MY PATH, IS IT MINE ALONE?

God I come before you as your child & a believer. It has been a journey to see this blessed new year though one filled with its own ups & downs. I come before you knowing that the road has not been smooth. Father, I am placing those who are lacking, in need, suffering, in pain, having lost loved ones, those who are sick, those seeking their daily keep, those healing that your mighty hand shall be on them. Abba Father, I pray for your continued grace, blessings & undying love. In Jesus holy name, I pray. Amen!!!

Hi there, how have you all been doing? It has been a minute, huh! Well, the days have been one of a kind I tell you. It has been like the adventures of Sinbad. Each week has come with its own twist & turn like the devil dust, catching our breath to what is to unfold. Unfortunately, the loss of lives & the number of people becoming critically ill has been on the rise due to the rona. In every corner that you turn, you could always see a tear been shed here & there of one enduring the hard times that have taken us hostage. 

The questioning of the genesis of what has been happening globally has given rise to hair pulling, road rage, maniac behavior of people offing each other. It is quite a sensitive time that people are letting out their frustration the best way they know how to. There are times that I sit down & wonder, am I really strong enough to handle this! Tired, scared, worried, angry, saddened but then I remember those whom I have in my corner & where I have come from & am like, “I can make it & I am not alone in this fight”. 

The reality on the ground is that no matter what is happening around you, not many people will care what it is that you are going through. If you think that am lying & being malicious ask yourself this, “how many of my ‘friends’ have made the time to see how you are doing so far”. I would suggest that we pull up our socks & improve ourselves in seeing how others are faring on. It does not have to be any grand thing, just something simple like a text, a call, a video chat or even a simple visit or having them in your prayers. 

Look at those whom you surround yourself with & what impact they have had in your life & you in theirs. We are living in trying times, where seeing the next day is no small feat but a miracle unto itself. In the real world, currently people are in survival mode trying to see how best to make things work. We are trapped in a whirlwind not knowing which direction the wind will blow & where are meant to go as all around us chaos is erupting like an unstable volcano. What is it that we did to deserve the woes that have plagued us, have we not suffered enough! 

These would seem like the times that the Israelites faced all manner of hardship while in Egypt awaiting to go to the promised land of milk & honey in Canaan. Don’t fret all things work out for good, we may not see it but just know that there is greatness at hand. I would like to encourage you with the word from the book of Mathew 7:7-8 which reads as follows, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds and to the one who knocks the door will be opened”. 

We live in a world that we need to have something that we have our footing in & a firm foundation. Most of us may have a good heart that allows us to be there for others even if our own situations are weighing us down like sin. Responding to that call that requires our attention because someone we know needs our help & assistance. Right now I can tell you, you can’t do it all by yourself, it will be too much to bear. The thing is this, if you ever do anything for anyone do not do so with the expectation of something in return. 

If you do something & are expecting something in return that is business. You need to search deep in yourself & figure out what kind of person you shall be for those around & close to you. I have had to learn that the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. We become so lost in our self-righteousness to the extent if we see someone we know in need we assume that things will just work out for them. 

Since they seem to be clear mind, are strong, are composed, are unfazed or seem to have it all together nothing can shake them. You would be surprised by the hard truth that is, don’t be deceived with what your eyes can see. In the words of a very common cliché, “don’t judge a book by a cover, but by its pages”. I will tell you for free that as long as I have seen today, I am blessed.

I stand by a simple cradle, "Stand behind me, I will protect you. Stand beside me, I will respect you. Stand against me, I will end you".

KEEP IT COOL!

Hey you, hold your tongue! Just before you utter another word, think very, very carefully about that which you are about to say next. How dare you just blast off like a radio without knowing the repel effect of your words. You do know that what comes out of your mouth can not be shoved back in! 

What is it with us humans, that once we get provoked just a little that we let loose a torrent of unfathomable words that can even shame our own parents, wondering who they raised. We raise our voices not caring what is the pinch or punch that will come with our actions or the very words spewed from our lips. 

Well, we are a people of wonder, when a small spark ignites the flame within for a wrong whether intentionally or unintentionally done by another, we become barbaric like the Vikings. Slashing, stabbing, swinging, dicing, smashing with no second thought all enraged like a bull squeezed at its balls knowing that all hell must pay. 

We become like hired assassins wanting to take everyone out because we have been wronged or someone has interfered with the intended purpose of our mission. Anyway, am just trying to bring to your attention just like the way the internet never forgets, the heart doesn’t always heal completely as there are strains of the pain caused that usually are lingering about. 

In all that you do, just take it in good stride to tame the words that slip out of your mouth. Some may take it lightly deeming that we are all hardcore, my friend you would be surprised by the lingering effects of utterances. I just thought it be crucial to just bring to the fore since it seems at times we forget & need a reminder here & there. 

Did you know that most times we are so ungrateful to the extent that if you ever have an out of body experience & look at yourself, you would go like, “what the……”. Yep, we take some many things for granted not appreciating the value that they possess. It is only at the point of loss that we come to the realization that what we had, was a treasure to be held close like the gift of life. 

