The secret of life 7: You Own Nothing, You Lose Nothing.

 Hello everybody! Eku deede iwoyi o! Can you believe it`s November and we have just a couple of days or weeks to the end of 2023? I would like to share this article with you as a reminder of this thing called life.

If you buy land or buy a house, you have only paid rent for the remaining years you have on Earth. None of them belongs to you.

If you buy a car, you have only paid for your transport for the period the car will last or for the period you will last. It doesn't belong to you.

If you marry a spouse, you have only got company until circumstances or death do you part. No one owns the other.

If you have children, you have only fulfilled the demand of continuity of life until death comes. You don't own them. That's why the State still dictates how you bring them up.

If you have money, you have only amassed value to purchase what you want, for your remaining number of years on Earth. The notes belong to the Central Bank.

If you work and retire, your pension is only for life. After your life, it stops.

Even if you eat and get filled, the food in your belly isn't yours. You must defecate it back to Earth.

The body itself which you cherish so highly doesn't belong to you. The Earth will certainly reclaim its bits when the loan is due.

Even the life we live is borrowed and surely will be returned.

So let us not be afraid of losing anything in this life, because we do not own anything here. Two things will surely happen; we will either be taken away from everything we think we own or everything we think we own will be taken away from us someday. It is that day that none of us know.

We boast about our bodies, our houses, our lands, our money, our wives, our husbands, our children, our parents, our everything. But that's where it ends. Boasting! Ruminate intensely and it won't be difficult to find out that, we do not own any of those things. We are only availed of them to mitigate the necessary constraints of our sojourn here.

So never lose your head or your cool or your temper or your values or your vibrancy, whenever you think you have lost something because nothing was ever really yours. Not even yourself.

We celebrate with you if you were born in November.

You’re one of a kind and deserve everything that this special day brings. Wishing you the best birthday yet.

Have a wonderful month everybody and stay safe!

Eric O. Thompson

YAJ, NPO.

The secret of life 6: Luck and Risk: Siblings in Life's Unpredictable Journey

 Hello everybody! Eku deede iwoyi o!

Luck and risk, seemingly opposite forces, are in fact closely related siblings in the complex tapestry of life. While they may appear to pull us in opposite directions, they are intrinsically linked, shaping our experiences and defining our journeys in ways we often fail to fully grasp.

The Dance of Luck

Luck, that enigmatic force often described as the alignment of stars or the capricious hand of fate, plays a significant role in our lives. It is the unexpected windfall, the chance meeting that changes our trajectory, or the fortunate escape from danger. Luck seems to operate outside our control, showering its blessings on some and withholding them from others.

Consider the person who wins the lottery, seemingly by chance. They experience a surge of good luck, an unforeseen windfall that transforms their life. Yet, this luck also carries risks – the potential for mismanagement, unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit their newfound wealth or the challenge of preserving relationships amid newfound fortune.

The Calculated Leap of Risk

In contrast, risk is often perceived as a conscious choice, a calculated leap into the unknown. It's the entrepreneur starting a new venture, the mountaineer scaling uncharted peaks, or the student pursuing higher education in a foreign land. Risk involves uncertainty and potential loss, but it's also the crucible of growth and progress.

When we embrace risk, we step out of our comfort zones and into uncharted territories. We acknowledge the possibility of failure but also the potential for great reward. The act of taking risks is an essential driver of innovation, exploration, and personal development.

The Yin and Yang of Life

Luck and risk are not opposing forces but rather two sides of the same coin. They coexist and interact, shaping our individual narratives. Luck often manifests when we take risks – when we venture beyond the familiar, when we extend a helping hand, or when we seize opportunities that arise from the courage to leap into the unknown.

Consider the aspiring novelist who takes the risk of submitting their manuscript to a publisher. They may receive a rejection, a setback that appears to be bad luck. But within that rejection, there's the possibility of refinement and growth. It's possible that the very act of submitting their work could lead to unforeseen opportunities – a chance encounter with an influential reader or an introduction to a mentor.

