Through my young adult life I have come to the realisation that things happen for a reason. You have sad moments so you know when the happy moments are and you appreciate them. You have frustrating lows so you can squeal when the exhilarating highs arrive. Sometimes bad things happen so good things can happen. Do you get me?
Exhibit A:
Someone said to me today in a surprised tone and raised eyebrows “The Swans beat Brisbane Lions?!” In my head, my 'sarcastic me' thinks "A-huh, we won because we kicked more goals. If you kick more goals than your opposing side in a game of AFL you win that game." (A no-brainer I know but stay with me…)
Exhibit B:
Brett’s journey to playing AFL footy with the Swans may have been the more scenic route, but the lessons learnt from the knock backs and the lows held him in good stead for a long and successful career - and none of it is taken for granted.
Exhibit C:
Paul Roos taking over the coaching reins part way through 2002 and securing it permanently in 2003. This change saw the Sydney Swans fans be vocal and passionate (many thought we weren’t) and not to forget the Premiership Cup that was brought home in 2005 to put on the mantle - after being publicly criticised through that year for the way the Swannies were playing… Ahh sweet victory!
Exhibit D:
After a ridiculous number of ‘Dear Johns’ and a big bunch of ‘no-reply-at-all’ from publishers and literary agents, my novel for young adults is getting published! All of those rejection letters made me want my writing dream more and more, and when the ‘YES’ to publish my novel came through the tears of joy flowed and I really appreciate the amazing opportunity I am being given… I mean REALLY, REALLY appreciate it!
But what happens when the ‘Everything-Happens-For-A-Reason’ philosophy just doesn’t cut it? Someone very close to me lost her baby, and my cousin passed away recently from a dreaded disease. He was an amazing young committed father and husband, and you hear someone speak the cliché ‘this happened for a reason’, and I think hold on, that’s my cliché and it doesn’t fit. So what’s the reason for these things happening… I haven’t quite worked that one out yet.
Hayley Kirk
Also-known-as-The-Other-Half
