Mind Your Speech

As I go out every morning, I pass through a wall with the words " mind your speech " boldly written on it. In fact, I look forward to seeing those words every morning. Those words act as a gentle reminder that our words really matter.
Crazy things happen everyday. Sometimes you might be at fault. At other times, the other person might be at fault. Sometimes, you might argue and fight , but in the midst of all that, remember to mind your speech. Remember to curb the words you use. This is because a word that has left your mouth, cannot be retrieved. It can't! It's a one way thing. You might try to apologise, but the word has already been said.
In the midst of arguments, you might hear derogatory words and demeaning sentences like;  you'll never amount to anything, I regret the day we met, you're a fool, I hate you and it will never be well with you. These words do not really sound nice. We should try and avoid them please. Our words rather should speak of positivity, comfort, encouragement, love, hope and even provide solutions.
Lastly, broken bones and bruises might heal but the words remain. They kind of have a lasting effect that might some how be internalised in people's heart. Come 2017, I would really love everyone to "mind their speech" . Watch your words . I like the way Bible puts it : My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry ( James 1:19 NIV) .

Have a great Christmas celebration and a fruitful new year in advance and remember to...Mind Your Speech.

Signing out
Gpland

My year : how far and how well?

This has been an interesting year. Someone once said, " growing up is a scam " ** smiles **. This year, I actually got a good feel of what that statement means. Away from school and all the little pecks that comes with being a student, this is indeed a different ball game!  From submitting applications to getting no replies and getting rejections. From submitting proposals and feeling so excited, to getting no replies, it's being an interesting year. From being so hopeful and sure that this might just be it, to becoming so disappointed, 2016 has being an interesting year with so much lessons in it.

For a start, personal development can be so much fun. I read some really good books( some of which include; No Excuses** love this one **, Attitude is Everything,10 day MBA, Good to Great, Rich dad's increase your financial IQ, Think and Grow Rich, The Rules of Management ), that really impacted positively in my life. Personal development can be so much fun trust me [ for next year, you might want to really consider it].


One thing I picked up this year is making progress. This is an important attribute to really achieving success. The best part about progress is that it can be made no matter where you find yourself and no matter the condition you might be. A conscious effort is however required. One way of making progress is investing in personal development. Is there something you always wanted to learn? Why not give it a shot? Is there something you want to get more information on? Common, have a shot at it! No matter how advanced and sophisticated you think you are, there's always something new to learn. There's always an additional layer to be added when it comes to personal development . Listen to messages, invest in books ( finance, sales, management, leadership and other fields that might interest you). You will be surprised at how much you will learn from investing in personal development.

It pays to take out some time to invest in yourself. So come 2017 , you might want to add this to " my to do list ". It works like magic! Remember, after all these and that ...you must take action if you really want to make progress! Personal Development, strife for more. Push for much more and take action!


From Our Story...Your Story and every member of our team, we are wishing you all a great week ahead and Christmas celebration.

Compliments of the season ...much love!

Gpland
xoxo

That essential ingredient : Desire

There's an absolute need for desire and passion and drive if you must succeed! That is one of the other lessons I learnt this year.  

Desire...that hunger, drive and passion for something can be really life changing. Sometimes, money isn't the problem. Lack of a definite purpose and a clear picture of what one wants to achieve can be really disturbing. I have seen several persons with the means to do, still complain about what they want to do. On closer examination, you see that money isn't the issue but a clear purpose of what the person wants is.  

With a desire, comes the drive to make something happen. The mind becomes restless as  the head starts to really move literally and the brain begins to work. This is the defining moment! The mind begins to address " the How ". The mind begins to think of a way to make it happen and to debunk everything that might seem like an obstacle. 

That real hunger pushes one to move. You begin to find the necessary pieces of information and begin to put bits and pieces together. It leads to a forward build up process kind of. With relevant pieces of information at your disposal, the chances of succeeding are not far fetched. Success is really close! 

