The long road home
This week, I want to share a deeply personal story, one that has shaped me and reminded me of the power of perseverance and gratitude.
Have you ever held onto a dream so tightly that even setbacks felt like stepping stones? Let me share a story about turning impossible into inevitable.
Eight years ago, a dream took root in our hearts. Becoming Canadian was not just about a new passport; it was about building a future where our aspirations could flourish.
But dreams rarely unfold in straight lines, do they?
2014: Our first application to immigrate to Canada was denied due to a change in process.
​2015: Second try was rejected. Incomplete documents, they said. It felt bad, but our resolve grew stronger. 2016: After addressing every setback, our third application was finally approved, and we relocated in 2017. Then came the real test: seven months of job hunting. Seven months of questioning, hoping, and persisting. But 2018 brought us our first Canadian jobs, and with them, a deeper appreciation for every ‘no’ that led to this ‘yes.’
Even our citizenship journey had one final plot twist, a returned application in 2021 that required us to begin again. But in 2022, standing there with the Canadian flag in our hands, every setback made perfect sense. They were not roadblocks; they were building blocks.
Sometime ago, I shared this milestone online. Over 100,000 views and 2,000 reactions later, I realized something profound: our personal victories have the power to ignite hope in others. Each like, each comment celebrated not just our journey, but the universal spirit of persistence.
I share this story not just to celebrate a highlight moment but to remind you of something crucial: any valid dream will come with challenges, but those challenges make the dream even more meaningful.
The obstacles we face are not there to stop us; they are there to shape us, to help us grow stronger and appreciate the outcome when it finally arrives.
So, to anyone who is on a tough path right now, I want to say this: do not give up. Keep moving forward. Your highlight moment is on its way, and when it comes, it will be worth every challenge you overcame to get there.
Action points
- Reflect on your journey: Write down every ‘no’ you have received pursuing your dream. Now, beside each one, write what it taught you. These are not failures, they are your story’s building blocks. Write it down to remind yourself of your progress.
- Recommit to your dream: Find someone who has achieved what you are dreaming of. Ask them about their setbacks, not just their success. Let their journey remind you that detours are part of the path. Seeking advice, or just believing in yourself, every step matters.
Remember, friend: The length of your journey does not diminish the beauty of your destination. Your highlight moment is not just coming, it is being built, one challenge at a time. Your story is unfolding, and it is worth every effort. Keep going, you are closer than you think.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Tom.
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Maybe you’re hesitating, wondering if there’s really room for one more story in our tapestry. Let me tell you, we’re not just saving a spot for you, we’re actively hoping you will join us.
So here’s your invitation. No fancy buzzwords, no complicated process. Just real people, real stories, and a genuine desire to see each other succeed.
Click that join button. We will be here, ready to welcome you home.
Because sometimes the best decisions start with a simple “yes.”