Navigating Life's Waters

Understanding the intricate relationship between luck and risk is crucial to navigating life's unpredictable waters. We must recognize that while we can't always control luck, we have agency over the risks we take. By embracing calculated risks, we can increase the likelihood of favorable outcomes while mitigating potential setbacks.

Furthermore, luck often favors the prepared. By continually seeking growth, learning, and opportunities, we increase our chances of being in the right place at the right time. It's not just about waiting for luck to strike; it's about actively creating the conditions for luck to manifest.

Conclusion: Embracing the Siblings

In the grand tapestry of life, luck and risk are intertwined, guiding us along our unique journeys. They are not forces to be feared but rather siblings to be embraced. We must recognize that life's most extraordinary moments often arise from the dance between these two forces – the bold risks we take and the serendipitous moments of luck that come our way.

So, as you navigate the unpredictable journey of life, remember that luck and risk are not adversaries but partners in your story. Take calculated leaps, seek out new opportunities, and stay open to the unexpected blessings that may come your way. In this intricate dance of luck and risk, your most remarkable chapters may be yet to come.

We celebrate with you if you were born in October. Cheers to another trip around the sun! May all your dreams turn into reality and may good luck visit your home today and always.

Have a wonderful month everybody and stay safe!

Eric O. Thompson

YAJ, NPO.

The secret of life 5: Another lesson.

 Hello everybody! Eku deede iwoyi o!

It seems the summer is finally slowing down as we experience rains cooling us down towards autumn. I would like to share another story with you again this month. Enjoy it.

I walked into a hotel and after going through the menu, I ordered some food. After about 20 mins a group of guys and ladies walked in and ordered theirs. To my dismay, these folks got served first. I watched as they began to eat and laugh heartily. I even overheard one of them bragging about how connected he is to everyone in the hotel and I felt mocked. I decided to leave. Unable to take it anymore, I called the waiter. He calmly told me: "yours is a special order, being prepared by the chief chef himself. Their orders were prepared hurriedly by students on industrial attachment because the top chefs are busy with yours. That's why they were served first. Please have some juice as you wait". I calmed down and waited patiently.

Shortly after, my meal was served by 6 waiters. Unknown to me, the owner of the hotel who happened to be an old long lost friend of mine saw me when I entered and decided to surprise me. She changed my simple meal to a five-star meal. The party at the other table was shocked. They couldn't stop staring. Suddenly they were the ones murmuring, asking why they didn't get that kind of service and meal.

Such is life! Some people are ahead of you and are eating now, laughing at you, and talking about how they are smarter, wiser, and better than you, how they are well connected, blessed, have money, and are enjoying life. You are waiting tirelessly wondering why it's taking so long to breakthrough, You endure mockery and humiliation. Maybe you have contemplated suicide, gone through depression, or suffered severe mental anxiety. Do not worry! You're waiting a long because yours is a special meal. It takes time to prepare. And only chief chefs prepare them. Wait for your meal and relax. When it comes that laughing party will be silenced for good.

We celebrate with you if you were born in September. Wishing you a very happy birthday and a splendid year ahead.

Have a wonderful month everybody and stay safe!

Eric O. Thompson

YAJ.

Embrace Each Day: A Reminder of Life's Fragility and Love's Legacy.

 Hello everybody! Eku deede iwoyi o!

I would like to share this story in memory of those who are no more physically in our midst.

It was a rainy day. I was driving down a lonely, little, back road. I hadn’t seen another car in ten minutes. I rounded a curve and saw in the straight-ahead a crow sitting in the middle of my lane. His head bent down and I saw he was eating a dead deer that had been hit by a car. I stopped my car, put on my emergency blinkers even though no one else was nearby, and got out of my car. I walked over to the dead deer. He was a big guy and took up most of my side of the road. I didn’t want another car to hit him or have to swerve into the other lane because of him so I grabbed a front hoof with one hand and a back hoof with the other. I gently pulled him into the grass on the side of the road so the crow clean-up crew could do their job without being in danger too. Then I wiped the blood from my hands in the wet grass, got back in my car, and drove on.

