THIS IS GOLD...

My friend Boyd C. George wrote a piece on his wife...its her birthday, so am saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MRS BOYD!

But what strikes me most is the warmth in the piece.It's the love  and unspeakable devotion to the beauty of belonging in his piece that resonates with me and probably it will with you. It reminds me of the sweetness and hardwork in a relationship...the fusing of  the  differences in all of us that has to meet  to birth something beautiful.

Does marriage hold an appeal for you?

It does for me.But if it doesnt for you, probably spousal relationships on the barest minimum does.But i can not speak your mind.However i dare to speak from the perspective of a number of people who get the feel of desire for the 'nectar' of  'Good relationship' .For 'peeps' like us...this sounds like Gold:  

In photo:Mrs Boyd taken by Boyd C.George

My wife turns 29 today. I can't believe it's been more than 10 years since we first met. Through the years, we've definitely experienced the growing pains that come with the emotional and mental maturation process, especially when you compare who we were at 18 to who we are now. Life hasn't always gone according to plan for us, but I can honestly say that she's been there for me and with me through the highs and the lows. She is the true definition of a ride or die chick, but if she touches the remote again while I'm watching football, you might have to put me in the cell next to Drew Peterson ... just kidding ... or am I?

But seriously, it's truly a blessing to find someone who loves you for you and feels the same way about you whether you're a millionaire or a peasant. And although I have to bend down to hug and kiss her because of our height difference, and I wonder how I will be able to manage that in our later years, I cherish every embrace like it's our last. So when she gets home from work today, I will greet her with the words that any loving husband would tell his wife on her birthday: "Is that a gray hair I see?"  

WOW!

Maybe we will not all talk about the Gray hair on his/her birthday but love is worth celebrating;and Special days are worth ccelebrating too!. Toasts to love and to life!

YOU!..HEY YOU!, what are you doing with your life???

Today i got a mail from one of my favorite people.His name is Burt Goldman.Burt is 85 and

 inspires me in a lot  of ways.He has achieved a lot in his later years and goes a long way to prove that the human ability is poised to respond in success at any point in any one's life. see Burt Goldman here

If you follow my blog, you will find that i believe in unlimited possibilities and at any chance that i stumble on any great stuff that i know will encourage you to i live for purpose, will definitely share.

There are loads of questions that came to my mind as i read this particular piece...questions that i feel every person should be able a to ask themselves if we all desire to move up to a a better place in life. let me ask you :

WHAT ARE U DOING WITH YOUR LIFE??????????

Are you happy?...are you living?....are you a positive force in the universe?..or are you just passing through with no influence?

It does not matter your age,sex,status or location right now.From  here on,in your life is most important.I  have decided to share Burt's words in.Allow them to trigger a zeal in you:

When you're in your eighties, contemplating your youth and everything you've accomplished…

I'm 85 this year, and my life's been quite the adventure.

I've discovered the joys of painting, photography and writing.

I've reached out to hundreds of thousands of people and hosted intimate events across the globe.

And in this time, after meeting people from every imaginable walk of life, 

I've learned you can split anyone into one of these two groups:

1) Those who know their unique purpose, and live every day of their lives with a laser-sharp 

  focus on it…

2)  And those who go through life in a daze, chasing temporary goals because they either 

don't know their purpose, or for whatever reason they're not pursuing it.

Purpose-driven people wake up every morning with a spring in their step.

They know what they want, what they're good at, and where they're going.

When things don't go their way, they roll with the punches.

And if you've ever looked one in the face, you'll have seen that infectious 

glint in their eyes that says "being alive is amazing."

Purpose-less folks are the exact opposite.

Even truckloads of money, soaring success or a drop-dead gorgeous partner can't 

fill the void of a life without purpose!

So what about you then?

If you spend most of your life stuck in a soul-sapping 9 - 5, 

or if you just can't get satisfaction from what you do…

Have you ever thought that maybe… you're destined for greater things?

Like helping people? Inspiring people? Inventing a head slopingly simple idea 

or gadget that changes the world?

Time to find out.

LIFE AS A BOOK!

Thinking about life,isn't it awesome how it is kind of like a book?Now take a minute and make a movie from what am saying. A literary work that keeps going on and on and on-Isn't it  profound to think and understand the depth of the truth in these words.

For the first time, i truely can relate with the meaning of the words "life is like a book!".not just because of the sentence in the statement but the true meaning of the words.The deeper meaning of the phrase.

If you did what i suggested above,you will see that you  can relate with it more vividly than you ever gave  mental thoughts to. In my mind's eye,the pictures play real;revealing intensely a real book with  every page for everyday that one lives on earth.Every alphabet linked to another in a series of  words that tell the tale of the everyday experiences of each one of us


It marvels me  to understand that as i live each moment, a pen does weave words on paper;And that the choices i make become an illustration and a story line that must truelly not end till the day i breath my last.


Now, here comes the part that chills me to sweet wonder :Imagine the fact that your everyday makes a single page,it means  that in one  year you would have made up to three  hundred and sixty five(365) page book with your life's experiences.


Wow! isn't that so interesting?