When we are myopic of the things that matter, that which is worthy slips through our fingers like sand in an hour glass. When you have clothes even though not the best, you are grumbling why can’t I have designer like so & so yet your nakedness is covered & you are protected from the elements. 

When you are driving a simple jalopy down the streets you wish you had that 4x4 guzzler to cushion you from the whacky road, yet yours moves you from point A to B. When you have this loving, caring, providing man/woman in your life, you get the wondering eye lusting after the younger, finer, more athletic, lad/lass at your place of work, neighborhood or even at places of social gathering. 

When you have a simple gadget, you go nuts about the fancy more technologically advanced gadget, yet that which you have can still connect you to the outside world. I am assuming that you have heard the saying, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bushes”. Did you get what it meant or you just thought it was a colourful play with words. 

I am in no way saying that you should not desire to have the best, but don’t let you desires cloud your judgment. What you want & what you need differ, a want is not compulsory while a need is a necessity. It is important to remember that though anger is a feeling that gets emitted from within it can explode like a ticking time bomb if left unchecked, leading to a trail of burned bridges don’t let it blur your path. 

If you go back in time, into the biblical space, Cain dealt with Abel in a horrific moment of weakness, as his anger went unchecked & unleashed into the world. Who we are when we let our emotions control us, is a different entity or personality that can either construct or destroy you. While a blessing is the feeling of knowing that no matter what is happening within you, around you or for you there is good meant for you. If this doesn’t make sense, bite on a piece of ice, maybe it will calm & cool you down. 

A little bit of side note, I am no authoritative figure but this is a free public service announcement. Well, we are now in the thick of it(biting nails uncontrollably)! Did you or did you not know that we are in the third wave of the Rona. My friend, this is the stuff the resident evil movie was made off. It all just started all easy peasy lemon squeezy, until all hell broke loose. We need to protect ourselves, those whom we care about & love as well as those around us. Mask up, sanitize, wash your hands with soap thoroughly, keep that physical & social distance, if you are lucky, you can get vaccinated.

Can I tell you a secret? This shouldn’t even be a secret, you got this. I just want to encourage you today that whatever detour you encounter along the way; you will make the right decision. Whatever mountain is blocking your pathway; you are strong enough to climb it. You see it always being you! You have always being strong enough to overcome any storm, struggle and obstacle. You just needed the right mindset & today I just want to encourage you. 

Heavenly Father, I ask that every man and woman who is reading this that they may be uplifted, they be encouraged, they be renewed through you dear God. Whatever they are struggling with dear God, may it be medical, emotional or a financial need, I ask you dear God that you combine them into one dear God and that they feel your presence like they have never felt it before. I pray this to you in your heavenly name. Amen!!! 

Remember, it is always being you. Go out there & face the world with no fear of what may be in front of your because you are strong enough to overcome it.

RAW IN DETAIL!

"When I was born, a woman was there to hold me: My Mother. As I grew up as a child, a woman was there to play with me: My Sister. I went to school, a woman was there to help me learn: My Teacher. When I needed comparability, company and love, a woman was there for me: My Wife. When I will die, a woman will be there to absorb me in it: Motherland!"

Does the above paragraph invoke anything in you or it is just some fancy words with no weight or lacking the expected oomph (please don't search the meaning of the word, I can't unread what I have just read) or do you think it is a ploy to get attention (lifts hands in surrender). I have a feeling that I will be either stoned or crucified for this, but a man has got to do what he has got to do. 

By a show of hands or a shout out, are you a person who says things as they are or you are more of letting things play out & see the proverbial fireworks? (looking around anxiously).Well, for me am a straight shooter. I will say it to your face without even flinching. Please don't take it in bad stride, am not saying that I will cuss you out, but I will make it known to you that what you are up to or doing is not in the right. 

I know some will say, "why are you nosing into other people's business". Well, for starters, am minding my own business but when something has caught my attention & requires a voice to condemn it or correct it, I will not be silent. If something is wrong we are not meant to hold our lips tightly shut about it. Let me give you an example closer to home that can be palatable. 

When we, as a nation get near to the elections, it seems that we lose all sense & become all tribal, rising up in arms. We forget the friendships/relationships that we have built with each other & opt to act like savages. We go into political divides, chanting one slogan or the other as our daily mantra (just walk in the streets & you will see the clusters of heated discussions). 

When things don't work out in our favour, we are told we need to finish this or that people of a particular region/race, we become blinded by our foolish loyalties & cause harm to others. Yet the inciters (the supposed big men bazuu) themselves keep far away, safe & secure behind their personal security, 4x4 vehicles & palatial homes watching the chaos & mayhem, not dirtying their own hands. 

Anyway, to a more simplified example, as a people there are habits that others or even ourselves exhibit that are so irritating that you wonder how does one live with themselves. Let me ask you, have you ever seen a person who was drinking a cold beverage throw the plastic bottle out of the window of a vehicle or while walking, onto the tarmac or the drainage or sweet wrappers? 

