It is a far too familiar cry. Everyone seems to know a thing or two Iabout the perils of road travel. And there are tales galore to prove their fears are valid. Perhaps the reason we need a comprehensive life insurance before undertaking any journey. Intriguingly, we have all become so adept in traveling on the not-so-well-laid roads, riding over bumps, potholes or scaling the rarely filled up roads after the cable laying, we all assume things are under control. In some cases, in an attempt to find a smooth passage, we end up treading where only pedestrians dare. For many of us this is routine (depending on where you live) we have come to master the terrains fast enough. We know when to speed off, where to turn from the main road, when to slow down the pace or forsake the road all together. Soon enough, we get tired of lamenting about the deplorable state of the roads and ride without second thoughts. But what about life? I am sure it is similar in many ways than we imagine. How often do we look back and wish it was possible to overcome some of the difficult situations it throws up or its different phases? On many occasions, the 'bumps' and 'potholes' in life seem to emerge from nowhere leaving us with not so many options. Life is full of surprises. Hardly do we see them or have an inkling of when they will emerge. The result is that often we are caught unawares. We don't even have the presence of mind to wriggle out of it. The result? We all end up hitting them really hard. The unpredictability of these long winding roads is what makes it so uncertain. We are never sure of ever reaching our destination till the very last moment. But tread you must and so it is important that you make the 'bumps' and 'potholes' in your life to be of lesser consequences. Make them minor intrusions or just temporary setbacks. And how do you do that? Taking it in your stride A 'pothole' we should always remember is just what it is- 'pothole'. Perhaps a 'crater' in life can bring us to a halt but a 'pothole' or 'bump' will just slow you down. You get time to recollect and move on. It is no hidden secret that some people seem to have more than their share of disappointments (Since when was life fair in the first place?). For these people, life is a series of 'potholes'. They can be seen either going into or coming out of. That is the reality. So here we go. The bus you are traveling in breaks down on the day of your interview and you have no hope of making it on time. The results of the new appointees are declared and your name does not feature in the list. In the midst of an important examination, you are suddenly taken ill. You miss your deadline and not sure what the teacher will say. You wake up one fine morning and realize your best friend has betrayed you or may be come to the realization that every time you have a conflict in your relationships, it is you who is on the receiving end. Every time trouble makers are arraigned before the principal, you are always a part and parcel of the group. The list is endless. But do you realize something? None of these occurrences –the 'bumps' and 'potholes'- have catastrophic consequence. The way you respond to them is what will make the difference. Whether you will be able to tide over them or be trampled upon by the weight of the issue. A reality check It is interesting how many of us react in such situations in life. Some of us decide we have had our share and abandon the journey all together. When some minor things tickle them, they pack up their bags and say enough is enough. A good number will continue but with unending complaints. Sooner or later, they become a bother to their relatives, friends or acquaintances. They will be seen lamenting about their misfortunes as if their miserable listeners hardly face such hardships. I must admit I have been in both camps. Not once but on numerous occasions. What about you? Then there are others who just take things as they come. They are happy and contented to be doing just that. They don't lose their heads…they don't get into bouts of depression…they don't stop eating…they don't' seek sympathy, they don't get angry or scream themselves hoarse at the slightest provocation. They don't tell anybody and everybody their sad stories. No. They take things in their stride saving all their energy for better things (I guess must be for the 'crater' days). Such people have a firm grip on life. They are calm and collected. Perhaps cooler than a cucumber! In short they don't' quit. On numerous occasions, we get entangled with things we have no control over, sometimes driving ourselves to the point of desperation, I secretly console myself by looking at the things I have and think less of those that are beyond my reach. Also, I nurture the hope that with each passing day, I will have the vision to understand life better. I guess it is for these reason that life remains a mystery. There is never a smooth ride in life, never a dull moment. But then we need to come up and unravel mechanisms to confront the tough times with ease. We need to 'fit' ourselves with internal 'shock absorbers' or risk breaking down (Still wondering why all vehicles come with such a facility?). The verdict Life will never cease to test our mental and physical make up with the challenges it throws up. It is the way we react to these shocks in life that will determine how we move ahead. If you allow the distractions to get the better of you, you risk 'killing' the joy of living. May be even pulling down the beautiful relationships you have nurtured through the years. Or worse still, block your true potential. I believe you have to keep telling yourself, each and every moment you are confronted with difficult situations that 'I will not quit'. Keep the situation in perspective and remind yourself of various ways others before you have gone about this and the reason you should keep your head even when others around you seem to be losing theirs. The more you learn to take minor hurdles in your stride, the better prepared you will be for the bigger ones ahead. May be the days ahead will be less 'bumpy' or 'potholed'. You will also understand how to face life without unnecessarily ranting over things you have no control over. Ride on. Mr. John Patrick Ojwando Lecturer, Dept. of Journalism and Mass Communication