Now again if you lived on earth to see your 28th year birthday,you will have made ten thousand, two hundred and twenty(10,220) pages volume of literary work. At age 41,you will have made a  fourteen thousand,nine hundred and sixty five (14,965) pages work. At age 50, you will have eighteen thousand,two hundred and fifty(18,250) pages work. At age 70, you will  have twenty five thousand,five hundred and fifty (25,550) pages work and on and on and on. It is amazing!


Truth be told: sometimes,we are not all good composers. It hits home that at one point or the other,the words get jumbled up. On the other hand,some of us  make better writers and communicate succinctly and clearly with beautiful well orchestrated story-lines that makes a master read.


Just like in the literary world where some  writers make lots of references in making up and pointing to the real issues;in  life at least for the first few years of your life, you most probably have to make  lots of references from more accomplished predecessors to help you write better.


Every child  is like a clean sheet or slate.At first he/she  keeps referring to others.After a while,when they grow up to become adults they write  with flair . Perhaps at 50  or 60 years,enough would have been gathered to make a happy or a  sad  piece.


Unfortunately we do not stop to wonder how delightful we want our read to be  or to even  wonder at the  direction our flow should take. In the long run,we often fall between  the category and invariably make either a pleasant or a boring read.
Of course it will be great every once in a while to help yourself understand that  the moment you share in your life with the people close to you will make  a good  read if you filled it  with joy, laughter and giving; than with sadness and grief.


It does matter what your pen weaves along the pages :especially since you can  control the story.If your choices can be different and better,your 'theme' can make  a Blockbuster. ..oh,How blessed it will be to  make a great read.

So, LIVE IT UP and  HAVE A BLAST. You've got  a story to write! 

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ANGER IS OK...ITS A PROCESS,JUST PUT A TAB ON IT!

'When you feel angry do not let it  be hidden'... This might sound a lot different from a typical advice of 'do not show it Honey', but believe me anger can be an outlet. A powerful outlet for your soul. It is like a window that has the capacity to let in fresh air,if you only open it wide enough to let the bad air out.

Somehow we have to admit it to ourselves and to others to find that our healing starts.Often time,  all of these have a way of cooling our stance in the situation that we find ourselves.

While angry you have to be careful to handle yourself appropriately because there is always a thin line  between the good and the bad that can accrue from that outlet. This is because in being angry,you may have the edge and the ability to have all the aces and yet loose someone you love through that same outlet.It is just like treating cancer.You have to kill the cells but if care is not taken,you can also kill the human.So,in dealing with anger you are the doctor.You have to be watchful and observant and not let your sensitivities go. That person you are angry with is extremely important and what you can do by wielding the sword can extract or kill.

Anger is indeed liberating  depending on the perspective you choose to see it.Anger is  a feeling that we  seem  to easily learn to hide.It could bring immense gratification if we can really internalise how to feel the feeling and still channel it aright to achieve what we want to achieve with it and also get better  relationships and understanding from the people we love.

This is true because it is when others learn  about the things that we do not want them to do to us that they can keep a checkmate on them and learn to relate  with us  and figure out the way  to make "us"(our relationships with them) work.

I think we have always seen anger in a bad way.That is why we have also labelled it to assume a monster status.However it can be the only way we discover afresh how to negotiate our lives for the better.Anger is a strong negotiation tool for the kind of life we want, plus the things that we desire.Being angry can be  likened to sitting at that table with the other person and trying to meet them at a middle point to be able to get our desires.

Surprisingly as i write this piece i logged into an application( message from God) on my social networking site and was greeted with these powerful words: "On this day of your life, Destiny, we believe God wants you to know ... that although forgiveness is very hard, it is necessary.Holding onto anger and old hurts hardens your heart and hurts only you. Ask for help in letting go of the anger. Ask to see the situation through the eyes of compassion. Allow yourself to feel the lightness of forgiveness"-how liberating!

I have heard that heat and pressure makes diamonds.That's just how real the reality of anger should be to us. When we are at the receiving end, it is often difficult to see it in a good light; especially since the pressure is on us.But if we can  remember that anger is the rough on the diamond and wait it out,listen to the words of the soul without judging,try to understand the emotions in the heart,put ourselves in the other person's  place and swap roles ...maybe,like finding the diamond,we would find the bridge that would take us to a refreshing new start.

BE THE ARTISTE

A small piece is rising in my soul and it is one that should motivate you.However, it comes right down in my  heart like the words in a poem ,making this part  of  me come alive.More than anything i wish it brings you also to a depth of encouragement so much so  that you will do just what you need to do to recreate or create.                                                                                        


Like Shakespeare, if you have ever met a writer's block or even wanted to act like Genevieve Nnaji and Angelina Jolie but can't even piece your art together or maybe even got stuck on one point in life's mystery lane;i remind you:

picture by:Joshua Obiakoeze

"When it doesn't seem like everything is okay,that's when you have to pull back and thank your  stars.

When the going gets all uphill,that's when you have to muster enough stamina to beat the odds.

When the night is darkest,that's when you have to count on the rays of dawn to bring the difference.