I usually wonder is it that they think that it will decompose automatically or as one said it is the creation of employment. Yet when an area is not pleasing to the eye, blame is thrown around like a fly whisk. When we hold conversations with our peers & we note that one of our friend's is using heavy of vulgar language. Do we step up & let them know that they need to check themselves or you are more like, that is just the way he/she is(I have fallen short)? 

I didn't mean to offend anyone but I thought it best to lay it bare before you the reality that is out here. Hey! I am not saying am a moral cop or anything so don't organize to take me out. I am just merely looking through the glass from a different angle. Do you know people who are in your lives, whom you know if you go on the wrong they will straighten you? 

I don't mean our parents (more so African parents, no offense), they are a different breed of humans. We need to take a moment & just reflect on this fact about being truthful to each other (or is it one another). Do we let someone know that one thing or the other they are doing or are involved with is not right or we cover it with other colourful words to mask that which really lies underneath? 

Let me tell you something, as for me I have on several occasions been told things as they are raw & unedited. At first it hurt because I was like, "woow, why you so harsh with the truth". I have learned to embrace the truth as it comes from a good place. 

There is a quote that I have read online saying, "I refuse to please others at the expense of my emotional well-being. Even if it means saying "No" to people who are used to hearing "Yes". It is your own choice of how you interpret it, but I am assuming it is clear as day what message is being passed along. In the days as they currently are, you need to know that there are people who are jobless, who are sleeping hungry, who are dying, who have lost all hope, who have no homes, who have fallen ill, who have given up, who are hurting on the inside & so on. 

Did you know that to some this may not seem like the reality on the ground, it may seem like a bad dream? However, the thing is this, we are living in unprecedented times that we need to be there for one another for the long haul. We may have all switched into the survival mode, where now it is all about survival for the fittest. 

However, don't forget that though that may be so, you need in your own heart to search yourself & see how can you contribute to those in need. It is not a mandatory obligation like going for morning preps as was the case in high school. This is all down to personal decision making, the call is yours. If you get time, listen to the song by Maverick City Music titled "Yes & Amen".

To the person reading this I want to pray for you. Let us pray. Our Father up in heaven, I come before you thanking you that we have seen this day. We may take it for granted, but you Lord has preserved us by giving us the breath of life. Lord I place the reader of this article in your able hands. May you bless the works of their hands, if they are sick may your healing hand be upon them. If they are in need may you fulfill it, if you see they are worthy. As you say in your love letter to us in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Lord, thank you for who you are in their lives. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!!!

GRINDING!

Everlasting Father & Redeemer, I come before you thankful that I have seen the end of a gracious week. I have seen days that have pushed me to the end, nearly crushing me due to the weight that they bear. Lord, I come before you knowing that every day that I see which is the present, is nothing more than a gift from you. I am humbled that I am your child, a sinner whom you have forgiven my sins. Lord I come before you seeking that you shall go before me, in the coming days to come. I place all that I shall touch with my hands to be blessed by you Abba Father. I do pray this in Jesus name, Amen!!!

Hi, hoping that you are well. Is everything okay on your end? Or has life just decided to give you a beat down that has got you all bruised & wondering if it is worth getting up & facing life? It seems that every time that you are making a step forward in life, you stagger back like a drunkard wondering if there is a ploy to rid you of your God ordained destiny. Well, it seems that the path our lives have been chartered for, keep on changing day by day, making our course more eventful than anticipated.

We are but mere mortals, living on this realm on borrowed time. We are visitors having a time clock that keeps on ticking. Well, it seems that we are only meant to be here for a duration of time. It makes you wonder what is the purpose of all this that we have been forced into since our birth. Or do you think that you had a choice or a say at the time of you being born? Did you know that when you grace this earth, a lot was waiting to welcome you both the good & the bad & that it was up to you to make a choice of which side you wanted to fall on.

Here is the truth, no one is ever born evil or dark as some may claim (but, I can be corrected). The environment that we grow up in molds us to what we become. If we are not strong enough we usually fall short & take in all that has been spoon fed to us since the beginning. You want to make a change, then you have to step up & decide to man/woman up. It will not be easy as you shall be deemed to be going against the grain. We are who we are by the fact of how we view ourselves, how we hold ourselves when the odds are not in our favour.

Take a quiet moment with me for a minute. Things are still pretty rough for you, huuh! I know that this life is hard & some days are tougher than others. Some times you have got to break down & cry, before you can move forward & that is okay. Even on your worst days, the days you told yourself, "I can't go on", the days you told yourself you have no more hope, the days you told yourself there is nothing left for you. You should be reminded that your track record for overcoming bad days is 100%. If that does not speak volumes to who you are, then I don't know what does.

As you struggle to make ends meet, know that you are not alone & that no matter the distance between us we are all facing our own storms which we shall overcome eventually. Have you ever tried to pitch an idea to an investor & gotten that look that what you are offering is not holding any water. Maybe you have tried to get your business up & running & every time you hit wall after wall, making you wonder if you made the right choice. You may have even tried to scale up in your career but the odds seems to be against you on a daily.