Without the desire, you live everything to chance! The challenge becomes so huge. You probably freak out and every other thing like making a plan, getting the required pieces of information and generally making progress comes to a halt. This subsequently leads to failing and probably throwing in the towel.  Come 2017, you might want to add this to what you want to achieve. Desire just has to be in the mix alongside a plan and a will to do.

Come 2017, no excuses! Let there be that drive and a willing spirit and body to make things happen. Let's take action!

Wishing you a blissful year ahead.  

Signing out 

Gpland

  

Making a real difference in someone's life

Making a real difference in someone's life can be fulfilling. It really is! It is like a fundamental of human existence. So, what stops us from actually helping another? Money is a right guess I suppose. You probably would have heard something like this "I don't have money, else I would helped. I'm so sorry  or so sorry, I don't have any money blah blah... Yes, money, money, money which can be a valid excuse and we have to find ways round this .

However, helping someone and making a real difference in someone's life doesn't necessarily involve money (at least at first). It must not be money in fact! Sometimes, listening to someone talk and understanding what's going on with the person can be life changing. What might seem so complicated at first might actually become easier with proper understanding and communication. Sometimes, people just need listening ears. Atimes, they need someone to actually help them plan and think it through. Sometimes, people need someone to cheer them up, encourage them and probably give them hope. Sometimes, what people need is a friend, a friend that really cares!  

Back to the money issue. Sometimes, all we need to actually help someone in need is a willing heart. I
heard a true life story that touched me a lot. So, this lady wants to learn a trade. She has the heart and the will but no money to take the next step. She had told several persons about it, but most just listened without any interest of helping. Finally, she told a friend. This particular friend didn't have the money but had the heart to help. The friend had to tell another person with the means and convinced the person to actually help out. Yes, help came finally! 

Now, that is making a real difference  in someone's life. Whenever the friend thinks of how she got to finally acquire her skill, her friend comes to mind. Again, making a real difference in people's life doesn't necessarily have to be money. A willing heart, a kind gesture or even a listening ear can make all the difference. 

Thank God is Friday! Remember to impact positively and make a real difference in someone's life today!   

Happy weekend 

Signing out 

Gpland 

What is love : my take on the subject matter

Undoubtedly, there are loads and loads of beautiful woman all over the world. Personally, I don't think that there's a thing as "the most beautiful woman in the world" . Every single lady / woman is in fact beautiful! Perhaps, the only difference is just in the level of available resources to obviously showcase the beauty *smiles*

Back to the matter - what is love? There is no general consensus as to what love is. From religious to secular settings, there are slight differences on what love is. Some have said love is beautiful, love is caring and gentle. The definition is endless! No matter how differing these definitions can be, there's no denying that the feeling that comes with love can be just awesome. It can be " mushy mushy " ( in my friends voice) *smiles*. Perhaps, this has made some people to say that love is wicked especially when they've been disappointed by a loved one...so sad!

There's this unique thing about love and being in love with someone. The physical and emotional expressions sometimes might fail to fully express this. However, everyone is special and everyone has something that really motivates them. When you're in love with someone, may be the person has some kind of effect on you and it is from that effect that my definition will stem from.

These effects can vary. It can be excitement in your inner self. It can be some form of motivation that pushes you to stretch yourself. It can be just laughing so hard! It can be intellectual connectivity and imaginations. It can be anything really! However, If we take every other physical thing aside  ( beauty , accomplishment and money primarily) and smash them to the ground, what motivates you to keep hanging on, holding on, believing in that person and adoring that person is probably love.

That intrinsic "individualised" feeling that remains if every other thing falls apart is probably love. It is probably something real even though intangible that you can relate with and just can't get enough of. Hmmm...now that's love * smiles *

But as I said, it's just my take on the subject. What do you think love is? Please share and let's all get a different perspective of what love is.

Have a lovely week ahead!
With Love
Gpland
xoxo

Skill vs Education

Something interesting happened this week. I visited someone and we all got talking. Their daughter is just 16 years old and wants to go to the university. That's a a typical age (15 -17 years) for most Nigerian students to be done with secondary schools and progress to the University. Then I asked, " what if she takes a year out to learn any skill of her choice?"

