07/09/2026
To celebrate Heritage Month, we are revisiting a rich collection of African proverbs, sharing a daily dose of wisdom right through to the end of September. ๐ฑ
Each proverb in this series was nominated by a valued member of our Free To Grow network, brought to life by our creative team, and paired with a personal reflection from the person who selected it.
Wisdom like this is timelessโand far too valuable to share just once.
Today, we are featuring a proverb and powerful insight shared by Charmaine Shangase, Conference Manager at Knowledge Resources:
โWith everything happening in life, things can sometimes feel overwhelming or too heavy to carry. This proverb is such a powerful reminder that we are naturally equipped to handle our own responsibilities.
No matter how big the load may seem, if it is part of who you are or what you are called to do, you already have the capacity to manage it. It speaks beautifully to resilience, self-sufficiency, and the truth that challenges are not obstacles, but stepping stones for growth. Just as elephants cannot breathe, eat, or survive without their trunks, we too cannot grow without the โtrunksโ life has given us.
Our unique strengths and resilience are essential for building character and grit. No matter how heavy the load, we are already equipped to carry what is ours, and in doing so, we grow stronger.โ
