From my reading, titanium is a very resilient and versatile metal… there’s even a song about it that relates the qualities of titanium to that of human beings.

In my many experiences in my work and off work lives, I have come to appreciate the lyrics in the song by Sia (one artist who I revere for deep thoughts turned into uplifting music) as strong messages.

One day while driving home from work, I was so absent minded I actually couldn’t remember having passed the usual roads on my way home. That was because someone had just communicated something very disturbing to me before I left work and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. That experience scared the living daylight out of me… what if I had gone through red traffic lights without noticing? What if I had careered off the road? I certainly was not in control of myself and …it sucked!

I realised that I had allowed someone to define me in their own way, just for that moment. I had allowed them to direct my whole response to the situation. I decided that it wasn’t going to happen to me again. The only set back was I needed to figure out how before I was confronted again.

This, I believe was the beginning of my journey of seeking personal resilience and versatility. I am still learning.

One of the first things to master is the art of rising after an apparent “fall”. The bullets will ricochet back to the sender when they hit your titanium. And guess what, you don’t need to be rowdy about it. Deeds that are framed to influence will take you where you need to be.

Look out for my next article for a snippet of this journey and feel free to contribute your thoughts and experiences!