Jacques de Villiers – writing quest: Article 48/365

I saw Joey Evans’s presentation “From Para to Dakar” at The Tryst in Woodmead on Tuesday night.

It’s a powerful story about how a terrible motorcycle accident left him a paraplegic with no chance of walking again. Through grit, belief, an unbelievable ability to endure pain and the support of his family, he defied all odds and walked. And, then he went on a quest to race and finish the Dakar on a motorcycle.

The audience was riveted by his compelling story of overcoming overwhelming odds to triumph over adversity. 

And, his message of: “You didn’t come this far to only come this far” landed. Inspirational discourses like this give the audience hope that they can overcome their own demons, strife and setbacks and triumph. That’s normally the goal, and “From Para to Dakar” certainly delivered on it.

But, then from left field he landed what I thought was the essence of it all. He showed a video of his family greeting him at the airport. Their love and support carried him through his years of struggle to his moment of triumph. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Just thinking about it now, I’m tearing up. The audience got it. Whilst the trials, tribulations and triumphs make for a compelling story, they’re just the sideshow. 

The essence of everything we do is love. And, love is the point of it all. And, a family’s love is the most precious of all. 

Think about your own life: isn’t this what drives you; love and family? Both love and family provide the support and purpose that underpin many of our most cherished experiences.

I have a notion that true success is measured not by our accomplishments or possessions, but by the number of loved ones by our side at the end, when we’re called home again.

Joey’s keynote reminded me again how important love and family is. For me, it’s the only worthwhile pursuit.