When I Grow Up

By Darius Tabane

When I Grow Up

Darius Tabane

I believe that all babies are born with a predestined purpose. A purpose to impact the world so that the Earth grows to greater heights. But in order to have an impact on the world, we should grow ourselves first. We should learn that pain, sacrifices, knowledge, understanding, love and inner peace are all needed for us to grow and become the best versions of ourselves.

What is your predestined purpose? It is all the dreams that you imagined when you were asked as a child what you wanted to be when you grew up. Why as a child? That’s because you didn’t know what doubt and limitations were. And now that you remember those dreams, it’s time for you to grow into becoming your dream version of yourself.

‘Before I began reading When I Grow Up, I found myself asking the question that the author said I would be asking in his introduction to the book: “What can an 18-year-old boy who hasn’t lived in the real world teach me?” I read on anyway. I was eventually astounded by the depth of understanding displayed by one so young, and enchanted by the fresh and, yes, childlike perception that Darius Tabane brings to the enduring and often overworked issues that face us all.’

Theo Garrun, Author and Former Newspaper Editor, INL.
‘This book is a profound journey of life lessons - it is startling that it is written by a teenager and gives credence to the adage that it is not the years in your life that matter but the life in those years. Many adults can take life lessons from this simple read; from how to develop their purpose in life to how to believe in themselves to live life to the fullest. The book explores key themes that shape self-mastery better than many self-help books that I have read. The examples and anecdotes shared make it highly relatable. The author is a bridge between the generations and there is no doubt that his wisdom is light years ahead of his age.’

Dr Onkgopotse JJ Tabane (PhD Wits), Editor Leadership Magazine,
Author and TV Talk Show Host.

‘This book will teach you how to get over your fears. If you are young and want to open up to a new world of possibilities, this book is definitely for you. I also recommend it to adults who are still trying to find their true purpose.’

Miriam Dube, Blogger, Author, and 2020 Top 100 Influential Young South Africans.

‘Wisdom is matured with age but has no “age” and most importantly (and often forgotten), wisdom has no “age limit”. That’s what Darius demonstrates as he takes us through his insightful life story with lessons and gems from which both the young and old can benefit.’

Harmony Katulondi, Social media influencer and Economics Graduate,
SABC 3 Presenter and Ambassador Search Finalist.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Darius Tabane
• Release date: Jun 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005770389

Book preview

Introduction

I know what you are thinking. You are probably sitting, lying or standing somewhere and asking yourself, What can an 18-year-old boy who hasn’t lived in the real world teach me!? I am pretty sure that everything he has written in this book are things that I already know. Well, if that is your assumption, then I can confidently tell you that you are not being open-minded and not looking at life with more than your own perspective. But no need to worry because this book will help you change that.

When adults speak of ‘the real world’, they describe it like it’s some monster that will chew you up and spit you out, making you feel like you don’t matter. Then they continue by saying that they miss being children, and advise us kids that we shouldn’t aspire to grow older – as if we have a choice not to. Let me break it to you because I guess no one else will (clearing throat): not all people live in the mediocrity of this so-called ‘real world’. I’m pretty sure you’ve guessed that the people who live lavishly (the good life) in the ‘real world’ are those who have wealth or fame or both. Well, if that’s your view, then know that that is where most people miss the whole point of life.

Most people think that life is about getting rich and famous. Yes, that is the goal that many people would like to achieve, but that is not the true purpose of our lives. At this point you might be asking yourself: Then what is the purpose of life if it’s not about getting rich and famous? Answer me this: what is the point of being rich if you are still not happy, if you still cannot fill the emptiness that you’ve had inside of you ever since you were broke, bust and a nobody? Remember that money only gives you temporary happiness, which is often why people who have everything are still unhappy.

Part 1

It’s time to truly open your eyes

Chapter 1

Discovering your God-given purpose

When students are fresh out of high school, some continue with their education by going to a university or college of some sort, while others take what we call a ‘gap year’ to venture out into the world and find their purpose. Unfortunately, what they don’t realise is that they will not find their purpose by travelling the world. They will only discover their God-given purpose by answering two important questions.

