"En traversant la vie on apprend que si on ne pagaie pas sa propre canoë on n'avance pas"

Life is a journey, and to get anywhere, you've got to take control of your own destiny. This quote suggests that if you don’t make things happen for yourself, you’ll stay stuck in the same place. It's about self-reliance and the importance of taking action to achieve your goals.

Historically, this saying has been around in different forms for a long time. It captures the essence of individualism and the spirit of forging your own path, something that resonates deeply in cultures that value personal responsibility. It's likely something you might have heard from a grandparent or mentor when you were facing a big decision or feeling uncertain about taking the next step.

Let’s think about a real-life example. Imagine you’re in college and you desperately need an internship. You could wait for someone to hand you an opportunity, but that might never happen. Instead, you start emailing companies, attending networking events, and scouring LinkedIn. After a few weeks of hustling, you land a fantastic internship that not only pays well but also sets you up for a great job after graduation. By paddling your own canoe, you moved forward and created your own success.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, identify your goals. What do you want to achieve? Then, make a plan. Break your goal down into manageable steps and start working on them. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission or an opportunity—create your own. If you want to learn a new skill, find a course and start studying. If you want to meet new people, join a club or attend events. The key is to be proactive and take initiative.

Imagine you’re a writer who dreams of getting published. You’ve written a novel, but agents and publishers are turning you down left and right. Instead of letting your manuscript gather dust, you decide to self-publish. You learn about the process, hire an editor, and use social media to build a following. Before long, your book is selling well, and readers are excited about your work. By taking control, you didn’t just sit there waiting for a break—you made it happen.

This idea of paddling your own canoe is liberating. It means you don’t have to rely on others to get where you want to go. Sure, it can be daunting—there's no denying that. But the rewards are immense. You gain confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing you did it yourself.

Remember, life doesn’t happen to you; you happen to life. So, grab that paddle and start moving. You’ll be amazed at where you can go.