That dead deer stayed in my mind, however. I am sure that when he started his day he didn’t think he would end it by being food for scavengers. I am sure he was expecting another peaceful day of grazing in the grass in the fields by the road and drinking from the river on the other side of it. He didn’t realize that in crossing that road he would be in the wrong place at the wrong time and it would be the end of his life.

This reminded me too that the same is true for all of us. We never know which day of our lives will be our last. We never know how long we will have here. We never know how many more chances we will have to share our love with others. God only guarantees us today.

Don’t waste a day of your life here. Make this lonely road of life a little less lonely by sharing your love, your laughter, your kindness, and your joy with everyone you meet. Fill each day you have with hugs, helpfulness, and happiness. Make Heaven sing by being the very best you can be. Then when your last day does come you can greet God with open arms and a full heart.

We celebrate with you if you were born in August. May you celebrate another trip around the sun with the same multidimensional approach that you show in enjoying every moment of life. Happy Birthday!

Have a wonderful month everybody and stay safe in the hot weather.

Eric O. Thompson

YAJ.

The Most Beautiful Woman.

 Hello everybody! Eku deede iwoyi o!

It is unbelievable we are already in the second half of the year!

I would like to share another story with you again this month. Enjoy it.

I recently saw an incredibly beautiful woman, and I want to share my experience with you. She wasn't very tall, maybe around 5 feet at most. Her back was slightly curved, and her skin was thin with age spots from spending a lifetime walking in the sun. Her hair was thin and wispy, a lovely shade of white. Her smile showed both new and false teeth, but it radiated warmth. She was at least 80 years old, and she might have been over 90. Though she moved slowly and with great care, her true beauty shone through when she looked you in the eye and spoke to you.

Her forehead was wrinkled from a lifetime of hard work and caring for others. But what caught my attention were the lines around her eyes. These "wrinkles" were deep and permanent, like canyons, formed by a million smiles and a lifetime of laughter. Her eyes were set deeply, bloodshot, and behind thick glasses. Yet, they still had a lovely light shining out of them. When she spoke, they sparkled with a special radiance, revealing her connection to goodness and joy. Although I only had a brief conversation with her, I left feeling better and happier myself. I can only hope that one day, my own face will show the signs of a blessed life, lived well and filled with love.

It's strange how many people nowadays are almost obsessed with erasing those signs of aging. We strive to look forever twenty years old.

The next time I look in the mirror, I am going to appreciate the evidence of a million smiles, and I hope they deepen as I live each day of my life.

We celebrate with you if you were born in July. Wishing you nothing but the best on your birthday. May each stride lead you closer to success and blessings.

Have a wonderful month everybody and stay safe!

Eric O. Thompson

YAJ.

The secret of life 4: 150 Years From Now.

 Hello everybody! Eku deede iwoyi o!

I read this article some time ago and thought it would be useful for you and me.

150 years from now, none of us reading this post today will be alive. 70 percent to 100 percent of everything we are fighting over right now will be totally forgotten. Underline the word, TOTALLY.

If we go back memory lane to 150 years before us, that will be 1873, none of those that carried the world on their heads then are alive today. Almost all of us reading this will find it difficult to picture anybody's face of that era.

Pause for a while and imagine how some of them betrayed their relatives and sold them as slaves for a piece of mirror. Some killed family members just for a piece of land or tubers of yam or cowries or for a pinch of salt. Where is the yam, cowries, mirror, or salt that they were using to brag? It may sound funny to us now, but that is how silly we humans are sometimes, especially when it comes to power or trying to be relevant.

I remember those days in my secondary school, how some people fought and did so many unimaginable things just to have their names shortlisted among those to be made school Prefects. Ordinary school Prefects o! or because of a boyfriend or girlfriend. It is just a few years since I left secondary school, nobody in that school now remembers that I even schooled there despite my popularity then. Now, imagine what happens after 150 years?

Even when you claim the internet age will preserve your memory, take Michael Jackson as an example. Michael Jackson died in 2009, that was just 14 years ago. Imagine the influence Michael Jackson had all over the world when he was alive. Gosh, he was like a god. How many young people of today remember him with awe, that is if they even know him? In 150 years to come, his name, when mentioned, will not ring any bell to a lot of people. This is even because he was popular, imagine the majority of people who will never be known worldwide like him?