Maybe you even tried to court that man/woman & you were not winning their hearts. You may have even tried to get your daily bread but nothing has been materializing. Maybe you tried to work out to be in shape or for your own health but things are not going according to plan. Well, as was anonymously stated, "These hard times, this pain, these lessons - one day they will be your strength, your awareness, your blessings". It may seem that this phrase makes no sense to the reality on the ground, but fear not, you never know what can happen for you. 

Do not douse the lights yet, there may be a slim chance that you may rise from the ashes like the phoenix & cease an opportunity which may just come up in the nick of time. Whenever, we hear how the rich have made it. We go like, "damn! that can't be me, am not engineered like that". Me! to wake up early, to plan in advance, to be disciplined, to think ahead & so forth. Is this really something that I can do? In my considered opinion, yes, you can do it. It is not going to be easy but it is indeed possible. 

We live in a life where we doubt our true potential that we short change ourselves. Always seeing that we can not be better, we can't achieve greatness, we can't outshine others & so on. Why are we so down cast? Living a life where we see ourselves as not being worthy. Listen to me, you need to stop stooping so low as to think that you are useless. Who told you that (you are not)? You need to understand what you think about yourself matters more than what others think of you. If you don't have a daily routine, what will hurt if you try to have one.

 

There is nothing in this world that is cast in stone & that is why we have the next day so that we can start all over again. When you take the time to learn from that which made you trip, you shall find a stance to take without falling. Thus, making it be that on your own two feet nothing will be impossible. It is stated that Thomas Edison in inventing the light bulb tried it 1,001 till he got it right. Meaning that he had failed 1,000 times but still pushed on to make it a reality. You need to know that we are all cut from different cloth.

I may not know you, not met you, not heard of you, not interacted with you, not seen you but all that I know, is that you are meant for greatness. I believe in you, even if you don't believe in yourself. I pray that God will open for you doors that have been closed & give you the strength to forge forward. You are loved & nothing should stop you from achieving your dreams & goals even in this trying times. 

Les Brown says that to be successful: you have to change your mind set, practice only quality people & develop your communications skills. Once you open your mouth you tell the world who you are.

STOP HOLDING ON!

Our Father who is in heaven, I come before you as your child grateful that I have the gift of life. I take this moment to say thank you for all that you have done for me. I count my blessings every day that come my way. I have the use of my limbs, I am alive, I have seen another day, I have shelter, I have food, I have clothes to cover my nakedness, I have those who love & care for me. I come before you this day to only but just say thank you. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!

May I, with your kind permission ask you a question? Thank you for the indulgence! Have you ever participated in a tug of war event? If you have not, I will tell you what Wikipedia breaks it down to be. "It is a sport that pits two teams against each other in a test of strength. Teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, with the goal being to bring the rope to a certain distance direction against the force of the opposing team's pull". 

If you go to google dictionary definition it states it as, "a situation in which two evenly matched people or factions are striving to keep or obtain the same thing". You may be wondering, what is the relevance of all this mambo jumbo that this chap is bubbling about. I need you, to just give me a chance to tell you what all this is all about. Is it okay, if I now continue with my thoughts (this is the time to look around anxiously, waiting for a shoe to come flying by), thank you. 

You are a most patient reader, let me not keep you waiting any longer. Do you get the relation between the tug of war & your life? Well for starters, most of the time we are always fighting to survive the harsh realities of life. In such a way that we try as much as we can to hold onto something that we believe will make our lives better. An example is to be at the work place & you are stuck being in the same position, year in, year out. 

There is the slight hope that one day you will move up the ladder, even though it is a draining job. You are fearful that if you venture on your own, things may not work out. Yes, there is a reality that at times, going on your own that things may come tumbling down. This may be so, however you will only get to know about it if you try. We have a tendency of being attached to material things or at times people. 

Strange as it may be, there comes a time that we have to let go of that which we are fighting so much to hold onto. Grasping it so tightly like as if it is the only means of our survival, not realizing how destructive it is than constructive. There have been known cases of people being in toxic relationships, where they try to justify the reason as to why you are still in it. There could be some supposed valid reasons but in the long run it is you as an individual who is hurting. 

There are times that those whom you hang around & deem as your bosom buddies or even family that may be sucking you dry like leeches. Making demands left, right & center & since you don't want to be the bad one, you yield. This is where one has to cut them off gently & not torch that connecting bridge but loosening the rope setting yourself free. It all comes down to you, that there are a number of things that you will need to stop.

Stop letting your good heart keep you in situations that are breaking your heart. Stop being the go to person for the person that you can't go to. Stop breaking your back for someone who clearly doesn't have yours. Stop giving people positions in your life that they don't deserve. Finally, stop giving CPR to dead situations, some things are not meant to be saved. You don't get in life what you want; you get in life what you are. 

Don't be bitter be better. I just want you to have a good day. Some of you, I know that you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders & it is truly taking its toll on you. Just for the moment, I want you to lay those burdens down, I want you to focus on you. I know you can give me a million reasons, why you can't. Let me give you a reason why you should, it is because you deserve it. Some of you have just been on a bad stretch of the road, storm after storm, struggle after struggle, most days you don't even know which way to turn. 

