Inspired by some of the lyrics of Michael Jackson’s song “Wanna be startin’ somethin'”
Writing this article was not as easy as I had envisaged. I have been collating a list of potential topics and areas of focus for so long: I thought it would be easy to go to that list once a week, pick a topic and write. I had stared at all the potential topics, half-written articles, and writing prompts I had saved, nothing gingered me. As I was out on my Saturday walk, it suddenly hit me! I could share my thoughts on overnight successes or what I call the 24-hour miracle! I very eagerly started penning down my thoughts, alas it was a struggle. This topic didn’t feel like it was right for this time (not to worry, it will be published at the right time). As I sat wondering what on earth I would write on, I had a brainwave, more like a song prompt: Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Something?” off his 1982 album, Thriller.
Growing up, I must have watched the music video of the Thriller album a million times: I exaggerate but I am sure you get the point. Almost every day, NEPA permitting, I would slot it into the VCR (some of you may have no idea what this is, that’s ok, Google to the rescue as always) and play it to the end. My father also had the vinyl record (again, Google to the rescue) so I got it in double doses. Thinking about how often I watched the music video and listened to the record reminds me of how kids these days are with movies like “Frozen”, the “Paw Patrol” TV programme, or any of the other programmes they constantly have on repeat. It’s amazing how we often think we were different back in the day but fundamentally, we are all the same. Ok, back to the topic.
It’s still very much a New Year and many of us expect it to come with the reset button activated: new beginnings, fresh starts. Every New Year offers a great opportunity for people to start all over. People make resolutions, set goals, build vision boards, and make elaborate plans. I am of the school of thought that believes any day can mark your New Year, however, we all know that many people consider January 1st to be a special day. If you’re in doubt, recall the watch night services many churches hold on New Year’s Eve. What about the numerous events that ring in the New Year in major cities around the world? The countdown at Times Square in New York, and the fireworks at Tower Bridge in London and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai? I once read about a man who travelled from Australia to the United States just to make sure he celebrated the New Year in at least three different time zones!
Every New Year comes with so much promise, real or imagined, however, we still remember last year, the year of the novel coronavirus. With the global pandemic affecting life as many of us know it, many people look back with pain, anger, fear: somewhat ironic as 20/20 typifies perfect vision. Some people struggled with their health, some lost their lives or loved ones, and many others lost their livelihood. Notwithstanding, many of us remain alive and like the Roman statesman, Cicero said: “While there is life, there is hope”. This year, we have a blank template to make of it as we will. We have the opportunity to surmount our challenges, to work towards victories, to celebrate life and hope.
As I reflected on the lyrics of Michael Jackson’s song, this part struck me:
I said you wanna be startin’ somethin’
You got to be startin’ somethin’
I said you wanna be startin’ somethin’
You got to be startin’ somethin’
It’s too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You’re stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
Lift your head up high and scream out to the world
I know I am someone, and let the truth unfurl
No one can hurt you now because you know what’s true
Yes, I believe in me, so do believe in you
Nothing ever comes easy: the road to success is not paved with gold neither is it filled with beds of roses. If you desire a better year, if you would like to thrive despite all that has been happening, if you want to start something, then you have to prepare for the heights you will struggle to reach, for the valleys you could sink into, the tough spots you may end up being stuck in. And just in case you’ve planned to coast along this year, know that you can do better. You have to lift your head high and fight for yourself. You can do it, you can be it, you can have it. Most importantly, remember that you have the power to create the life you want and you definitely wanna be starting something. Things will get better if you focus on better things, I assure you because that is the way I see things today.