When the clouds seem full with rain,that's when you can count on the grey beauty of the skies to show.

When you feel tired than most,that's when you can trust in the strength of resting a while".

...Most often,there will be the bleakness of  life and the tiring resurgence of the negatives.But remember it is not just about the negatives that we get thrown rather the capacity in our minds  to create  a more rewarding reality even in the midst of it all.


There, lies true living and the understanding that will upscale  the momentary phase.To be happy,much depends on  the power of the creativity of your mind.Like the bright sky,let your picture come alive.

BE THE ARTISTE...Give your best shot!

BIRTHDAY IDEAS FOR THE 9TH OF DECEMBER OR ANY OTHER DAY!

Birthdays are special times when we get in touch with our personal roots.Old or Young,there is always something about our birth days that warm our hearts.This customised feeling is usually just there even when you do not feel like throwing the wildest parties to celebrate.Deciding to give it full reign or not calls to mind some 'user discretion', depending on how modest you want  or not want to be.

photo:Destiny,Kaduna,Nigeria

 

Now, far from making you feel like your birthday is not on the 9th of December yours is actually so special i had to share. In-fact, this birthday idea was generated as a birthday gift for a friend who was born on the 23rd of of October and should come handy for your special day just like mine.So whether you are born on the 9th,23rd or any other day and month of the year,you should feel as special knowing you deserve the best of your beautiful day.

In trying to get the best birthday activities for that grand day ,i revel in putting together ideas to rev up your day.I hope it becomes my Birthday gift to you.

Whether you are naturally bubbly with a spilling joyful disposition or a quiet wise soul,the fun will be to carry out these activities just the way they are and 'add some'  rather than to subtract any.While some may not be entirely you,trying them out may bring out a part of you that you never knew existed.Perhaps you  may realise you do have a little child,a funny side,or even a naughty side  inside you after all.

Its not an exhausted list and you should really add some...So here we go.Some birthday activities for FABULOUS YOU:

* Be a child. Hang balloons outside your door... And make a wish.

*Buy a birthday cake that is boldly written something like:'Destiny is 42 and fabulous' in your favorite colors and get it delivered 1st thing in the morning- eat some piece.In fact,eat lots of pieces'

*Call up your mom and tell her today is your birthday and you are grateful she made the choice to introduce you to the world...send her  a gift that will coincide with the time of the call.

*Buy someone else a present...preferably someone who makes you most happy.

*Write up a list of ten things you are grateful for this year. After writing it out,close your eyes and send some words of gratitude to God. Afterward,dab a little of your favorite perfume on the sheet and burn it up as a sacrifice of thanksgiving...not so much as to burn your house down cos i will not be there to help you call fire service!

*Take yourself out and buy yourself a good meal...if possible have a blind date!

*See a movie. A really good movie. A very interesting and inspiring movie or one that you have been dying to see.

*Look through old photos of friends and family and have a laugh. You will be surprised how much that will mean to you.

*Have a game session with a friend or loved one and try not to loose..its your birthday !

*Have  a reconnection time even if you do not want a party :let your kids or friends (or you can do that with any one) take turns to tell you what they like about you,while you seat at the centre on a chair.Most preferably if they get to write them out and read them to you...you would be surprised at the emotion and the bonding.

*Read psalm 139 .Go to the mirror,smile.Keep smiling and say aloud seven times:'i am blessed and i am a gift to the world'...looking straight into your own eyes.

*Play your favorite music.Still thinking about all the good stuffs that has happened  to you this year or that you are grateful for, close your eyes and dance alone or Just simply enjoy the rythm.

*If you are able to get done all the items  on this list,do whatever else gives you joy. And after all goes down today,when you turn in and on bed,think about the joys of today and your life. With a smile on your face, send a gratitude kiss to heaven,turn over and have a good night rest!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

 

Preview

THANK GOD FOR LITERARY WORKS

Am reading 'Q; The autobiography of Quincy Jones'. It’s such a great read and every once in a while I read an anecdote, or a great saying from deep within the recesses of the great man. I read how much sorrow and plight brought out the capacity of a man whom the world has come to know today as one of the most formidable men of history especially in music history.

Often, you hear something from earth’s ‘human resource’ a substance in words that recounts the place of bad experience in the making of success. It baffles me that we only relate to those negatives in a joyful way only after the success has been accrued. How many of us truly see defeats, pain and suffering as earnestly what they are?...a passage to the lounge of happiness. Why is it that we easily identify the joyous, long after the pains have gone?

How I wish my mum taught me how to meet with failure. How I wish I was taught in graduate school the ways to deal with the offshoots of real hard-work and hustling. Perhaps if we were taught that as a course or got the full emphasis of it at the footstools of our parents, it would be easy to deal with the reality of them but Lo……No!

No one teaches you that. And just like life is full of surprises, we have to deal with all of these just the same way. But thank God for autobiographies and stories of success and pains that help us realize that. They keep us grounded with the understanding of others pertaining the scores of life. Thank God for literatures and books. At least what we never learn at kitchens and schools we get to learn from sheer human sharing through literary works.