masterwordsmith-unplugged

Have you heard of Steven Callahan? He is an American author, naval architect, inventor, and sailor most famous for surviving for 76 days adrift on the Atlantic Ocean in a life raft. He wrote about his ordeal in the best-selling book "Adrift: 76 days lost at sea", which was on the New York Times best-seller list for more than thirty-six weeks.

In 1982, Steven Callahan was crossing the Atlantic alone in his sailboat when it struck something and sank. He was out of the shipping lanes and floating in a life raft, alone. His supplies were few. His chances were small. Yet when three fishermen found him 76 days later (the longest anyone has survived a shipwreck on a life raft alone), he was alive albeit skinnier.

His book, which documents how he managed to catch fish, how he fixed his solar still (evaporates sea water to make fresh water), is a very riveting seafaring classic.

Why am I writing about it this evening? Well, it seems as though PR is adrift at sea too with all the uncertainties that have been reported. For an Opposition coalition that won unprecedented victory, cracks are beginning to show and I am sure many of us are very concerned. We have to plant hope in our hearts that things will get better and Steve Callahan's story is indeed a much needed inspiring story.

Steve Callahan managed to keep himself going despite very challenging circumstances. He persevered when all hope seemed lost. He carried on when there seemed no point in continuing the struggle. Even though he was suffering greatly, especially when his life raft was punctured he struggled for a week to try to fix it. During the 76 days adrift, he was starved, desperately dehydrated and thoroughly exhausted. Honestly, how many of us would have carried on doggedly in such a situation? Giving up would be the easiest way out but he did not do that.

What made him survive? What was his perspective and attitude that gave him the courage to carry on?

In his book, Steven Callahan wrote, "I tell myself I can handle it ...Compared to what others have been through, I'm fortunate. I tell myself these things over and over, building up fortitude...."

Now, when our political landscape seems so overwhelming, I've read enough history to know that things have to get worse before they get better. There is so much negative news about PKR and even DAP has called on PKR to get their act together. Hopefully, this shaking will leave behind strong, steady and honorable members who can together with other PR component parties, steer the country in the right direction.

There are many things that are wrong in our country. You see it, I do too. Many of us are crying out in our hearts. It almost seems as though some do not bother that we are in a downward spiral but we have to care. We have to hope. Pakatan leaders MUST survive and they have to see the many signs that are becoming clearer and clearer.

Instead of fighting amongst themselves, please, come together and reason and find a solution. Instead of criticizing, give suggestions after identifying the root of the problem. Whatever it is, we are like a boat adrift at sea...much like Steven Callahan.

Whereas he fought his battle alone, we have to do it together. Pakatan Rakyat component parties MUST recognize that they have to fortify themselves and build the strength, resilience and be power-packed for a sweeping victory in the next GE. Please say goodbye to all those things that divide and find within yourselves elements which will bind ties....Do not be adrift at sea any more. We are counting on you!

*This post is dedicated to all my readers who have in one way or another inspired hope in me that things will get better. Take care and thank you so much.