Sadly, a lot of people – including adults – have left these two questions unanswered. Some people may have tried to answer these two questions but have given up because they feel so intimidated by them and now they do their outmost to try and avoid them. Unfortunately, no matter how much people try to avoid these two questions, they will keep coming to haunt them, over and over again, throughout the course of their lives.

At this point I am sure you’re curious about what these questions could be, and you are increasing the pace of your reading just to get to these questions. At the same time, you are probably saying in your head: Why don’t you spit them out already? Well then, let me ‘spit them out’ but before I do so, I want to warn you not to underestimate these two questions. I want you to think very carefully before attempting to answer them. Do not underestimate these questions as they are the very same questions which cause most people to think that the purpose of life is to become rich and famous.

The first question that you should answer to get a step closer to finding your God-given purpose is:Who am I? Have you ever, and I mean ever, been completely sure of the answer you gave yourself when you asked that question? I am pretty sure that you felt the slightest bit of doubt, but you probably convinced yourself that you had the answer to the question, or you couldn’t find the right words and left it unanswered.

To help you answer the first question, you need to find the answer to the second important question: Where am I from? I honestly believe that we are not from this Earth and that we were born here to fulfil our God-given purpose. We are from a place of a higher power, a place where it is so indescribably beautiful that we cannot even comprehend it. Once you know and understand where you are from, it will be easier for you to figure out who you really are, and get a step closer to discovering your God-given purpose. You will then understand that you don’t need to travel the world to find your purpose, but can discover it within yourself by referring to your place of origin.

At the moment you might be thinking that you will be able to reveal your God-given purpose in no time because you now have a starting point and a guideline. Yes, it might be easier now, but like I said before, do not underestimate these questions. When someone discovers their God-given purpose, they begin to feel motivated to wake up with joy every single morning of their lives. I say this because they would have filled the emptiness that they had and found happiness in the work that they do for the Lord.

When someone discovers their God-given purpose, they are given the platform to impact a large number of people by helping to relieve them from their suffering. When someone is able to help another person, it gives them an indescribable feeling that makes them feel happy and whole. Normally when a person is able to impact a large number of people and links it to a business venture, they are able to find a great amount of success and prosperity.

The world is not an easy place to live in, especially if you do not have anyone supporting you, but it is definitely not a monster. If you ever hear another adult tell you that they wished they were a kid again, understand that they have given up on their dreams. They may be putting countless hours into a job that they claim to like but they have forgotten about their real passions. Why do they do this? They do it because they want to survive. Instead of living a life that the Lord has blessed us all with, they chose to settle with surviving – and don’t think that these people gave up on their dreams easily.

People who were unable to make their own dreams come true, while witnessing somebody else make their dreams come true, lose hope because they end up thinking that success only happens to other people. Don’t you remember being told to forget about all the things that make you happy (your dreams) so that you can focus on your studies (reality)? Does this ring a bell? If you are still in denial and are telling yourself that the person who told you this was only doing it to help you focus on your studies, then you are basically saying that you didn’t know how to manage your time.

Think about it: why would most adults who are slaves to their jobs want to be kids again? If we really think about it, when you are a kid you are able to explore the passions you love throughout your day and you don’t need to worry about money as your parents are your ‘assets’. They generate money to buy you things and put food on the table and, best of all, they come with love. Being a kid gives one a taste of freedom. But only a taste, because at the end of the day a child has a curfew, they can’t always get what they want, and they have to obey the rules which their parents and other adults expect them to follow.

The Earth is a very beautiful place. I really mean it when I say that. When I think about what Mother Nature looks and sounds like, I can imagine the extraordinary colours of this world, the wonderful smell of roses, amazing trees whose roots are deeply embedded in the ground, the chirping birds gliding effortlessly through the blue skies, the sound of a waterfall soothing your soul, and the beautiful creatures that are all so different to the next. I can imagine the feeling of the warm sun shining its light down on all the wonders of the Earth, and this is when we can all say that this Earth is