Embracing the Journey: A Manifesto for Lifelong Learning

 

Entwined within the labyrinth of existence, I am but a humble thread, weaving my way through the intricacies of existence. I do not claim wisdom; instead, I humbly acknowledge my perpetual state of curiosity, forever eager to learn and grow. This, I believe, is the essence of living—a continuous journey of exploration and discovery, fueled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Life, to me, is not a destination to be reached but a journey to be embraced. With each passing day, I am reminded of the infinite mysteries that surround us, beckoning us to delve deeper, to ask questions, and to seek understanding. It is through this relentless pursuit of knowledge that we truly come alive, transcending the boundaries of our own limitations.

I have learned, through trial and error that the key to unlocking life's greatest treasures lies in the simple act of asking questions. No inquiry is too trivial, no curiosity too insignificant. It is in the asking that we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, where even the most mundane of moments can hold profound revelations.

But asking questions requires courage—courage to challenge the status quo, to confront our own ignorance, and to embrace the unknown. There have been times when fear has gripped me, when doubt has clouded my judgment, but I have learned to push through the discomfort, to lean into the uncertainty, knowing that on the other side lies enlightenment.

I am often regarded as "annoyingly witty," a moniker I wear with pride, for it is a testament to my relentless pursuit of understanding. I scrutinize processes and procedures, not out of a desire to criticize, but out of a genuine curiosity to uncover the underlying truths. It is this insatiable hunger for knowledge that fuels my creativity, propelling me forward on my journey of self-discovery.

In my quest for understanding, I have come to realize that no one is the sole custodian of knowledge. Each of us holds a piece of the puzzle, a fragment of the truth waiting to be discovered. It is only through collaboration and sharing that we can hope to unlock life's greatest mysteries, standing on the shoulders of giants who came before us.

Nature may have endowed some with greater intellect or talent, but I firmly believe that we all have the capacity to learn and grow. It is a matter of willingness, of dedication, of paying the price for knowledge. With each step we take, each question we ask, we inch closer to our true potential, standing out amidst the vastness of existence.

So, let us embrace the journey that lies before us, with all its twists and turns, its highs and lows. Let us ask questions, seek understanding, and never falter in our pursuit of knowledge. For in the end, it is not the destination that matters, but the journey itself—the journey of a lifetime, filled with wonder, curiosity, and endless possibility.

BEYOND THE SPOTLIGHT: UNLEASHING COURAGE TO CONQUER STAGE FRIGHT AND FEAR OF FAILURE

 

When the spotlight beckons, it casts its glow on the stage where dreams and aspirations collide with the harsh reality of fear. For many, the mere thought of stepping into that bright circle is enough to trigger a cascade of apprehension and self-doubt. Stage fright and the fear of failure are very much the Achilles heel, of our aspirations and potential. Coincidentally, within the depths of fear lie dormant seeds of courage, waiting to be nurtured and unleashed.

As I like to share with young people, there are few great men on earth if any who have never had to face their fears. I dare to say; every mortal you know has questioned his or her credentials when propped on the stage of life at one point or the other. And there are no hard and fast rule by which we must play or wriggle our ways out. However, there are a few pointers that might help;

Understanding Fear: Fear, that primal instinct for self-preservation, manifests in myriad forms – from the fluttering butterflies in our stomachs to the paralyzing grip that renders us immobile. Stage fright and the fear of failure stem from a deep-seated aversion to vulnerability and rejection. The prospect of stumbling over lines, missing a cue, or falling short of expectations triggers a cascade of anxiety, threatening to engulf us in a tidal wave of doubt and insecurity.

 

Reframing Failure: Yet, what if failure were not the antagonist but rather the protagonist of our narrative? What if, instead of viewing failure as a damning indictment of our worth, we saw it as a crucible for growth and resilience? Consider the tale of J.K. Rowling, whose manuscript for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was rejected by twelve publishers before finding a home. Rather than succumbing to despair, Rowling embraced failure as a stepping stone to success, channeling her setbacks into fuel for her creative fire.

