Introduction:
In life, it’s often said that “big doors move on small hinges.” These small hinges represent the impactful (yet often unaware) individuals who play influential roles in shaping our life journey. From parents and teachers to mentors and supporters, these people leave an indelible mark on our lives. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of these individuals, share personal experiences, and reflect on the importance of expressing gratitude for the transformative effect they have on our lives.
The Early Lessons: Cooking, Language, and Rural Living
My journey began with my mother, who taught me to cook at a young age. Little did I know that this seemingly small act would pave the way for a fulfilling career in the hospitality industry. Through cooking, I discovered a passion for diverse environments and connecting with people from all walks of life.
Another pivotal moment came when my parents decided to relocate to a rural area for a few years. This move immersed me in the stark differences between rural and urban lifestyles, providing valuable insights and broadening my perspective. The challenge of communicating predominantly in Afrikaans also pushed me to improve my second language skills, a valuable asset in an increasingly interconnected world.
Stepping into Leadership: Overcoming Challenges and Discovering Aptitude
Upon qualifying as a manager, I found myself entrusted with overseeing a 120-bed hospital catering department at the young age of 22. This experience was initially intimidating, especially since my second-in-command was older than my mother and resistant to working with me. However, this early taste of management revealed my aptitude for people management. Thriving in this position, I continued to pursue management roles for the next three decades.
Recognizing the Small Hinges: Parents, Teachers, Mentors, and Supporters
Often, we fail to fully appreciate the small hinges that shape our lives. They come in various forms—a demanding teacher who pushes us beyond our perceived limits, a caring mentor who provides guidance and support, or our parents’ sacrifices to provide us with a better education. Our parents may have provided us with tools for learning, like buying us a computer for schoolwork (which we may have primarily used for games). They have attended our sports matches, listened to our complaints, and continuously encouraged us to do better. The list of their unwavering support is endless.
The Power of Borrowing: Strengthening Relationships and Navigating Challenges
Life can be financially challenging at times, and we may find ourselves needing to borrow money from friends and family—a task never taken lightly. However, these acts of borrowing smooth out rough patches in our relationships and help us navigate through difficult situations involving schools, hospitals, banks, and beyond. It provided a meal to eat, an electricity bill that was paid, bus fare etc. But by lending us the money so graciously (and a bit apprehensively) you impacted our lives. Very often you took the loan as a potential loss, not expecting repayment.
Extending Thanks and Paying It Forward
To all my “hinges”, I want to seize the opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks for the transformative effect they have had on my life and that of my family. You have allowed me to breathe easier, sleep better, travel smoothly, explore new opportunities and to live my life fuller.
To those who have passed and to whom I cannot express my gratitude, I have chosen to pay it forward. Through my decisions and choices, I hope to positively impact the destinies of others, just as you have impacted mine. By recognizing the small hinges in my own life, I aim to create a ripple effect that will shape the lives of those random people I encounter, leaving behind a meaningful and lasting legacy.
Conclusion:
The saying “big doors move on small hinges” reminds us of the profound impact that various individuals have on our lives. From parents and teachers to mentors and supporters, these people serve as catalysts, influencing and shaping our personal and professional growth. It is crucial to recognize and express gratitude for these impactful individuals, for they have played a significant role in our journey. Let us reflect on their contributions, extend our thanks to those still with us, and pay it forward to create a positive impact on the lives of others. By doing so, we ensure that the legacy of these small hinges lives on and continues to inspire generations to come.