Let us take life easy, nobody will get out of this world alive. . . The land you are fighting and ready to kill for, somebody left that land, the person is dead, rotten, and forgotten. That will also be your fate. In 150 years to come, none of the vehicles or phones we are using today to brag will be relevant. Biko, take life easy!

Let love lead. Be genuinely happy for each other. No malice, no backbiting. No jealousy. No comparison. It is not a competition. At the end of the day, we all have the same destiny in the grave. It is just a question of who gets there first, but surely we will all go there.

We celebrate those who were born in June. The journey continues! And yours is truly special. Happy birthday!

Eric O. Thompson

YAJ.

The secret of life 3: Finding Yourself

 Hello everybody! Eku deede iwoyi o!

If you are reading in Japan we hope you had a refreshing GW?

"Finding yourself" is a phrase often used to describe a journey of self-discovery and self-awareness. It refers to the process of exploring your thoughts, emotions, values, and beliefs to better understand who you are as an individual. It's a deeply personal and introspective journey that can take time and effort, but can ultimately lead to self-acceptance, growth, and fulfillment.

The process of finding yourself starts with self-reflection. It involves taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life and setting aside time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and actions. This can be done through activities such as journaling, meditation, or simply spending quiet time alone. It's important to be honest with yourself and confront any uncomfortable truths or unresolved emotions that may be buried within.

As you reflect, you may start to uncover your true passions, interests, and values. What activities make you feel alive? What are your core beliefs and principles? What do you truly care about? Understanding your own desires and values can help you align your life with what truly matters to you, and can give you a sense of purpose and direction.

Another important aspect of finding yourself is embracing self-acceptance. It's about recognizing and accepting all aspects of who you are, including your strengths, weaknesses, and imperfections. It's about being kind and compassionate towards yourself and letting go of self-judgment or the need for external validation. Embracing self-acceptance allows you to be authentic and true to yourself, which fosters a sense of inner peace and confidence.

The journey of finding yourself can also involve taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone. Trying new experiences, pushing your boundaries, and facing challenges can help you discover new facets of yourself and build resilience. It's important to be open to change and willing to take risks, as they can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.

Finally, finding yourself often involves connecting with others. Surrounding yourself with supportive and uplifting people who accept and appreciate you for who you are can provide a sense of belonging and validation. Engaging in meaningful relationships and fostering connections with others can help you gain different perspectives, learn from others, and expand your horizons.

In conclusion, finding yourself is a lifelong journey that involves self-reflection, self-acceptance, taking risks, and connecting with others. It's about understanding and embracing who you are as an individual, and living a life that is true to yourself. It's a deeply personal process that requires self-awareness, courage, and a willingness to explore and grow. Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and remember that it's never too late to embark on the path of self-discovery.

We celebrate those who were born in May. You're not getting older... just more distinguished! Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a fantastic year ahead. Happy birthday!

Have a wonderful month everybody!

Eric O. Thompson

YAJ.

The secret of life 2: Purpose

Hello everybody! Eku deede iwoyi o!

I would like to go a bit deeper on the topic first shared in February 2023.

The secret of life is a question that has intrigued humanity for centuries. Some people believe that the secret lies in wealth, power, or fame, while others think it is found in spiritual practices, relationships, or personal growth. However, the secret of life is not a tangible thing that can be acquired or possessed. It is a concept that transcends material possessions and personal beliefs. 

 

The secret of life can be summed up in one word: purpose. Purpose is the reason why we exist, the motivation behind our actions, and the source of our happiness. Without purpose, life becomes meaningless, and we feel lost and unfulfilled. Therefore, discovering our purpose is the key to unlocking the secret of life.

 

Finding our purpose is not an easy task, but it is a rewarding one. It requires us to reflect on our values, passions, strengths, and weaknesses. It also requires us to experiment, take risks, and make mistakes. Through this process, we learn what we want to do, what we are good at, and what impact we want to make in the world.

