Joshua N'Gon: Last Prince of Alkebulahn.
When you genuinely internalize that no one is coming to rescue you, something extraordinary happens: you become the protagonist of your own
life story. And unlike my fictional characters, you can write your novel in real-time.
Think about it. Every great tale of transformation – whether it's a novel or real life – begins when the main character stops waiting and starts acting. My Mom used to say you can bring a donkey to the river but you can't make it drink. Your writing coach can give feedback, but they can't type the words for you. Your trainer can teach you form
and technique, but they can't lift the weights for you.
Here's where it gets interesting, though. The "save yourself" message isn't about going it alone. That's a trap too. In my writing community, we have a saying: "Write alone, revise together." The same applies to life. The point isn't to reject help – it's to understand that help without personal initiative is like a spaceship without fuel. It looks impressive but
won't take you anywhere.
I learned this lesson the hard way when my first speculative fiction novel got rejected by everyone I submitted it to. Mentors gave advice, and fellow writers offered support, but ultimately, I had to sit down and rewrite that manuscript myself. No one could do it for me. I had to sit down and find a way to get my books into the hands of readers. Once I took full responsibility for my success, help
became more effective. Why? Because I stopped expecting others to do the heavy lifting.
The most counterintuitive part of saving yourself is that it makes you better at accepting help. When you stop expecting others to rescue you, you can receive their support without the weight of impossible expectations. You become a collaborator in your rescue, not a passive recipient waiting for salvation.
This isn't just about individual achievement. Every significant social movement started because someone decided to save themselves and, in doing so, created a path for others. Rosa Parks wasn't waiting for someone to give her permission to resist. Octavia Butler didn't wait for the science fiction genre to become more inclusive – she wrote herself into existence.
So, my fellow protagonists
here's your call to action: Stop waiting for the perfect mentor, the right moment, or the ultimate guide. Start saving yourself today. Take that course, but do the homework. Get that trainer, but lift the weights. See that therapist, but do the inner work.
Because, in the end, the most powerful stories are always about self-rescue. And you're not just the protagonist of your story – you're also the author. Time to pick up the
pen and write your next chapter.
Until next week, remember self-reliance is a superpower
Peace, love and power.
