"Always be prepared" is what he said. Always be prepared for any eventuality.
My grandad always referred to this saying from his time in the Australian Boy Scouts and reminded me of it throughout the time I spent with him.
I write another post after the loss of my grandfather—Baba, as we called him. It has taken me some time to truly process everything, as his death marks the end of an era for my grandparents in my life.
I still feel I haven’t fully accepted the start of this new era, but writing this might hopefully be a start for me.
It’s amazing how impactful grandparents can be when they are freed from the usual parenting shackles of how to raise a child, giving them the opportunity to be the parent they probably always wanted to be in the first place.
I was privileged enough to spend a huge amount of time with Baba and traveled to many places with him, including his beloved Australia. We visited the war graves in France, drove through Scotland along the NC500, and explored the Outer Hebrides.
We spent many hours alone talking and discussing a range of topics—from politics, history, and science to life. Every time, he graced me with viewpoints or knowledge that broadened my mindset.
"Always be prepared" was probably the saying that stuck with me the most.
I have a tendency to visualise the perfect scenario in my mind and believe it will work out that way. It has led me to follow my dreams and take risks because I believe I can plot a route to a successful end—but it has also led me to challenging times.
Reflecting on our moments together and the wisdom he shared, this saying now holds even greater impact for me.
Looking back on my life and decisions so far, I see how unpredictable life can be. The mind has such limited power in imagining the unimaginable. You think you can plot your journey forward, but you can’t foresee something you’ve never experienced. All you can do is be prepared for any eventuality.
"Always be prepared" now carries a deeper meaning for me. I realise I can’t cling to an exact dream, goal, or vision because I have no idea how it might evolve along the way. Finding peace and presence in the moment and trusting the direction of travel is essential, but the idea of a fixed end goal needs to be more fluid. There has to be freedom in how things might turn out.
"Always be prepared" also means being adaptable. Be someone who can respond in the moment to a problem or scenario. Be someone who can react without being flustered or thrown off track.
"Always be prepared" means being ready to step up when support is needed by others. Be the person who can offer a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. Always be ready to be the person you’d want by your side when times get tough.
From the age of 16 onward, I’ve idolised my grandfather as someone with character traits I’d want to emulate. He was kind, attentive, and caring while being wise, curious, and supportive. He made people laugh but could also hold serious and impactful conversations. His mind remained sharp until his final moments.
The journey of grief is turbulent and deeply personal. You sift through countless memories and try to play them back in your mind.
Looking back on my time with Baba will always bring me many smiles. His memory will live on strong in my mind as a man who influenced and inspired me to be authentic and the best version of myself.
I carry forward countless life lessons from him and memories to share with my future children.
Baba, wherever you are, thank you. I hope you are somewhere surrounded by everyone who loved you, and I hope you look down on me proudly as I try to figure out this crazy journey we call life.
I am Will Flindall, host of the Valley of Outlaws Podcast where I speak to those who have decided to take control of their life and follow a passion or instinct.
If you feel like you could be getting more from your life, then maybe one of the conversations I’ve had with the Outlaws might help you kickstart a change.
Peace x
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