 I suggested hair stylist and added that she could add make up, manicure and pedicure to her port folio to make her some sort of all rounded skilled lady. I also suggested that she could go on to learn how to make wigs if she's feeling very excited about it. Well, she could go on to learn any entrepreneurial skill (especially in this Buhari regime...lolz ).

Well, the parents disagreed insisting she goes to school when others are going...Hmmm. Staying away from school for some time might reduce her motivation to study and mental alertness they said. Which is fair enough.

I went ahead to cite different examples of how she could easily pay off her bills from the skill she has acquired while in school and she could go on to transform her skill set into a full blown business. Again, they disagreed. Someone even said, " when you give birth to your children, train them that way so they can get a skill" ...in a sarcastic manner of course and we all laughed. But that's very typical of some people.

By default ( due to the educational system here) , when Nigerian students are done with secondary school ( taking myself as an example and plenty of my friends and people I've met) , they don't have any entrepreneurial skill. Aside from the regular maths, english and the likes, most usually do not have any skill.

There are loads of skills to choose from ; photography, graphic designs, bead making, tailoring, electronics repair, plumbing, carpentry and baking . The list is endless! Acquiring a skill helps create opportunities for one . As a student for example, you can easily get customers from your department  and faculty members. You can easily monetise from the skill and advance your skill set as you progress. You can also transform it to a business ( very important) and can easily create another stream of income for yourself aside from your education.

Taking a year out can be a great way to bridge the gap and acquire a skill. Some might argue that you can acquire a skill while in school. That's a great idea. However, school work can be overwhelming and combining the learning of a skill with school might not go down well. But if you can, why not? Please give it a shot! Yes, learning a skill doesn't mean you won't go to school ( just for clarity)    *smiles*

Alternatively, the summer holidays are a great time to acquire a skill. Each summer  holiday is about 8 weeks long. Parents and children can maximise it to get the best. Combining summer school and skill acquisition isn't a bad idea after all * smiles *

Well, it's just me thinking. What do you think guys (as parents and future parents) ? Skill acquisition and education can go hand in hand as against the regular education that most of us had.

Have a great weekend.

Gpland
xoxo

The Mysterious Perfect Lady

Intellectual connectivity for me  is super romantic. When we talk, it's just wow! Imagine trying  to get a particular radio station. When you finally do, the sound is clear and it feels just perfect! That's exactly how I feel when our intellects are rhythmic and match up, in sync or even complementary! It's super cool!  

I love intelligent conversations *smiles *. We talk of the future with a  positive attitude , businesses with bright ideas coming almost by the second. I mean brilliant beautiful ideas that can make anyone marvel. We talk of a life together, starting small but having the big picture in mind. We talk of practical steps to make these things happen. Things we can do make it happen, I mean practical things to do! Men, this makes me light up!

We believe in ourselves. We believe we are great people and we can achieve our dreams. We support each other to push ourselves just a little bit more. This is just too romantic please!  May be, I have already found her or is it just pure fantasy? Still wondering though. She speaks to my soul, my mind and makes me reason. There's an accompanying joy that comes with all of these of course! This is just too romantic please!  

I would like to be happily married with children. But marriage for me shouldn't be about just having children, having someone manage your home and the very cliché expectations. No doubt, those things and expectations are good . After all, we all want to be loved and cared for. However, I know that there's a higher purpose for marriage.There is! Finding this higher purpose can be revolutionary. Again, it's just me in my fantasy world.

Well, let's raise the bar especially for ourselves. Let's keep an open mind. Never forget to dream and push,   keep pushing to make your dreams come true!

Have a great week ahead!

With love
Gpland

Is English Your First Language?

Is English Your First Language?  

