Life is not a straight line. It is a winding, meandering journey filled with unexpected twists, turns, triumphs, and challenges. Far too often, we get caught up in the idea that success looks a certain way and that we must have our lives perfectly planned out and on track. But the reality is, that the path to fulfilment is rarely linear — it is a messy, beautiful, and infinitely complex process of self-discovery.

As a therapist, I've had the privilege of walking alongside countless individuals who have struggled with the belief that they are somehow “failing” at life. Kunashe's story (not real and unrelated to any of my clients — just a fictional human character named after my twelve-year daughter that I always have created to support humans on their life journey too) echoes the experiences of many Zimbabweans who have grappled with feelings of inadequacy and self-judgment in the face of life's unpredictability.

Kunashe grew up in a small village in rural Zimbabwe, the eldest of five children. From a young age, she was expected to be the responsible one, the one who would pave the way for her younger siblings and bring honour to the family.

She excelled in school, earning top grades and the admiration of his teachers. By the time she graduated high school, Kunashe had her sights set on becoming a lawyer, a respectable and stable career that would provide for her family.

However, as Kunashe embarked on her university studies, she quickly found that the path to becoming a lawyer was not as straightforward as she had imagined. The coursework was demanding, and she struggled to keep up with the rigorous pace. Despite her best efforts, she found herself falling behind, and her confidence began to waver. “I felt like I was letting everyone down,” Kunashe recalls. “All my life, I had been the ‘golden child,’ the one who was supposed to have it all figured out. But suddenly, I was questioning everything. Was I even cut out for this?”

Kunashe's experience is not an uncommon one. In a society that often places a premium on academic and professional achievement, it can be easy to internalize the belief that anything short of perfection is a failure.

But the reality is, that life is messy, and the journey to finding fulfilment is rarely a straight line.

As Kunashe grappled with her self-doubt, she found herself at a crossroads. Should she persevere and push through the challenges, or should she abandon her dream of becoming a lawyer? It was a difficult decision, but ultimately, Kunashe decided to take a step back and re-evaluate her priorities. “I realized that I had been so focused on meeting other people's expectations that I had lost sight of what truly mattered to me,” she explains. “I had to take a hard look at myself and ask, ‘What do I want to do with my life?’”

With this newfound clarity, Kunashe made the brave decision to switch majors, pursuing a degree in social work instead. It was a move that surprised many of her friends and family, who had always seen her as the “golden child” destined for a prestigious career.

But for Kunashe, it was a chance to align her life's purpose with his deepest passions. “I discovered that my true calling was to help others, to be a source of support and empowerment for those who were struggling,” she says. “It was a humbling experience, but also one that filled me with a sense of purpose and joy that I had never known before.”

As Kunashe embarked on her new path, she encountered a series of unexpected challenges.

There were financial hurdles to overcome, as the shift in majors meant that she had to extend her studies.

There were also moments of self-doubt when she wondered if she had made the right decision.

But Kunashe persevered, drawing strength from the realization that her journey was not about meeting anyone else's expectations, but about honoring her authentic desires and values.

She immersed herself in her studies, honing her skills as a social worker and finding deep fulfilment in the work she was doing.

Today, Kunashe is a respected therapist in her community, known for her compassionate approach and her unwavering commitment to her clients.

She has built a thriving practice, working with individuals and families who are grappling with a wide range of mental health challenges. “I've come to understand that life is not a linear path,” Kunashe reflects. “It's a winding road, full of ups and downs, detours and roadblocks. But those challenges, those unexpected turns, they're what makes the journey so rich and meaningful.”

Kunashe's story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to follow one's path.

It's a reminder that success is not about achieving a predetermined set of milestones, but about honouring our deepest passions and finding the courage to pursue them, even in the face of adversity.

For many Zimbabweans, the pressure to conform to societal expectations can be overwhelming.

We grow up with the belief that success looks a certain way — a prestigious career, a comfortable lifestyle, and the admiration of our peers.

But the reality is, life is messier than that. It's a mixture of experiences, each one unique and valuable in its own right.

As a therapist, I've witnessed the transformative power of embracing the unpredictability of life.

When we let go of the need to control every aspect of our journey, we open ourselves up to the possibility of discovering hidden talents, forging meaningful connections, and finding true fulfilment.

So, to my fellow Zimbabweans who may be struggling with feelings of inadequacy or self-judgment, I encourage you to take a step back and reflect on your path. Embrace the twists and turns, the detours, and the unexpected opportunities.

Trust that your journey is unfolding exactly as it should, and that the true measure of success lies not in the accolades or achievements, but in the depth of your lived experiences and the positive impact you have on the world around you.

Life is not a race to be won, but a dance to be embraced. So, let go of the need for perfection, and instead, focus on honouring your authentic desires and values.

For it is in the winding path of life that we find the greatest opportunities for growth, resilience, and lasting fulfilment. Until then, we are blessed to be a blessing (#B2BAB).

We were here, becoming better, making our mark, and leaving our footprint as we make the world a better place!

  • Chirenje writes in her capacity as a citizen of Zimbabwe. Follow her on social media for more Lifezone with Grace conversations on X: @graceruvimbo; Facebook: Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje; Instagram: @graceruvimbo