The Law of Fate

Everyone selects their life path, their calling, profession, and to some extent, their life circumstances. While not everything is within our control – destiny plays a role as well, the other part of the equation is our choice.

How we handle challenges matters. It seems that in South Africa, we are particularly adept at managing adversity, don’t you think? We demonstrate resilience in the face of circumstances that would overwhelm others – cracking jokes and carrying on with our daily routines even during load shedding. The plague of many citizens. It is the very definition of disruption to routine if you ask my very-set-in-her-ways grandmother! She is not having a great time! While her antics come off as quite entertaining when she rants about this evil discomfort, it is a bit concerning, however, that we have grown somewhat too content when it comes to dealing with these challenges.

Consider this: the attitude of “Oh well, it is what it is” and then finding a way around the obstacles can indeed lead to a sense of complacency, allowing circumstances to dictate our fate. Allowing others to make decisions on our behalf. I am somewhat renowned for stirring up controversy in the industry. Sometimes controversy is necessary to spark change in the direction of justice, equality, and what is morally fair. Without so-called contentious people focused on systemic correction, everyone would just continue to suffer abuse.

I became a Debt Counsellor because I wanted to help people and educate them about their rights within the system that we live in. Life is already chaotic enough, we don’t need more anarchy, we need a structure that works for all parties involved. That is why I like the concept of law and order. Even with some imperfections and a few amendments required, it still provides us with mechanisms that help us take back some form of control in our personal capacity and daily lives.

As a Debt Counsellor, I witness daily the transformation that occurs when individuals are forced out of their comfort zones and realize it is time to take control. Time to take action and influence their own destiny. To stand up and declare: “I refuse to let this happen to me, I will not sit back and become a victim of circumstances.” They have made a choice.

However, every choice comes with conditions. There is always a trade-off and a price to pay for what we desire. No one is entitled to all they crave in this world. Whatever you desire can be within reach, but the cost is your effort, determination and participation. Your willingness to accept the consequences of your actions, or inaction. This can create a challenging balance between striving for what you want in life and avoiding the (possible or feared) negative outcomes.

With over a decade of experience in this industry, I have been privileged to witness many life-changing stories. The main factor that sets successful debt review consumers apart from others is their attitude towards their situation.

This brings us back to the concept of choice and the full acceptance of the terms and conditions that come with it. Acknowledging that the path may not always be smooth, that effort is required, and that sacrifices must be made in order to reach a better place. Change does not happen overnight, but perhaps your attitude towards a problem can shift much faster than circumstances themselves.

Consumers who willingly enter debt review after doing thorough research, are making a conscious decision to “sacrifice” their ability to incur new debts in exchange for freedom from existing debts. There is a give-and-take relationship – effort versus complacency.

Every payment they make during this process is like shedding a layer of burden along the road. Slowly but surely, they lighten their load of debt. As they persevere towards their goal of ultimate freedom, the journey becomes more manageable. They may encounter others seemingly faring better, unaware that their friend’s car was just repossessed due to inaction. This friend was ignoring the warning of a dreaded Section 129 Letter that informed him of his rights to approach a debt counsellor (among other options). Complacency bears interest and has massive costs associated with it.

Simply accepting everything as “it is what it is” or ignoring a situation while it worsens has consequences. Every action or lack thereof has a corresponding reaction. Dreams do not materialize magically; they require effort and active decision-making not just nay-saying. Inaction only leads to diminishing options and opportunities to course correct. A debt burden will only grow heavier the longer it is left unaddressed. Shifting the weight from one foot to the other does not lighten the load long-term. Same as using one credit card to pay another does not really relieve the pressure. It is only a temporary reprieve that provides the illusion of stability. Proactively choosing the direction of your life may open doors to unexpected opportunities.

Life offers no guarantees, even when we make the right choices available to us at a given moment. There are countless sayings that emphasize the importance of taking action and making decisions. My hope is that this message prompts you, dear reader, to ask yourself: “Will I choose my path, or relinquish my right to choose?” Are you content with your current circumstances, or are you willing to explore better options by putting in the necessary effort?

We determine the path we take. The journey itself remains unpredictable. However, remaining stagnant at the crossroads and hoping for change without taking action is futile. By remaining inactive, you make yourself vulnerable to becoming a target or a victim of circumstance.

You can possess resilience without falling into complacency. If you do not have what you desire now, there might be a future where you can attain it – not just for yourself, but for future generations. It is worthwhile to invest time and effort into reassessing areas where you have become complacent. Building the necessary foundations for success begins by realistically evaluating where you are now, investigating your options, and then actively choosing a path to follow.

Choose your future – even if it requires time, effort, patience, and perseverance. You will never know if you are on the right path until you begin the journey. Reflect on the road you have traveled thus far and learn from those experiences. Who hindered your progress along the way? What external factors influenced the crossroads you now face? Did you let others dictate your choices, or did you make decisions for yourself? What are you prepared to do differently to prevent becoming a victim of circumstances?

If this message resonates with you as a consumer struggling with debt or as an ordinary citizen preparing to vote (or deciding not to participate), it is important to remember that you have a fundamental right and responsibility to decide your own path with the company you keep. Ultimately, we are all on this journey together, like a tribe moving from ravaged lands, selecting our companions and protectors.

Don’t let fear paralyze you into surrendering to a fate you did not at the very least, participate in.

If you would like more information on informative tips about choosing a debt counsellor- you can also visit the Sandton Debt Counselling website here: https://www.sandtondc.co.za/debt-review/best-debt-review-company/

(Article by Nadia de Weerdt NCRDC3360)