Building Courage: Courage, that elusive quality revered by poets and philosophers alike, is not the absence of fear but rather the audacity to act in spite of it. Like a muscle, courage must be exercised and strengthened through deliberate practice. Start small – perhaps by volunteering to speak at a local event or enrolling in an improv class. Each step outside the comfort zone serves as a crucible for courage, forging resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity.

Harnessing Visualization and Positive Affirmations: Visualization, the art of conjuring vivid mental images, serves as a potent antidote to stage fright. Before stepping onto the stage, close your eyes and visualize yourself delivering a flawless performance, each word uttered with confidence, each gesture

imbued with purpose. Similarly, positive affirmations act as a shield against the slings and arrows of self-doubt. Repeat phrases like "I am capable," "I am prepared," and "I am worthy of success" until they reverberate with unwavering conviction.

Seeking Support and Feedback: No man is an island, and no performer thrives in isolation. Surround yourself with a tribe of mentors, peers, and loved ones who champion your aspirations and celebrate your victories. Seek constructive feedback with humility and grace, recognizing that criticism is not a condemnation of your worth but rather a catalyst for growth. Remember, even the most seasoned performers stumble – it's how we rise from the fall that defines us.

 Embracing the Journey: In the end, courage is not a destination but rather a journey – a pilgrimage of self-discovery and self-actualization. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and learn from your defeats with humility and grace. Embrace the inherent messiness of the creative process, recognizing that growth often arises from the ashes of failure. As Nelson Mandela famously remarked, "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it."

So, as you stand on the precipice of uncertainty, gazing into the abyss of fear and doubt, remember this; within the depths of fear lies the dormant seed of courage, waiting to be nurtured and unleashed. By reframing failure, building resilience, and embracing the journey with humility and grace, you can transcend the shackles of fear and step boldly into the spotlight of success.

HERE I GO AGAIN

 

I FALL ALL OVER AGAIN

By Dan Hill

Can't believe we met like this

Is it just coincidence?

I had a feeling I'd be seeing you again

You're every bit as beautiful

As the last time we met

When you told me you were leaving

And going back to him

How I wish that I could tell you

It's all in the past

But I was never good at lying

And baby since you ask

Chorus

I don't wanna hear that song again

From the night we first met

I don't wanna hear you whispering

Things I'd rather forget

I don't wanna look into your eyes

'Cause you know what happens next

We'll be making love and then

I'll fall all over again

I can't begin to tell you

Just how, sorry I am

That the man you built your dreams around

Just broke your heart again

I think I know the feeling

'Cause I once loved you so much

That I swore I'd rather die

Then live a day without your touch

If I held you in my arms

You'll know I'll never let you go

But this ain't the time or place

To get emotional

Chorus

I don't wanna hear that song again

From the night we first met

I don't wanna hear you whispering

Things I'd rather forget

I don't wanna look into your eyes

'Cause you know what happens next

We'll be making love and then

I'll fall all over again

How you cried when you kissed me

Then you walked out that door, whoa

You were always such a mystery

I still dream we're making love

Then I stop myself because

Chorus

I don't wanna hear that song again

From the night we first met

I don't wanna hear you whispering

Things I'd rather forget

I don't wanna look into your eyes

'Cause you know what happens next

We'll be making love and then

I'll fall all over again

I'll fall all over again

 

I think the words of Dan Hill in the song above are finding expression in my life. Yeah, so I met someone recently and it has been the happiest few weeks of my life. She is the rarest combination of beauty and brain I have come across in a very long time, and boy she's got class and zazz!!! And you know how you are both scared and excited at the same time? Yeah that's how I feel about her. 

You are probably wondering why I have such mixed feelings right? I am tempted to wonder too, but I know the answer.

 I am sure you remember that I have had my share of broken relationships, most of which I was hugely invested, so I guess my anxiety is what you would call occupational hazards abi? It comes with the turf. A child who was told that a rope-like animal killed his father will be afraid of earthworms. In this case, I am the child.