I hate to say this, but anytime I see this question when filling out an online form, I get vexed ( at least to some extent) and if my guess is right, I'm not alone feeling that way. So, cheer up because you're not alone!
Nigeria has several different local languages, which one might refer to as the first language and pidgin which is widely spoken, especially in informal settings. However, for official occasions like schools and offices, English language is spoken. As a result, English language is the Lingua Franca of Nigeria.
I am very fluent in Pidgin English and my local language but I have known and communicated in English all my life. From pre-nursery through primary school, secondary and university education, I have always been taught in English and communicated in same. Sometime ago, a friend of mine asked a question on Facebook : " what language do you think in?" I thought about this for a while and I came up with my answer : I think in English and even my subconscious (including dreams) thinks in English...lolzz. Now, I can say that English is my first language...woohoo!!!
While I was an undergraduate in the UK, I had the opportunity to work with indigenous English speakers of all ages and on several occasions, I had to explain the meaning of different English words to them. This clearly verifies that coming from a country where English is a native language is very different from knowing English for academic purposes and the latter to me is more superior.
Back to the question : Is English your native Language? The way I think of this is: when I go to a remote village or even when I go to buy something from the market, what language will I use to communicate to the seller or a villager, so that communication is achieved? In that respect, English clearly isn't my first language. However, by training one can gain mastery of English language and can demonstrate a high level of competency in English language.This,I suppose is the case for most people in Nigeria and probably other African countries in which English Language is the Lingua Franca.
If I have been educated in English all my life and have demonstrated a high level of competency in English and even schooled in the UK for some years where I clearly was taught and assessed in English, then I guess it is almost  pointless asking this. Especially with schools that require English tests like IELTS and TOEFL,I suggest the list of exceptions have to be addressed to include several exemptions including non-native speakers who have shown a high level of proficiency  in English like most of my Nigerian people. Additionally, writing these English language tests can be relatively expensive.Just maybe, making these tests compulsory for non-native speakers is just good business, just maybe! It probably is a way of screening out some people who would be reluctant to go take an English test or who can't even afford it, despite having demonstrated a high level of competency in English language. Again, the list of exceptions has to be reviewed to include several parties.
Okay...moving on! What annoys me the most is when filling out a form for an opportunity for Nigerians and from Nigeria, and I see this question. This baffles me! You already know English is the official language and we have demonstrated our English capacity via English in WASSCE ( which you will agree with me is quite an English examination). Again, this needs to be addressed.
The challenge most times is probably reluctance ( or laziness) on the part of organisations to look into this matter, especially with the online system, where the computer automatically screens out candidates (according to set criteria).
Organisation should really up their game to give everyone a fair chance and not to screen out qualified candidates just because of some English tests. So, Is English your first language? Now, I'm really worried because I'm not sure what this question is addressing. Does it want to find out if I come from a country where even people from remote villages speak English? Does it want to find out if I'm fluent in the language? If it is the latter, then the need for English tests like IELTS and TOEFL as a requirement has to be addressed. Finally, using English language as a prerequisite should be treated individually and each candidate should be assessed based on what they have already acquired.

Dedicated to all those who have demonstrated great competence in English language and are still asked ; Is English my first language? Personally, the answer is both YES and NO. No, because I am not from a Native English speaking country. Yes, because I am fluent in English and I think in English ( even my subconscious does!). Please, cut us some slack and don't base judgments on some random lazy tests.

Signing out
GPLAND

May Be, Just May Be

 May Be, Just May Be

There we were sitting down and chilling, and just chatting away especially about the exciting games so from the Euros. It felt really great as we bonded especially after a long time. Then, we moved to the nitty-gritty as we talked about life, present plans and future as part of catching up. He told me how he has made progress with his education after so many attempts ( courtesy of JAMB ** only Nigerians would really understand this part **smiles **). How the support from family has been so inspiring and everything was finally falling in place. So I said "I am so happy that everything is working out finally !". 