But for today, I don't want you to focus on the negative, I don't want you to focus on other people's problems; I don't want you to focus on your problems. There is always going to be time to figure those out. There is not enough time in this world for your happiness, to take a back seat to anything or anyone, today just focus on you & what truly makes you happy & know that you are loved.

YOU ARE NO PILLAR OF SALT!

Do you ever feel disheartened by the loss of hope or when the heart is broken into countless pieces. As it is said, you never know the pain until it hits home. Right now we are in a virus ravaged world where we are looking up to God & hoping that our scientists can dish out those jabs to save lives faster than people are becoming infected. 

What a time to be alive? Where our very lives can be easily doused off like a candle with the snap of a finger or the blow of the fierce gust of wind. Where to turn, who to look up to, when to resign to fate, what to give up & how to cope are no longer easy options that come up like clicking a prompt to either accept or deny the same.

Every time that you make a step forward in trying to better yourself. a key factor to take into consideration is the ripple effect that occurs like skipping a stone over water. The question to ask oneself in this rainy day or is it night is, what keeps you together? Is it love, hate, anger, family, close friends, the love of your job, your dark side? 

It is indeed a time to self reflect on that which drives & ensures that you are all in one piece by the end of it all. A good number of us are used to being lone rangers, always doing things by ourselves. Every time keeping everything that we are going through, close to the chest. 

Let me tell you that I have fallen from grace & off the band wagon & nearly lost all hope on several occasions. I have taken on the desires of the world & indulged to the fullest to the leeching vices. My saving grace has been the love of music. If you have met me, you will notice that I get consumed in the music that is in my phone. 

The discovery of the various genre of gospel music in my younger days got me hypnotised. Worship music gets me in the feelings, just taking me like a prisoner of war heavily sedated. While reggae gospel music gets me going like "listen to the message", reggae fans can relate.

What am simply saying is that my love for God has connected me to Him via music. I recently made a discovery of a Christian gospel group called Maverick City Music. If you go to YouTube you find them via their page called Tribl. They do curated, spontaneous worship music that makes you feel like heaven has opened up just next door. 

This has been quite a salvation for me. Music & not just any music but God glorifying music has steered me straight & kept me sane. I learned that God does not care what you have done, where you come from, how your past was, when you fell but that you realise that you are worthy. 

I am not telling you that you should follow God but for me, He has been the best option that I have personally encountered by following in His steps. Hence, being my grounding when things have been good or bad or worse. It has not been an easy journey but knowing that I can take refugee in one who is greater than I gives me the hope, faith, strength, courage to take on life. 

Also, having a life partner who has been my rock, listening ear, shoulder to lean on, hand to hold onto & so forth has steered me on to my destiny. You may all wonder to yourselves, but I don't have that how can I hold on? Well, some of us may have bosom buddies who have been with you through it all. 

When you have someone who corrects you when you stumble like a drunk, helps you to steady your feet & sober up, then my friend you have an anchor. You may ask, what if my friend is not there? Then, you can turn to your band of brothers/sisters. What I mean is having a group of trust worthy persons whom are there for you if & when the need arises. 

I am blessed enough to have a group from church who are part of the Man Enough programme. These are strangers who have turned to be brothers, having come to appreciate each other through our similar paths. If you are a family person, you may put your family as your stronghold. 

Am sure you have had someone say, "I will do anything for my wife/husband/daughter/son/brother/sister". What they mean is that, this person is who they can do all that is humanly possible for them come rain or high water. Other times, we may turn to reading but then the question will be what is it that you are consuming? 

I have come to appreciate several writers like the writers of the Bible, Robin Sharma, George Clason, Tim Lahaye, Dr. Emerson & so on. At times it takes one a moment to stop, step back, reflect & take decisive action to see where they are going or are headed. When you discover that which works for you, you latch onto it & go for a spin. 

Most important is to know that you are not the only person fighting for your life. We are all on different trails but need to forge forth & make the most of it. Who/What is your anchor?

 

FIRE BURN!

The lion paces in the jungle looking for its next prey with ease, prowling around in between the trees, hiding in the shrubs waiting patiently crouching down ready for the attach. It is a predator & declared the king of the jungle. It takes on the big giants without much of a fuss. Though it is small compared to its adversaries, the likes of the elephant, the buffalo it takes them head on. When it is within its elements, it has no fear or favour but goes all out to conquer that which stands in its way. 

I am not here to school you about the wildlife origins but just to show you that you are your own projectile in achieving what you set your mind to & how you view yourself. Have you ever noticed that when you look at a burning flame from a fire you realize that it has the potential of either being destructive or constructive depending on how you interact with it? At the current moments we are continuously bombard with the what ifs in our lives, to the extent of feeling we want to pull the hairs on heads from their very roots. 

Those who are lucky enough & are bald like me, you can but only rub your head so hard like a lamp with a jinni to be granted your three wishes. Did you know that one of the most common cliché expressions, “Rome was not built in one day” is vastly misunderstood? Where people have deemed it to mean that when are in our go getter attitude we spare no lives & burn all the bridges along the way (I may be wrong). This may not have any significance to some, but from how I have come to understand it, it means that it takes time to achieve great things. 

