We live in a world full of struggles. It could be how to solve a huge problem facing us. It could be how to do a huge contract that we have just won. It could be how to raise funds and marry a wife or build a house and raise a home or send our children to school. It could be anything and we will always wonder about how we can start it and end it but everytime, "our liver go want fail us" meaning that we shall never have courage to start at all, but meanwhile, the ancient Chinese adage reminds us that " a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." This means that the huge task facing us that seems insurmountable will certainly be accomplished if we have courage to take the initial action. I will illustrate what am saying with the short story below. It is a real life story that took place years back. We can learn from it.

Nkem is a brilliant son of a single mother. His father died the same day of his birth so unlike most of us reading this story he did not have opportunity to see his father's face . The much he knew about him was from what his mother told him.
In the village Nkem was well behaved and has remained so. In the village school he maintained first position in the class until he finished his primary school. He made distinction in the First Leaving Certificate Examination. His feat in the examination made waves but it did not enter his head.
He remained outstanding in character. As a result his mother worked very hard to see him through Secondary School. Again, his performance was excellent. He made his school certificate and passed his matriculation examination at the same time.

His plan when he was in secondary school was to finish school and join his mother in her farm work but his Chi, personal god, has plans different from that. He was destined to be a university graduate. His good results in school was a testimony to this and it might have spurred his mother who unknowingly has worked hard to see him succeed in life .

His mother sought assistance for him from his uncles, rich farmers in the community and village meetings but none came.
One evening, She called Nkem and told him that she will train him in the university no matter what it will cost her. Nkem wondered how that would happen. "Never mind, I know that our God will not fail us."We must start somehow. It is only when we search that we can see the track." Indeed, if they didn't search they wouldnt have seen the way.

Some villagers mocked when they heard that Nkem had gone to the university. "Never mind the jokers. They can't succeed." They said.
Nkem's mother became more resolute "My fate lies in my hands . Let me help myself"

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Nkem's mother has taken the important step. This is how she toiled, suffered and did all manner of odd jobs to make ends meet. She denied herself comfort. Sold her wrappers that her husband bought her while he was alife. She would be the first to go to farm and the last to return. Nkem on his part was not extravagant in school. Knowing where he came from he avoided everything that could scuttle his ambition.

When it was time to write his final examination, he wrote it and passed in flying colors. Nkem completed his National Youths Service Corp program seccessfully and got a job in an oil company in Port Harcourt. The journey of the thousand miles ended in praises. There is indeed wisdom in the adage that says that the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. If her mother had resigned to fate he won't be where he is today. Indeed a journey of a thousand miles is under his feet.

Conclusion

The above story shows that no matter how far the journey that you are about to embark upon is or how huge and frightening the task facing you is always be courageous to do something towards solving it at the initial stage. The initial act is the first important step you must take to solving it and once it is taken you will gradually complete the task Thank you.