But then, I asked " don't you think that this time is perhaps the best time for all this to be happening especially with school ?" So, he paused and thought about it for a while. Then he said " yes, this is the best time actually ". He then went further to tell me of how reckless he was some years ago and if schooling had worked out then, may be, just may be, he would have wasted that opportunity and might be struggling now just to graduate. He then acknowledged that he is generally a better person now. He said "my head is now on the ground and I have given up so many crazy lifestyles. I now know what I want and have really simplified my life, doing away with those things that weren't contributing positively to leading a better life. I even had to buy a change of course form as I reflected on my interests, strengths and weaknesses." Wow...I was amazed and still in total shock! But I was really happy that he had reflected over his life and had taken the right steps to get on track. 

Well, sometimes things actually happen for a reason. May be, just may be, if things go that smoothly as anticipated, the end might not be fun?? May be, just may be, you are still struggling because you haven't made the necessary adjustments required for the next phase ?? May be, just may be, the present situation is meant for you to learn and prepare for what is ahead?? May be, just may be , you aren't yet ready for the next phase and would flop if you make that sudden leap without first adjusting?? May be, just may be, it isn't just the right time for what we want to happen?? Just may be, we need to actually reflect upon the pieces of our lives and see if there's a lesson or two to be learned ? May be, Just may be! 

Have a great weekend ahead!!!

Signing out,  

GPLAND 

Sexual Education Part 1: Unwanted Pregnancy, The Onus Is On Us

Oboy, I don't know if people have become too active * winks * (if you know what I mean). The rate at which I see pregnant women these days is scary! May be, it's a great thing for the married people . However, what is more scary is the rate at which teenage pregnancy is occurring these days. It constantly leaves me speechless and I just can't justify it! This leaves me with some questions : what is the role of the parents and the home in this ?  What is society turning into? So, today's topic will duel on Sexual education and I must say that the onus is on us to get the job done! We, as parents, family members ( may be) , aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters...name it, the onus is on us to get the job done!

First, I would like to point out that when we discuss sexual education, some people forget that it is not only for the "girl child" but for the male child as well. It takes the male and female to mate and the rest is history like they say * smiles *. Yes, the girl carries the pregnancy if it gets to that and bears the pains that might come with pregnancy. The boy child, possibly might suffer some shock and psychological trauma ( just may be,  the girl inclusive) . So, I encourage parents to take a holistic approach to the matter of sex education please. How about possible sicknesses that might occur to both the male and female child. So you see, no one is left out...let's protect the lives and future of our children please! Let's do this!

In traditional African society, sexual education might have been perceived as a taboo and parents often shy away from it. Traditional African parents do not feel comfortable talking about sex and educating their children on the subject. For example, in Nigeria, we hear things like ; if a man touches you ( talking to the girl now) you'll get pregnant ( yea...put your hands up if you've ever heard that) . Someone once told me of how she watched the TV and saw people kissing...so she asked her mum about kissing...but her mum cunningly did not answer her. You can't fool the child forever * smiles *

Moving on...ooh this next one...bless me! Some of us in this part of the world are very religious! Yes and sometimes, some people tend to replace common sense with religion and just cover up the matter...yes, sexual education with religion. You hear something like this from parents to children : do not have sex...because the bible is against it for example ( which is absolutely correct!). I know parents want the best for their children, but Just may be, if parents  combine spirituality with science and education in this matter...I think the child will understand better and appreciate it for future days to come.  And please, I am not in any way encouraging sex but merely pointing out that these methods might not be effective for sexual education.

I once heard a lady say that the first time she saw her period she was confused and didn't know what was happening. Now, this is not supposed to be so! How can your child trust his/her friend or an aunt / uncle when it comes to talking about sex or the opposite sex? There is a fundamental problem in the relationship if that is true and that needs to be addressed! First, aside from been a parent, you're also a friend ( a bestie in fact) and a confidant! Common...Your child should be bold to discuss even sensitive matters with you. Although, this might be challenging, but we should at least try and become better parents that we would be proud of ( myself inclusive...of course I'm a parent...in the future * smiles *) .

