The Bridge I Never Crossed: A Lesson in Lost Moments

The Bridge I Never Crossed: A Lesson in Lost Moments

There are junctures in life when fate knocks gently on our doors, and all it takes is a little courage to open it. But sometimes, swayed by doubt, paralysed by overthinking, or tethered to comfort, we let the moment pass. And what remains is a lingering ‘what if’ — like an echo trapped in the hollows of our hearts.

One such moment from my life still clings to me like a shadow at dusk. Years ago, I was offered an opportunity — a leadership role in a fledgling institution nestled in the folds of a serene hill town. The school had promise, vision, and above all, the hunger to grow. The Board sought someone who could blend tradition with innovation, discipline with warmth. And there I was — seasoned, ready, and yet, hesitant.

I hesitated not because I lacked confidence in my ability, but because I let the murmurings of uncertainty overpower the call of my inner voice. I was comfortable where I was. Moving meant uprooting routines, facing new challenges, and venturing into unfamiliar terrain — both literally and metaphorically.

So, I politely declined, citing logistical reasons and familial responsibilities. I convinced myself it was the practical choice. But deep within, a whisper of regret took root.

In the months that followed, I watched from afar as that institution blossomed under someone else’s stewardship. New buildings emerged, awards were won, and it became a beacon of holistic education in the region. While I applauded their success, a part of me couldn’t help but think — that could have been my canvas to paint, my symphony to compose.

Looking back, I realise it wasn’t the fear of failure that held me back, but the fear of letting go. I had forgotten that comfort is a beautiful cage, and growth often demands discomfort. Sometimes, you must leap even when the bridge ahead is rickety and veiled in fog — for on the other side lies transformation.

If I could turn back the clock, I would have embraced the offer, packed my bags, and walked into the unknown with an open heart. I would have silenced the noise of overthinking and trusted the whisper of destiny.

That experience taught me that not every opportunity knocks twice. Some arrive only once — brief as a comet, bright with possibility. And when we let them go, we don’t just lose an opportunity — we lose a version of ourselves that could have been.

To anyone standing at the crossroads today, I say this: don’t let the fear of change rob you of your next great chapter. Sometimes, the bridge not crossed becomes the burden too heavy to carry.

As for me, I have learned to listen more intently — not just to the world outside, but to the voice within. For it is often in stillness that clarity dawns, and in action that destiny unfolds.