If you have been following along over the last two weeks, you know that we have been working our way through the alphabet, letter by letter, in search of #Unshakable Truths. Each letter has revealed something essential, a guiding principle or insight that can help us stay #Unshakable in a constantly changing world.

Together, we are building a comprehensive list of these truths — a sort of A-to-Z guide to life’s most enduring lessons.

Last time, we paused at K. Now, let’s turn to L and maybe M to see what they can offer.

L is for Lucky

…even luck needs a gentle nudge in the right direction. When Lucia stepped into The Crow’s Nest Pub, the place erupted. Cheers surged through the crowd, and heads turned as if pulled by a magnet.

Lucia had grown up in the neighbourhood, so she knew most of these faces — but they hadn’t seen her in ages.

Her rise to superstardom had turned her into something of a local legend, and tonight, catching a glimpse of her was like spotting a comet.

‘She’s so lucky!’ a wide-eyed punter murmured at the bar. Lucia heard and turned, eyebrow raised. ‘Lucky?’ she asked, leaning in with a curious smile. She set her glass down and glanced around. Everyone fell silent. She shook her head. ‘Don’t get me wrong, timing and chance matter. But people only see the result. Nobody feels the impact when you’re walking away from a steady income to pursue a dream no one else can even see.’

A hush spread through the pub as she continued. ‘Nobody is around for those long nights when you’re alone, staring at the ceiling, fighting back doubt; the times when you’re discouraged, on the verge of quitting.’

She paused, eyes scanning the crowd, letting them feel the weight of her words. ‘Nobody sees the sacrifices – the blood, the sweat, the tears – just the glitter and glamour.” She smiled a little wryly, shaking her head. ‘So, maybe I’m lucky, but true luck is winning the lottery. For the real-life dreams, even luck needs a gentle nudge in the right direction.’

Her voice softened, and for a moment, the pub felt like a quiet room. Lucia’s words hung in the air, stirring something in some, confusing others. She looked around and shrugged. ‘That’s life, isn’t it? C’est la vie. Innit?’

M is for Motivation

Who motivates the motivator?

The following day, Lucia found herself back at The Crow’s Nest Pub.

‘Well, look who’s here! Two days in a row — isn’t that lucky?’ said the landlady, giving Lucia a playful wink. Lucia chuckled, glancing around. Fortunately, the patrons were a bit less excitable than the day before, or maybe they didn’t recognise her. She wore no makeup and hid behind a fringe, a scarf, and sunglasses for added camouflage.

‘Honestly, I’m just looking for a place to hide,’ she admitted with a sigh, letting herself relax into the familiar pub’s cosiness. She glanced at the landlady. ‘It’s funny… everyone seems to want a piece — an autograph, advice, a selfie, a chat. I love connecting, but sometimes, it’s… a lot. I feel like I never get to just be myself. I’m always giving out motivation, but sometimes I wonder… who motivates the motivator?’

A couple of weeks later, Lucia was sprawled across her sofa, enjoying a rare, peaceful evening at home, when her phone buzzed with a message from her sister. She’d been to The Crow’s Nest that evening, and apparently, the landlady had launched a new open-mic night. Lucia opened the clip her sister had sent, curious.

In the video, the landlady was standing in front of the mic, speaking with conviction. ‘Who motivates the motivator?’ she asked, echoing Lucia’s words.

‘It’s a question that reminds us that even the most inspiring people — those who lift others up every day — sometimes need a little support, too.’

Lucia smiled, her heart warmed. Sometimes, all it takes is a reminder that she wasn’t alone in her search for strength and understanding. Even the motivator could lean on the inspiration she found in others.

What spoke to you? Tell me, please. In the meantime, I wish you love and light and a little magic! See you next week!

Sally Chiwuzie
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IG Handle: @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind