My Aloe Vera and I

Hello my people, I hope you are enjoying the weather. One thing I am sure of with this season is that love is in the air. Throughout this month, I have had the opportunity to kick back and enjoy life. Even with all the challenges of being a young entrepreneur I still try to take out time to appreciate my environment and all that God has created. This period I have watched how fish grow from the fingerling stage to 3 weeks and I must say that I have learnt a lot.

Early this month, I made a conscious decision to water and care for my aloe vera plant. I transplanted some plants in the pot and moved them to a different location and started watering them everyday before going to work. As I began to do this every morning, I noticed that they gradually started to look healthier. If they were humans I would have said that they had grown taller and built some muscles. As I sat there watching my lovely plants, a thought came to me. “ If this aloe vera could look and do so well within this short period, with just a little TLC (Tender Loving Care) then all that any living creature requires to reach its highest potential are the right environment and the desire to grow. I had mentioned this same plant in a post that I did a year ago (stretching the limit). At that stage of the plant’s life, it was not well cared for but it still stayed alive and broke its pot! It had the desire to grow and didn’t allow the fact that it did not have the right environment to stifle its potential. Now that it has the right environment, it is really growing and multiplying.

Someone may say, I don’t have the right environment, my parents are not rich. Well, money doesn’t always guarantee the right environment. Infact, I have seen some kids from very rich homes who turned out to be a disgrace to the nation. I have also seen some men and women from extremely poor backgrounds who decided to create the right environment within themselves who have turned out to be CEOs of big companies. Like my aloe vera, they decided never to give up and created the right environment within themselves until it was manifested on the outside.
It is not enough to create the right environment for yourself. We should always try to create environment for people around us. A simple “Thank You” can make a son or daughter to want to do better. A “You look smashing today” can make an employee to work at maximum efficiency. One little book or advice can save an organization millions of naira and take it to the next level.
It is so easy to do. I really marvel that I got this from caring for a small plant. We human beings still have a lot to learn from other living creatures.

I hope that this inspires you as it did me.
Have a very fulfilling new week and remember to keep keeping on

Pride Vs Ego… Same Ni...Different Grammar

Pride Vs Ego… Same Ni Different Grammar
Good morning my people, how have you been enjoying the weather? The weather has been perfect (At least even when PHCN fails us, God sends his cool breeze and rain as our natural air conditioner).

I am sorry that I have not been consistent in my posts. I am trying to balance out a lot of things right now and my blog is suffering for it.

One evening about 2 months ago, I let my mind wander about why men and women seem so different yet are so alike. That thought led to the topic.

Pride Vs Ego… Same Ni... Different Grammar

While Pride can be defined as, “disdainful behavior or treatment; insolence or arrogance of demeanor; haughty bearing and conduct; insolent exultation”, Ego can be defined as, “an inflated feeling of pride in superiority to others”
From the definitions above, it can be seen that both words basically have the same meaning.

Pride is often used in relation to “chics”/women and Ego in relation to “blokes”/men

During the course of pondering, the following two questions arose;

1) Which sex has more?
2) How do you think the knowledge that both men and women crave respect can improve both our work and personal relationships?

I have thrown these questions in the open and hope to get your responses

Hope to hear your responses
Have a very blessed weekend

Do people change? (1)

Good day to you all. I hope you have been enjoying the weather. I think I am and I now have the perfect excuse not to wear the hair extensions that used to drive me nuts. We thank God that we are alive and doing well. The mere fact that you can see and read this article means that you are doing well.

This month, my articles will take a different turn. I will feature people’s thoughts instead of mine. (I know some folks may be tired of reading from me. lol).It is all about living and learning

On the 23rd of April, I sent a text message to about 10 of my friends asking the following question, “Do you think people change?” I appreciate every text message and email that was sent in response to my text message, I really do. I have posted the first 4 and post the remaining when I dig them up from my archives. Please feel free to make your own contributions to the topic. See responses below:

Question: I am working on something. Do you think people change?

Funmi Bashorun
I don’t think people change. Sometimes they pretend to change to suit other people and can hardly keep up. Other times, they try to change genuinely but it is usually short lived and their true colours tend to come out from time to time until it totally resurfaces when they are unconsciously tired of false character! This doesn’t mean that people can’t change at all. Like every rule, there is always an exception!

Niyi Jaiyeola
People change, sometimes dramatically other times gradually. For some it takes a blinding light on the road to Damascus for others it is a simple one page tract. You’ve changed…

Kemi Ojo
Yes, people change over time, because change is the only constant. Even you have changed, hope I have answered your question.

James Sosa
Do I Think People Change???
I really don’t know the context of this question but,
I’ll try not to bore u with a long epistle on my thoughts and opinions…lol
I’m gonna be as brief as possible!!!!
Here goes…..

From the moment of conception, the cries of a new born child ushers in the roar of hope and greatness. This is the first significant change. What do I mean? I’m pretty sure babies don’t cry in the wombs of mothers. So why do babies cry? Well I think it’s the sudden change of environment. After 9 months of lounging, kicking and relaxing, suddenly mummy is “pushing” me out, while some unknown doctor is “pulling” my head out without permission……Who no go cry? Abi? …..lol
Change of Environment is a deciding factor for human behavioural change

The toddler years are probably the most fun, if not the best time of human life. Mummy is at your beck and call. All you have to do is cry, panic ripples are sent through the room. Is it Hunger? Is it Sickness? or Does baby want a pampers change?
Mummy goes into Emergency Attention Mode, to try and stop the yelling and see to it you get what you want.
As time goes on, the baby soon realises the potency of a good old high pitch cry, but we all out-grown the diapers and the Cerelac era, younger siblings now get all the attention.
Basically, everyone wants to get attention and feel important like the toddler years at all times!!!! Anything contrary, will lead to a “mischievous” behavioural change.

In a nut shell, I really believe change of environment plays a big part in human change. Also, whether you are 5yrs old or in your late 60’s, the craving for attention and importance is still supreme. Failure to comply to this “craving” will surely show some pattern of human change.

Change is the only Constant thing in life. Hope my epistle wasn’t boring???? Hahahahaha!!!!!!! Gudnite Miss Chika


The people have spoken, do you think people change? Let us hear your opinion.
Thank you guys for you contribution

Have a great weekend

Your Personal Letter (Part 2)

Hope your week was as eventful as mine. I must start by saying that I am grateful to everyone who read my article. Thank you to everyone who called and sent text messages. I really do appreciate it. Ok…where do I start? This week was exactly as I wanted it. You know that I love work (because it keeps me in shape and helps me to exercise my mind) so that was exactly what I got. Last week, I stated the first 5 of the 10 principles that have guided me throughout my life. This article will shed light on the remaining 5.

6) Seek Counsel:
It is a known fact that people who seek advice from different people will never go astray. When venturing into something new, it makes more sense to ask people who are more knowledgeable in that field so that you don’t make too many mistakes and save resources that would have been expended to correct those mistakes.

7) Always be thankful:
Every morning, when I wake up, I thank God for the miracle of seeing a new day because I know that between the time that I was busy “snoozing” and when I woke up, some people lost their lives and valuable properties. That mindset will keep you positive throughout the day.

8) Actions speak louder than words:
I can only explain this with a saying that we used during my secondary school days, “Maja na water, action na blood”. If I cannot do something, I will never say that I can do it. I always like my work to speak for itself. It makes my life much easier.

9) Keep your peace:
I cannot do anything that does not give me peace of mind. I know of some situations that I went ahead to ignore my conscience and men…. the outcome of those decisions weren’t worth it at all.

10) Do your part:
If you are given any task, at home, school, or at work, make sure that you do it with all your heart. The Bible even states, “Seest thou a man diligent in his…., he shall stand before kings and not before mean men.” With that quote in mind, I always put in my best into any work I am given. If you are a paid worker, do your job like it is your company and before long, you will be elevated. Do not join the crowd of people who only work when the boss is around. Remember that what goes around, comes around.
I hope this article has made as much impact as I intended.

Thank you for taking out time to read this.
Have a great week ahead.

Your Personal Letter (Part 1)

This week was a little uneventful for me, uneventful in the sense that I didn’t run around doing my work as I normally love to. I stayed indoors because I took ill and was advised to take a break. During this period, I really got to do some sober reflection and decided to write out some principles that have guided me throughout my life.
I call it “Your personal letter”.


Everyone knows what a letter is, most times letters come in envelopes and you don’t get to see what is in the letter until you read it. We are all like letters and your behavior and attitude to life can be regarded as what is written in your personal letter. No one would really know you until he/she reads you. Ok… I think I am getting fuzzy. Let me get back in the zone. Below are the 10 principles that have guided me through life and I thought I should share.

1) Love God

One day during my NYSC, I mistakenly left some sugar on the floor of my room and before long I saw some hardworking ants enjoying the bountiful harvest I left. I noticed them but instead of attacking them, I decided to watch them and a thought came to me. What if I were God and the ants there represented the human race always “huzzling” to make ends meet and always wanting to do their own thing. Wouldn’t I find it funny if that ant suddenly stood up and said, “I don’t need you, I am storing this sugar because I have the ability to produce it”. I would laugh because I know that with the slightest effort, I could crush the whole battalion or better still pick up my cube of sugar and wipe the whole battalion off with a mop!!! Living a life without acknowledging God is the easiest way to stay frustrated.

2) Love your neighbor as yourself:

Whatever you know that if someone did or said to you and you wouldn’t like it, do not do or say it to someone else. If someone still hurts you even though your hands are clean, just continue being good and eventually “kasala” will burst and when it bursts, it would be pure entertainment. I remember in my university days, one girl decided to make it her life goal to spread all kinds of rumors about me. I do not notice those kinds of things because I really don’t have that kind of time or energy to waste. I always did my thing and got out. I heard some of those rumors but just left her. For 2 years she continued until the day her cup got full and all the secrets that she thought she had, were revealed. What she didn’t know was that people were also talking bad about her as she was talking bad about me. I still remember coming back to the hostel after shopping for my corporate day suit and was forced to watch serious real life film show. It was that day that I heard in details all she had said about me. I still remember it to this day and laugh. (Kai… public disgrace is bad o!!!)

3) Judge not so that you may not be judged.

I always try to make it a personal motto not to judge people. When I hear stories about people I try not to judge them because not only is it a pure waste of time, I am not sure of what I would have done if I were in their shoes. Let’s get real, we are all humans and prone to mistakes but our ability to realize and “sharply” correct those mistakes is what makes us higher than goats or cows. Whenever I read about David in the Bible, I marvel at the fact that even with all his sins: he took someone’s wife and killed her husband he was still called him a man after God’s heart. Saul prosecuted Christians but went on to be one of the greatest apostles of Christ that ever lived. Why then are we so uptight if God who made the rules can still forgive. I really wonder.

4) Never bite the finger that fed you (or still feeds you)

Recently I was shocked to my very core when someone I know called me and was complaining about the salary his boss pays him. I was surprised because he got there through pure favor and I just kept wondering why he was being greedy and ungrateful, comparing salaries and going around trying to find out things that are really not his business. This guy has a six figure salary that a lot of hardworking unemployed graduates would kill for. That attitude will never give anybody true success and the joy that it brings with it. I have since regarded his comments as part of the human nature.

5) Speak evil of no man.

I really believe in the law of karma and I try not to say anything about anyone that I cannot say to his face if I am summoned. (I no fit chop slap…lol) That attitude will help you check the rate at which you gossip. I believe that people will not speak evil about you if you do not speak evil about someone else and if they do, it will never hold water because your good deeds will surpass the bad impression that they want to create.

I will stop here for now. Please expect the concluding part of this post next week.

Have a great weekend.

The Joy of Pain

Early this week, I watched a show on the series channel called “The doctors”, it is a show with four medical practitioners who answer questions from the audience and viewers at home. The particular episode that moved me was that of a 9 year old called Ashlyn Blocker who had a disease called CIPA (Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis). She cannot feel any form of pain whatsoever. Anyone would hear that and think, “Wow… that is so cool so she can’t feel anything, if she hurts herself, it wouldn’t hurt” I know a lot of people who are feeling a lot of pain right now and would wish they could swap places with her. If you are one of them… think again.
The truth is that the disease is so dangerous that she could place her arm on a hot iron and her palm would be burning and she wouldn’t know. She could break a leg and wouldn’t even realize it until it is too late. At one time, she hurt her eye so badly and would have lost that eye completely if her mother didn’t come in early enough. Another boy with the same condition had literarily almost chewed off his tongue, some years before that, he had chewed on a lot of things until his teeth fell out and guess what? He didn’t feel a thing. Most children with that condition do not live longer than 3 years because they can have a fever and not know, not cry and not get treated until their bodies boil over. Do you still like the condition? I guess not!!!

After watching that episode, I began to appreciate the pain that I feel when I hurt my leg when walking, cut my finger when chopping tomatoes, touch a hot spoon, eat a hot meal, bite my tongue when chewing gum, scratch my arm, have a headache, have a cramp etc, I even thank God for the pain on my legs and arms as I type this post.
It is so funny that something we take for granted and sometimes wish we didn’t feel is something 18 families in the U.S (yes… they are that few) are praying earnestly for.

Next time your kid, cousin, sibling, nephew, niece, family member, friend etc cries out of pain, thank God that they can feel that pain because there is a parent out there who wishes that his/her kid could if only for a split second do that.

Have a great weekend

Time na Money

I remember a song I used to hear on the radio when I was much younger, it used to go like this,

“Time na money o, time na money, time na money o, time na money. No waka waka, no gossip gossip, take your time o, do better thing… money no go come from heaven do better thing money go come… na true word I dey tell you so….”

I got the full concept when I decided to try something. I decided to calculate my future net worth in hours and tried to do only valuable things with my time. Anytime I found myself wasting time, I reminded myself that I had just wasted “xyz dollars”. For example, let us say that the future net worth you desire is 1 million dollars per year, dividing $1,000000 by 365days gives you $2739 per day. Dividing $2739 by 24 to get your value per hour gives 114.2 dollars. This means that for every hour you waste, you have just wasted $114.2. The constant awareness of that will always keep you on your toes anytime any “time-killer” encroaches into your life.

Someone may ask, “what if I have to spend time with family and friends, is that a “time-killer”? Well, I would say that it depends on how much time you spend and what you are doing with the time. If you spend the whole day gossiping when you have a lot of things screaming for your attention then that is not wise. It is our responsibility as mature people to learn how to strike a balance. Any time spent with family should be regarded as an investment into their lives and your relationship with them. Any time spent relaxing outdoors, listening to music, etc should be regarded as an investment into your health and well being. When you read books and magazines, then you should be aware that you are spending 114.2 dollars per hour so you better make it worth your while. Let us decide to be more conscious that any time wasted can never be regained. There can never be another 10:23 pm on the 2nd of May, 2009.
I hope this article has been worth your while

Have a great weekend