I read a statement "...hope for the best and plan for the worst ". For parents that are very strict on the subject...best case scenario is probably ..." Do not have sex until you are married ". I can deduce that the worst case scenario is probably ..." have sex and get pregnant for girls ( get someone pregnant for boys) ". So, parents need to plan for the worst I guess and take proactive measures to combat the challenge. So, let's look at the various scenarios that could happen ;  in case the child wants to have sex...just in case,
use a condom? Why use a condom? And consequences of not using a condom.
 Is there any medication that can be taken in case the child doesn't use a condom?
  If the girl is pregnant, give birth to the child? If you want the child to be born, are there any  possible effects of this...on education,learning a trade, skill acquisition, health, psychology? Is this the right thing to do?
 Is there something that can be done to the pregnancy?  If you opt for an abortion, what can be done? How and where can it be done? Is it legal in your country?
So many scenarios can be deduced. Remember, that if as parents you don't educate your children about sexual education, they might learn it from outside and that might not end up well. Let us step up and get the job done at home because the responsibility is on us! The onus is on us!

Please look forward to the  subsequent series on this subject and the beautiful real life stories that I have excluded on purpose for this first part. Remember, to send in your stories @ mygpland@gmail.com. Please share and subscribe to the blog.  Have a great week ahead!

Dedicated to parents and all future parent out there ( myself inclusive)

Signing Out
Gpland

Wedding Gifts, Please Think Again?

Ooh yes, I love weddings! The wonderful display of colours and all the proceeding that follows! The dance part is so cool and all the fun activities too. Though I dislike staying too long for the first part of the occasion which is not the reception * smiles *

I'm super excited and blessed! Still on the forth book for the year and it feels really great reading this one ; The Jewish Phenomenon by Steven Silbiger( please keep an eye for tips from the second and third * smiles *) . If you are really interested in wealth accumulation, then this book is for you! While reading, I have picked up a few new things and I will be dropping one or two things here.

The first thing I would like to share is about gift presentation during weddings. Ooh yes, this is an important session of the ceremony I guess. Especially in a country like Nigeria, where weddings can be a very big celebration. You might invite 100 persons and generously  plan for an additional 50 persons ( making it a total of 150 persons)  for the occasion. However, you'll be surprised to see like 300 persons for the wedding ( though things are changing nowadays and sometimes it is strictly by invite) ...crazy isn't it? Putting all these together, weddings can be expensive...more or less.

So, won't it be nice if people actually go to weddings with the bigger picture of the couple actually living together and making things happen for themselves?  That is , with the mindset of probably helping the couple start of their lives on a good note. I love the way Jews view money and the attitude of Jews towards money both on the macro and micro-economic scale .

On the microeconomic level of the family, Jews' view of money surfaces at wedding time. At traditional Gentile weddings the bride and groom are showered with gifts ranging from crystal to sterling. To Jews, it seems odd for young couples to have all these luxuries with no money in the bank; consequently the most traditional wedding gift to a Jewish couple is cash  ( From the Jewish Phenomenon) .


A gift of money seems impersonal to non Jews,  but in fact it is a very personal gift. It says, in essence , " we care about you enough to give you the option to allocate our gift to your most pressing needs." The couple may need seed money or establish their new household: put together a down payment on a house, buy furniture, pay off accumulated debts. The couple may be starting a new business. They may want to bank it and add to their own nest egg. How many toasters or food processors , refrigerators and the likes do you need? It is a matter of priority ( From the Jewish Phenomenon) .

So, after the wedding...what next? After all the dancing and singing, jumping and clapping and even dining that comes with wedding, what next for the couple? The wedding is only but a step to actual journey of the union. And yes. For the rest of the union, money and it's importance cannot be over emphasised. Please, I know you might want to buy the couple that special thing you've always wanted for them, but you can as well convert it to physical cash or probably some form of investment for them * smiles*. Well, something that can actually add monetary value at hand...just saying. But, it is high time we start considering what we buy for the couple instead of just joining the bandwagon to buy  some gift on your mind.

