Difficult days have gone by. Surgery was needed as I broke my meniscus at work. In the present days, Arthroscopy surgery isn’t something risky and even seeing and living this kind of intervention every day by assisting the medical staff at, I was very scared to undergo operation. Imagine people who don’t know how a surgery theatre works, what kind of anxieties they bring when entering the OP theater…, but then I saw my crew entering the room wearing bright smiles, and I realised there was sunshine in every face, I knew I was in the best hands I could be. Suddenly I remembered Hazrat Ali Ibn Abu-Talibs’ quote I had read days before: Do not let your difficulties fill you with anxiety, after all it is only in the darkest nights that stars shine more brightly.

When I was younger I thought the world was only grey and sad, but since I grew up (on my way to perfection yet) and experienced that the rainbow exists because it is caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion, a phenomenon of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky, and that it only raises after the rain, I decided to see the world in bright and warm colours. My best decision ever. This has changed all my living. I learnt to search for colours in everything I did or thought. There are such wonderful sources in all things ready to be discovered, as a simple coin doesn’t have only one face. You have to see both sides of it to discern fairly.

You can find the same kind of fears in translator newbies who are “waiting” for their first opportunities to come, to demonstrate what they are able to do. They have been prepared at Universities; they volunteer translating for non-governmental organizations; they take courses to find their specialisation field, they read experienced translators’ blogs and books, and participate in different Congresses, because they love what they do, and because life is short and they don’t like to be lazy.

To abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back getting to improve you is an important point to consider. We have to learn to create our own opportunities every single day. And it is easier if we trust in experienced translators or characters, but make our own experiences, as everybody of us is different. Richard Branson said “If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later.” Isn’t that a great quote? It is for me, as the journey of a thousand miles begins with small steps. Step by step. Sometimes we stumble and fall, but there is always the option to stand up and try again. Regardless of what your dreams can be, if you listen only to those around you, the chances of your dreams coming true are very small. Try to have an extraordinary life that you’ve always dreamed of, and prepare to have lots of fun along the way. Because, if you believe that what you’re doing will have positive results, it will, even if it’s not immediately obvious.

So, for all newbie translators: You are the one who is in charge of your own life. You can get what you want because you work for it. Things start to happen, when you combine hard work, creativity, and self-determination. You take control and accept your responsibility because you are a fighter. Work on your own terms. You know exactly were you are going, but bear in mind, that you can’t go along without having fun. So go for it! Don’t be scared. Crate your own space, but don’t do sloppy work. Offer something special and original to make peoples’ live better. You are the only one who can change your circumstances. As Stephen Hawking said: “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.”

And finely, for all expert translators: Be patient, gentle and comprehensive with us newbies. None of you were born experts. As humans we tend to forget that. Even the prodigies had to hone and shape their talent. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few. In learning we will teach, and in teaching we will learn, and we are so thankful you are being there for us. Thank you for your tips, help, and advices. Thank you for the possibility to follow you. Our hearts are conscious of the treasure to have you near.

Enjoy this Advent time.

Picture credit: Elena Cruz Scharrer