Anyway, we all have our own interpretation of the expression. One may take its literal meaning or go for an in-depth historical understanding. Did you also know that when we deny the story, it defines us. When we own the story, we can write a new brand & new ending. We at times feel like our lives are on a continuous downward spiral that keeps tumbling down without any stopping. Wondering to ourselves will we ever catch a break or a shackled to fate & the doom that it spells out for us. 

We become so caught up on how bad things are going that we forget that we can rise above it all. We let ourselves be corned at times not by choice to having nowhere to turn or escape. It could be that our emotions over power us that we yield to them, it could be that our surroundings get us into a chock hold we can’t breathe, it could be that we give in to the peer psychology that our acts become not of our own, it could be that we feel pressured that we fake it till we make it & so forth. 

No single journey of any of us, is similar to the other as we are having our own set course that has its own unpredictability. You are only limited by that which you dream, think & imagine. If you dream small or deem yourself limited, you shall be stuck in the whirlwind that goes round & round in a circle with the same thing over & over, not leading anywhere. You should by now know that your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth. Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something, because the Bible says you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. 

It may seem like an eternity till those pearly gates upon up for you to bestow upon you the intended good tidings to make your life better. It is said that if one door closes, another will open. If am to rephrase it, I will put it as follows, “if one door closes, go through the window & if that is also closed rejoice in the corridors till your time arrives”. What you think of yourself is more important than what the world thinks of you. Yes, you can object & say, “but have I not being raised by the society & to conform to the ways that be?”. 

Let me ask you a question, does the society feed you, cloth you, educate you, build you, calm you down, comfort you in your trying times, give you joy or is it more of judging you. You must be willing to do things today others won't do, in order to have the things tomorrow others won't have. If you allow sorrow to be your daily companion, you shall get drunk in its intoxicating fumes. If you look at the unfairness that is life, you shall be stuck in depressing state of asking what if. If you continue to get consumed with your vices, you shall no longer be able to recognize yourself. 

When we let that which we interact with take control of our lives, we shall be stuck in that quick sand, panicking why we can’t get out. Only to realize that if you keep calm, collect yourself & try just a bit to reason & clear the fog, a picture will form to the way forth & you can get out of this sand that is engulfing you. You are meant to hit like thunder & disappear like smoke. In such a way that your acts or success speaks for you without much interpretation or your saying so. You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.

I will pen off for now & leave you with the words of the renowned motivational speaker Les Brown who said, “I choose not to be a common person, it is my right to be uncommon if I can. I seek opportunity & not security, I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled & dull by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk, to dream & to build. To fail & to succeed, I refuse to live from hand to mouth. I prefer the challenges of life, to the guaranteed existence. The thrill of fulfillment to the state of a common utopia. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, prouder than afraid to face the world boldly & say this I have done”.

SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY!

God, I thank you that I am alive, breathing, have functioning body parts, people who love & care about me, seen yet another year that was only as per you will. I may not be a significant part of the world but I am grateful that you consider me as your child. Almighty Father, I humbly come to you seeking that you may watch over me, guide me, show me the path to take, protect me & make me a light for others. May you be with those whom I know & whom I don’t know. I pray this, believing & trusting in your Holy name, Amen! 

This is indeed a new year that we are all looking forward to like the way a small child takes in a sweet, with eyes wide open filled with hope, smiles on their lips, eagerness & the excitement of wonderful tidings. For starters it has now become common knowledge that vaccines have been made, getting improved day in & out & are now getting approved for distribution globally that is at least some good news, don't you think! 

It is upon you & me to make this year different. Most important we should not forget to adhere to the covid-19 regulations of masking up, social distancing, washing your hands thoroughly/sanitizing, staying at home unless it is a must to go outside & so on. So be your sister/brother's keeper it is our responsibility to be there for one another. Well then, am guessing a number of you celebrated the new year in all manner of forms (presumably in a responsible manner, not to be a party pooper as I am no moral police).

The expectation is that this year will be more fulfilling, one filled with hope & great expectations. "Today is the present, the present is a gift like no other given upon us by the God Lord Almighty. Today is a chance to make the present worthwhile for the future". You are the determinant factor in the balance of the expected life that you desire for which is inclusive of other factors that be. Did you know that even if you fail today, you are not the first to do so. Many have failed before you, even yours truly, me! 

This is just a part of life, what does matter is how you handle the situation that you are in. Do you let the situation get to you or do you seize the opportunity & learn from it? The way we are engineered is that whenever a situation becomes challenging we instantly see it as a problem, a barrier that can't be crossed & an obstacle that we deem will be tasking to move through or over. In your day to day living, if you do not like where you are now, move! You are not a tree. 

How we perceive the world is solely based on our perception & not what the society deems it be so. Did you know that it takes some courage to stand up & speak? It also takes even more courage to open your mind & listen. You may ask, how can I do this? Let me tell you something, reading is not something that comes easily for most. Fortunately, I have developed a habit of collecting books here & there over the years since being a young lad not just the fictional ones (like the hard boys, nancy drew, pace setters etc) but also that which can build/better me one way or another. 