 I am excited on another hand. As a matter of fact I am elated beyond words, and it is difficult to describe the feeling. This is not some high school butterfly feelings in my stomach, there is a sense of calmness and joy that thinking about her gives to me and the desire to protect her. Cut to the chase I am jealous and want her for keeps! Does that make any sense to you? Maybe not but it does to me. So...?

 I am still in awe of how her stories not only mirror mine but fits into my prayers of many years, and I am praying that my hopes are not eventually a mirage. I know the difference between love and lust as I have felt both, this feels like both wrapped in a lifetime commitment. And I love this feeling!!!

Her dreams and aspirations are worth every bit of my encouragement and I am hoping I get to do that for her; she is a jackpot! trust me when I tell you so.

 Well, I cannot tell you her name now but trust me, I am not walking away from this woman. I would give you a hint someday...... but for now, please allow me to hide her face. LOL!

Agebe Olonta Eineje

27th June 2020

MY THOUGHTS ON FAILURE

               

Failure is not the worst thing that could happen to a man. Your refusal to get up is worse than the misfortune of falling. 

All men fall and have fallen at some point in life. While some made their beds on the grounds they have stumbled, others made bricks from the earth upon which they had fallen and built mansions for themselves. 

It is difficult to convince a man who has lost hope to believe, it is nonetheless the best thing you can offer him. There is a natural tendency in man to want to preserve himself before anything else, and so we chose the path that is easiest to trod. And this applies to every one of us. Knowing that we are all susceptible to failure, condemning those who have failed will not be the wisest thing to do even if you have not experienced it. 

However, we cannot also celebrate those who have given up on trying just because we are fallible as everyone else. So, while it is good for others to extend hands of help when you are down in the gutters of life, the onus lie on you the most to lift yourself up and out. 

The idea that people must help you as if they owe you does not and will not help you in any way. It is your life we are talking about here. The decision to live or not is yours to make. More over you are the person living the life. If you succeed or fail at it, you will ultimately reap the benefits either way it turns. It was Soichiro Honda (the founder of Honda Automobiles) who said; if you believe you can or cannot, you are right. Think about it. 

Do not get me wrong, we all need a little help from time to time. I have always said; no one is self made. The richest man in the world was helped. Notwithstanding, do not go about demanding that people help you. It is the prerogative of the helper to offer help or not. So do not live your life expecting that any one is under some obligation to help you. As a matter of fact, living without such expectations is less burdensome. You suffer from less anxiety and tendency to hate or to be bitter. 

And if you are in a position to help, please do. We live in a time when people are fast losing faith in humanity. This is largely because of their experiences in the hands of other humans, especially people they have trusted at some point in life. My people would say; the reason a poor man builds his house close to the rich man' is so that the light from the rich man's compound can shine onto his. That is not the case today, because the rich man's fence is so high it blocks out the light. 

The increasing insecurity, heightened corruption, hatred, widening gap between social class etc can be traced to; man's inhumanity to man. It's appalling to even imagine that a man would consider himself better or higher than another simply on the basis of tribe, race or nation. These are not strange occurrences in our present world, we live with and experience it everyday. If we need to change the cataclysmic direction we are headed, we need to calibrate our hearts. 

We will need to learn to stretch out our hands and hearts, to ask and to give. Do not hate those who does not help and do not refuse to help if you can do so. 

I wish you a wonderful July. Have a great day and month. It's past  1am already, yet I can't get sleep. I am resuming morning duty today and I need to get some rest before heading to work in about five hours. 

The good Lord continue to watch over all of us. Remember, help those who need your help if you can.

MUTATION

 

The road ahead is straight,

Passing through 'Brokenhopesville',

In auspiciously strait,

Shadowy deceptions,

No light shines through the roof of pines,

For here, the sun is blind.

Mama said, youth' are days of light,

But mine are blight,

Nights with no endings,

Bleak as it peaks.

In the heat of  the conundrums

Friends like wax melts,

And as fiends pick on my soul,

I wet my bed with tears,

Like an incursion I feel change,

Creeping in on me,

I guess this is what you call 'mutation'