 

Once we find our purpose, we can align our lives with it. This means that we use our time, energy, and resources to pursue our purpose and make a positive impact in the world. We can do this in various ways, such as through our careers, hobbies, volunteer work, or personal relationships. Whatever path we choose, it should be in line with our purpose and bring us joy and fulfillment.

 

Living a purposeful life requires us to cultivate certain qualities, such as courage, resilience, gratitude, and compassion. These qualities enable us to overcome challenges, stay focused on our goals, appreciate what we have, and help others. They also make us happier, healthier, and more connected to the world around us.

 

However, living a purposeful life is not always easy. We may face obstacles, setbacks, or distractions that derail us from our path. We may also encounter criticism, rejection, or failure that undermines our confidence and motivation. In such moments, it is important to remember that our purpose is bigger than ourselves. It is a calling that transcends our ego and serves a greater good. Therefore, we should not give up on our purpose, but rather find new ways to pursue it and learn from our experiences.

 

In conclusion, the secret of life is purpose. Purpose gives meaning to our existence, guides our actions, and brings us happiness and fulfillment. Finding our purpose requires us to reflect, experiment, and grow. Living a purposeful life requires us to cultivate certain qualities and overcome challenges. Ultimately, living a purposeful life is a lifelong journey that requires us to stay true to our purpose, adapt to change, and contribute to the world.

We celebrate those who were born in April. Another birthday’s here, which means another year filled with cherished memories awaits. Take advantage of every moment. Happy birthday!

Have a wonderful month everybody and stay safe!

Eric O. Thompson

YAJ.

Little Things Count.

 Hello eku, dee de iwoyio.

I would like to share another short story with you again this month. Enjoy it.

I noticed we had grass growing rapidly inside my new compound, so, I and my neighbor decided to get rid of them.

I asked around and found someone who would do it.

Brought him to the compound, and showed him around, so he said he'd clear it for 3K, but we can also negotiate.

Inside me, I was surprised because the work was too big for that amount. So, I told him we would give him 5K instead.

The dude was overjoyed. He ran off to get his working tools, got back, and was almost starting off.

I asked him to halt, and confirmed if he's had something to eat.

He said -- No. That he has yet to eat since the evening before.

I quickly prepared tea, bread, and fried eggs for him.

Chai! Tears out from the guy`s eyes when I gave him.

He finished eating, picked up his tools, and worked enthusiastically with all his heart.

At intervals, I'll stop what I was doing inside to check on him. Sometimes, chat and laugh with him.

So, he rounded up for that day and said he'd be coming around the next day to pack the dead grass.

I gave him the 5K despite the fact that he had not completed his work.

He was really excited. I told him to take my contact so he could reach me before coming the next day, he said he would have loved to, but he didn't have a phone

He said he sold it 2 weeks back, so he could eat. All he had left was his SIM.

I felt his pain, but I remembered I had a phone I wasn't using, so I gave it to him+N500 for a recharge card.

Tears just roll from the guy's eye instantly.

And he said, one of the deepest "God Bless You", I've ever gotten in my life. So, he left excitedly.

And, for me -- I slept like a baby that night.

The dude came the next day and continued the remaining task with so much passion.

I shared the rice I had left with him for breakfast, and by 12 noon, he was done with the whole task.

He thanked me endlessly and left.

I got a call very early today from him, and he gave me great news.

He said his former boss that relocated from Ibadan to Abuja, reached him on the phone immediately after he inserted his SIM into the phone I gave him.

And that his boss told him he's been trying hard to reach him for weeks and finally sent him N100k this morning.

He expressed his appreciation for my favor which made me emotional.

The lesson of the story is; always do little things you can do, to change people's lives. It might be little to you, but that might be the answer to their long-standing heart desires.

 These bits of kindness may not come in monetary forms.

• You can tell people kind words.

• Give them a bit of your time

• Hear them out

• Give them warm hugs

• Never despise or look down on them

• Applaud them when they carry out duties for you

• Make them feel like the humans that they really are.

And, you might just be saving a life in the process.

We celebrate those who were born in March. Wishing you nothing but the best on your birthday.

