Holding On When Everything Fell Apart.

I can still remember the first batch of frames I made. I stayed up all night, doing my best to make sure these frames came out good. I was hoping it would bring joy to someone. I didn't make it for anybody in particular, it was just a name frame that carried different words.....from Saved By Grace to GOD First to I Love You and so many things....By the time I was done, I felt proud of myself, I had made something that could put a smile on someone's face, something that could reassure someone.

I snapped and posted it, and orders started coming in slowly, I was so happy, by the end of each day, I would check my account, check customers review and tell myself, "you are doing well." Then problems came. A customer in another state ordered for a picture frame. But it got broken on the way, I sorted that. Another client ordered a frame, and it was delayed by the delivery vehicle. She wasn't able to surprise her man the way she wanted to. All those things had a toll on me.

A friend called, he had helped me secure something for the end of the year party in his working place. I was to make a few frames. The pay was very good, I was glad about it. They even paid in advance and I still have over a month to deliver. There was enough time to give the best. But then, another customer came around to ask for help. He's the proprietor of a school, and I know him very well. He begged me to please come through for him till the end of the month. And I rendered the help he needed with the frame money I was to make.

But then...The payment was delayed. I called to no avail. I doubt if I would be able to meet up. I tried seeking help but none was forthcoming. By the time he finally sent the money, it was a bit late, even then, I didn't know he had sent it. My bank app started giving me problems, and my phone too started acting up. It stopped charging, I got it fixed but still, it was the same. I couldn't afford to leave my phone at the technician shop so my customer wouldn't think am trying to act smart. I had explained to my friend, but he wouldn't have it.

A week to the time I was to deliver, I sat on the floor in my room, surrounded by broken frames, printed A3 sheets and some scattered designs that I had gathered to make the little it could. But then, I couldn't even proceed. It felt like everything I had worked for was slipping through my fingers. These would be a good one for me, but see what I am turning this opportunity into. I couldn't put on my data for long, cause I can't afford my phone to go off. I wanted to give up, but I knew quitting would never bring back what I had lost.

By the time I was able to fix my phone and got to see the money, it was late. I tried my best to meet up, but I couldn't. I reached out to the boss, begged him and all. But, he wouldn't have it either. It was three days after they had done their party that I was able to finish it, I had made very good designs and went to deliver it with an apology card. After a lot of pleading, he gave in and that was it. I learned to be patient with myself and never to joke with anything money or customer related. Slowly, I started receiving orders again, even from the company I once disappointed. There are times I treat myself well, sometimes I would order food instead of cooking, it's to reward myself for my hard work, sometimes I just go for a little hangout with friends.

Again, life tested me again. There was a heavy rainfall that affected the shop I often go to to work. I had a lot of finished work there, some of my instruments are there as well. It was a great loss. My progress seemed erased in the twinkling of an eye. I sat inside the shop and looked around. Everything is gone, maybe I was not meant to succeed.

Later, I realized that in life, storms will always be present. You would fall, you just have to pick yourself back up. I did what I could, improvise where needed, worked harder and do things with utmost care.

Now, when I see how frames, magic mugs and the likes got received with a smile, I am happy.....I see all of the hard work, sleepless nights, mistakes and every moment I almost gave up. To reach the peak and succeed one needs to stop giving in to failure and setbacks every single day. Even if it feels like the world is against you, still, maintain your stand and refuse to stop.

Life will always have its ups and downs. Just know that each and every challenge/setback is a chance to grow, learn, and to find that hidden strength you never know you had. Every delayed delivery, every broken frame and every challenge is all that add up together to make my story, and it brought that satisfaction of knowing that I never gave up, even when it was hard.

All pictures are mine.

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