I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul
~ William Ernest Henley, Invictus
This is one of my favourite quotes. I always call on this when I'm going through a tough time.
Last week was a tough week and I was tested on many fronts. This quote came to mind.
While I believe that fate or destiny is predetermined and therefore we cannot escape it, we can make choices on our way to that destiny.
Our attitude to a situation will determine how we tackle it.
Here is the whole poem - it also inspired Nelson Mandela to keep going while he was imprisoned.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever Gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Invictus - may you all be undefeated, unconquerable
