've gone out and succeeded. I'm financially independent. No, I'm not a millionaire. Yes, I've received help from others along the way, something for which I'm forever grateful. However, I've also worked as hard as anyone to get where I am. I still have many things I'd like to achieve in my life. I'll never quit. I'll either achieve my goals or I'll die trying.
If you're reading this and you're wondering what to make of me, the aspiring Distinguished Toastmaster (Another goal for 2020!), I'm just a guy like any other. I don't ask society to shift my goalposts further than what can be considered reasonable accommodation. I certainly don't want anyone's pity. All I want is a shot to distinguish myself like anyone else. Give me a job. Offer to be my partner. Teach me something. Those are the things I value. Those are the things that will allow me to set myself apart.