At the current moment am feasting my eyes on the book titled "Running with the Kenyans by Adharanand Finn". Am trying to not just get captivated by the content gracing the white (or is it cream) pages & the simple tiny font.  but also see how applicable it can be to my life, considering that I participate in taking on nature by running for leisure, physical, psychological & mental well-being. It may seem like a long shot but have you not realized that if you put your mind to something nothing seems or becomes unreachable. 

A true friend is any one who can help you get to your destiny. You should know that everyone make mistakes in life, but that does not mean that they have to pay for them the rest of their lives. Sometimes good people make bad choices. It does not mean that they are bad, it simply means that they are human. It is upon the discovery of this that sometimes, what you are most afraid of doing is the very things that will set you free. 

Why do I say this? Most times when a year starts we have the weakness of jotting down or swearing to one resolution or another. Well, it may be effective but that only works for some time then you get back to square one. I have had wise counsel that your deeds or words do have a ripple effect that is unprecedented due to the weight that they bear. Who you are, is a determinant of how you perceive yourself. If you opt to resign to fate you will be unable to achieve that which you desire. 

Take an example of one starting off their own business, you could be saying it over & over in your head for a while but it is only when you actually take the first step of setting it up that you realize it is a possibility. When you take that leap of faith nothing will be out of bounds for you as a dreamer & achiever. When you say that you want to be more financially stable but all you do is spend, spend, spend like as if there is no tomorrow. You are still doing the same old habit that puts you in financial turmoil. 

I usually advise that for those who are salaried or certain of having an income. When you get paid at the beginning or end of the month, you need to have your prioritize in check. First & foremost you need to pay off your bills which entail rent, water & electricity as well as food. Then you need to set aside some monies for investment as well as savings for a rainy day. The most common mistake that people always make is spending first then saving what remains this becomes a handicap that curbs growth towards financial freedom. 

If you are set for change, you need to push that pause button & reset your train of thought. Otherwise you will go round & round like a merry go round with no fruitful end in sight. We are meant to learn from the days of old but we are more inclined to hang onto the memories that were hindering our stepping forward in the lime light that awaits us. I will share more insights about what life offers next time, for now take in this quote: 

"Be so confident about God's plan that you don't even get upset anymore when things don't go your way".

MIND TRICKS!

Let me tell you something, today has been the best day I have ever had since the flow of air into thy lungs. Do you want to know why? Are you curious enough for what I am about to lay on you. Let me just go ahead & tell you before you pick your stones.  

I got to celebrate yet another year of being on this beautiful, wonderful & colourful world. In all of my life, I have never had such an honour as the one I have had today. The number of wishes on this day of being birthed have overwhelmed me as a person who never celebrates such as day or gives it a second thought. 

They say when the clock strikes midnight that is when things go bump in the night, but not this day. It has been one heck of a day that has humbled me into the corner like a small child to think about all it is that I am blessed with. For starters, my family's love has poured in like hot lava making me wonder in awe as to what a privilege that I have to be alive. 

Then there is this running club that am in "TJ", this has been the most impactful non-blood family that I have had the God given chance to be part of. They may seem like strangers but their love, care & concern is like no other & their stand with one of their own has no other comparison. 

More surprisingly I got treated to a hearty meal (don't judge me am foodious) by my lovely wife, who through it all didn't tell me of the plans that she had in store for my shocked self. I have been bombarded with gifts that have nearly made me lose consciousness not because of being light headed but more so being overcome with emotion. 

This will be the day that I will in all honesty never forget it. As I pen this, I thank all who are in my life both from near & far as well as the almighty God who has granted me such an opportunity to be breathing his free air. Well now, did you know that the engine room that we call our mind has a critical role it plays in your everyday living. 

Let me ask you, have you ever had a self-meeting, where you & yourself had to get a few things cleared up in a quiet session. It may feel strange but have you not had those moments you have found yourself talking to yourself because of how your day is going or trying to resolve an issue that has been bugging you like a stubborn migraine. 

That is what am talking about, the moment you are in your own space trying to convince yourself about a decision made, to be made or has been made. It may sound insane, but if you are to say the truth you have had such moments. You can come closer & tell me, if not you can whisper in my ear, I won’t tell anyone, I promise. 

Don’t fret, if you haven’t had such an experience don’t feel left out you are also part of us. There are times in our lives that we get to question our conduct in matters that affect our everyday living or interactions. There is a belief that what we think most times tries to get actualized by manifesting itself in the real world. 

Thus, the thought gets translated into a reality & at times it may shock or surprise us to the extent we get taken aback like as if hit by a jolt of electricity. If you are a sports person you will get to experience this phrase a number of times, “mind over matter”. 

Most of the times you will see your fellow sport people saying this to encourage you not to concentrate on the pain you are feeling but on more so on what it is that you want to achieve at that moment. It may seem that your body wants to completely shut down but you are there thinking to yourself that I need to get to the finish line. 

Then there are those situations you are pursuing that lady whom you want to be your better half but the barriers you are facing are too many you nearly want to give up. There may also be instances you are continuously trying to get that job or deal but obstacles keep on popping up like pot holes that make it seem like as if you are doing nothing. 