Have a wonderful month everybody and stay safe!

Eric O. Thompson

YAJ.

Secret of life.

 Hello eku, dee de iwoyio.

It's February already everybody! I hope you are following up on your verbal promises with some solid planning and action I mentioned last month?

Do you remember the famous Yoruba poem “ Ise loogun ise”?

To back it up, I would like to share another short story I came across recently with you again this month. Enjoy it.

A father used to say to his children when they were young: When you all reach the age of 12 I will tell you the secret of life. One day when the oldest turned 12, he anxiously asked his father what was the secret of life. The father replied that he was going to tell him, but that he should not reveal it to his brothers.

The secret of life is this: The cow does not give milk. "What are you saying?" The boy asked incredulously. As you hear it, son: The cow does not give milk, you have to milk it. You have to get up at 4 in the morning, go to the field, walk through the corral full of manure, tie the tail, hobble the legs of the cow, sit on the stool, place the bucket, and do the work yourself.

That is the secret of life, the cow does not give milk. You milk her or you don't get milk. There is this generation that thinks that cows GIVE milk. That things are automatic and free: their mentality is that if "I wish, I ask..... I obtain."

"They have been accustomed to getting whatever they want the easy way...But no, life is not a matter of wishing, asking, and obtaining. The things that one receives are the effort of what one does. Happiness is the result of effort. Lack of effort creates frustration."

So, share with your children from a young age the secret of life, so they don't grow up with the mentality that the government, their parents, their association, or their cute little faces are going to give them everything they need in life. This will help them avoid making poor choices in an attempt to meet up with life's demands.

Remember "Cows don't give milk; you have to work for it." Of course, we may need some support to get to where we want to be, but we need that initial effort that will encourage the support which is why they say "Omo ti o ba shipa langbe". Therefore our forefathers knew it when they said it and eloquently put together and published by JF ODUNJO. There is no shortcut!

We celebrate those who were born in February. We hope your celebration gives you many happy memories!

Happy Birthday!

Have a wonderful month everybody and stay safe!

Eric O. Thompson

YAJ.

 

Best Year Ever.

 Compliments of the season everybody!

Odun ayo at alaafia ni yio je fun gbogbo wa o.

I will like to share and encourage you with this as we embark on the new 2023 journey. I believe we all have at least one new resolution for the year. I also believe that we all want to live a life that matters. We all want to reach our full potential. But too often we find ourselves overwhelmed by day-to-day activities. Our big goals get pushed to the back burner--and then, more often than not, they get forgotten. I want you to know that it doesn't have to be this way. In fact, I think that this is the year you can finally close the gap between reality and dreams.

How can you make 2023 your best year ever?

Here are 5 simple Steps to Achieving Your Best Year Ever.

1. Believe the Possibility. If our habits of thinking are beneficial, we tend to experience positive results such as happiness, satisfaction, and even material success. But if our habit of thinking is counterproductive, we often experience unhappiness and dissatisfaction. When we focus on improvement, our lives follow suit.

2. Complete the Past. Avoid dragging your past into your future. Learn from the past experience and move forward.

3. Design Your Future. You need to create the life that you want by setting SMARTER goals. Each must be Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Risky, Time-Keyed, Exciting, and Relevant.

4. Find Your Why. It is crucial to identify the mission or motives behind your goals.

5. Make It Happen. Planning is not enough; it takes action to fully realize your goals.

Improving your life isn’t as simple as staring up at a firework-lit sky and whispering a couple of sentences to yourself. Sure, the intent is there, but you also need to follow up on your verbal promises with some solid planning and action.

Let’s start by picturing where you want to be in 12 months. What do you see? Some of the more common desires are to be free of debt, physically fit, have a happy family life, and a good relationship, master a hobby, and feel spiritually well. The good news is that you can have all of this.

This is your year, don`t differ it any longer. Once you`ve determined your next step take action!

We celebrate with you if you were born in January. May this year be filled with adventures, blessings, and lots of laughs. Happy Birthday!

Have a wonderful year everybody and stay safe!

Eric O. Thompson

YAJ.