This may be quite frustrating but it is all upon you not to give up on what is putting you down. What you think of yourself & your actions is what matters the most to you & not what the world should think of you. If you shackle yourself to the thought of the world you shall continue to be a prisoner in your own mind as you shall conform to what is expected of you & not what you expect of yourself. 

Never let an outsider be the determining factor of how you view yourself. The moment you take the stand & make your claim that you are your own person you shall achieve change in your life in ways that will surprise you. When you change how you view yourself & how you act there is nothing that will be beyond your reach. 

It may seem like a cliché but know that it takes 21 days to take up a habit through continuous repetitive action. The serenity that ought to be in your mind is what will create an aurora of tranquility that will make you think better of yourself & see your worth without fear or favour. 

If in your own eyes you don’t appreciate who you are, where you have come from & where you are meant to go, you shall continue to go in circles round & round like the merry go round. Take a moment & look at your life & see if there have been times of self-doubt that have made you be hesitant in taking up the leap of faith. 

Looking closer home when you have had that moment of denial that you are capable of achieving a certain fete. We are what we think of ourselves but that does not mean that it should define who we are. When the seed of doubt gets implanted it grows & becomes fear & paralyses one to a state of “I can’t do it”. Just like in a game of chess, you determine the next move to take.

 

YOU WILL NOT WALK ALONE!

I take solace in my corner of the room wondering why is life such a maze, a puzzle that is a continuous never ending mystery with no solution in sight. As I take the sip of the hot herbal hibiscus, berry fused tea with a hint of mint & splash of teaspoon of honey, I stroke my beard in wonderment. Is this all what life has to offer me as a bargaining chip for me taking up space in this on earth as an involuntary tenant?

That I am to live & survive the great purge that comes with being a human. The daily woes of what shall I eat, what shall I drink, where shall I sleep, how shall I earn a living, what clothes shall I wear, who loves & cares about me, all of which are now a thing of the past like the shadow. Hanging in the back ground like a bad omen banished never to come back again from the swamps. 

Well, it is what it is, as the common catch line gets to roll off the tongue with ease. I shall be no hostage to the emotions of despair but shall rise up like the phoenix from the ashes & wielding my spear like Shaka Zulu letting out a loud war cry as I plunge head on into war with the elements. Here I am ready to take on life but remember, I am not alone. 

I have my trusty companion by my side. My best friend, my confidant, my warrior, my trustee who as God wills shall be my side till kingdom come. Let me ask you, who is there for you to hold you up when it seems like the Armageddon showing its horrifying face in the distant horizon warning of that which is yet to come. Are you the wondering soul who believes that it is by your own stride that you have gotten this far! 

You have no need for anyone else being in your space as you are the lone wolf. It is indeed a sorry state of affairs that we are at times not by our own choice, like the lepers in the time of Christ in solitude. Shunned like as if you are having leprosy, covering you from head to your very toe in painful sores. Well, no matter what it is that has been thrown at you by the world at large you should never feel alone. 

You may be an introvert but still you must have a connection with a particular person or persons. This is not to say that having alone time is a bad thing, it is a necessity at times to enable you soak in the serenity of nature & quietness of your own surroundings. When we take it upon ourselves to be the light that someone may need in their dark times. 

It may simply be that greeting on a daily, a hi here & there, a hug of comfort, small talk when possible, checking up on that person, sharing a meal, having a drink (preferably coffee or tea) together, the list goes on & on. Who are we but stewards in an unpredictable world that expects us to live in a certain lifestyle & conform to societal mind-set. 

We need to take it upon ourselves to be there for those who need us. It may seem like an uphill task, as at times when you try to be there for someone, they may tend to shut you down or deem you interfering in their business & being nosy. That does not mean that we don’t try to do that which we can. It may seem hopeless but do note that there is light at the proverbial tunnel. 

Indeed, it is hard but who said that it is impossible. It is up to you to hold the hand not literally but more so to be there for of those who seem to have no hope, no faith, no provisions, no belief, no reason to live, are depressed, are stressed & so forth. It may seem like as if you are helpless for those who are having it rough but believe me that the small act of kindness in whatever form means more than you can imagine. 

It could be a text just checking up on someone, a phone call to have a bit of chit chat, going over for a visit, saying hello to someone on the way etc. This does go a long way in someone’s life by knowing that though it may seem that he/she is alone, they are not actually alone because someone out there has them in mind. Thus not going with the phrase out of sight is out of mind. 

It is when you have gone through the patch that molds you that you realize who was there for you during those times. In the coming days considering that it is meant to be the beginning of the festive season look at what you have done for others who aren’t able to do anything for you in return. The times have been tough but we are tougher than we look & you better believe it. 

This has been a year that has come with its own baggage & unpredictable situations that have made it one of a kind roller coaster. Our continued standing with each other during this times has made it a worthwhile journey. We have a living God that has kept us this far. There are greater days ahead & we need to be there for one another. 

Let me leave you with this, “If you want to walk fast walk alone but if you want to walk far walk with others”.