For Jews, wealth is more than the power to buy things ; it is power itself. Money can overcome the prejudices of most bigots. Money can break down most barriers faster than any pleadings for help. Wealth speaks loud and clear. Some may not like you , but most will accept your money ( From The Jewish Phenomenon) .

Money also meant physical safety and survival. Jews for example over the centuries had used their financial clout to buy special protection from the local power broker, such as row police or king, to protect themselves from the wrath of anti semitic hoodlums (the Nazi experience was a glaring exception where Jews  were unable to buy their  freedom and their lives because Nazi anti semitism overpowered their greed) ...From The Jewish Phenomenon.

I know the next weekend is by the corner and Ruth's wedding might just be by the corner. I suggest you rethink your gift for her and together , let's make her wedding a memorable one! Please share and subscribe to the blog, drop your comments please  and send in your stories at mygpland@gmail.com. Have a great week ahead!

Dedicated to all future couple, family and friends that will grace the occasion.

Signing Out,
Gpland

Gender Equality : Premise

Wow...finally putting pen to paper ( don't know if this is actually correct because I'm typing * smiles *). I have thought about this for a while and that has made me take a break from writing...so it's kind of good..yay!!! 

This is a very interesting topic and a vast one at that. From home to workplace, to the society in general, there are differences in how women and men are viewed, which has translated to what is supposed to be the role of a woman / man, what fits a man / woman and the likes. As a fallacy you might hear people say : ooh a woman/ man is suited for blah ...blah . He / she is not supposed to be this...this. Now I guess you are beginning to get the gist.  

So, we will be exploring different cases of gender inequality that already exists in today's world. I don't know who has bewitched some people in the world with this skewed mentality that one sex/ gender is superior / inferior to the other. We will look at common examples that are already existent coupled with contemporary issues to add colour to the series.  

Sometimes, some people even express this discrimination between gender unconsciously. May be, it has been engraved in some cultures and people just grow up to express them. Well, thank God for education and the many gender equality campaigns that are present and are working so hard to address the matter.  

As a biochemist, I had the  opportunity to study and understand the human genome project. So, scientific explanation of our genes  will in fact be the foundation of this series. We will then progress to addressing discrepancies that exists between the male and female child using the tradition Nigerian society as a case study. Then, we will explore different manifestation of gender inequality in the homes and societal roles while touching on education and exploring different contributions made by both gender. We will also look at capabilities of both sexes to excel and to be successful while also  looking at government, politics and policies.   

Please, look forward to the series! Your contributions are highly welcomed. You can send in contributions, suggestions and your stories and personal experience  at mygpland@gmail.com. Let's do this!  

Finally, I would like to disagree with this statement : "what a man can do, a woman can do better". Well, under the right circumstances and conditions,  the way I see it, it's an individual thing! A man can do as much as a woman...a woman has the capacity to excel as much as a man.

Vera Nazarian said " A woman is human.She is not better, wiser, stronger, more intelligent, more creative, or more responsible than a man. Likewise, she is never less.Equality is a given. A woman is human ." Yes,  a woman has the potential to achieve great things just as the man. It is not about gender but about individuals. It is neither  about the male or female gender .  Individuals make the difference!  Remember, everyone has the capacity to live their dream...don't allow society or cultures hold you back!  

Signing Out 

Gpland 

African Proverbs Part 2 : Learning

Welcome to African Proverbs Part 2...yay!!!  In the first part, we looked at "WISDOM", and  one of the ways we acquire wisdom is through learning. So ,  we will be using African proverbs to talk about learning today...hmm!
Learning is such an important ingredient in life. Just think of it for a minute. From a tender age, we start the process of learning and progress to youths and even the  elderly. We learn words as children, reading and writing...everything, even bathing! Growing up, I remember always bathing only my belly as a kid...*smiles*. This was fun by the way...but now, I'm a man and I can bath properly * smiles *. So you see, learning is an essential ingredient and the way we are programmed as humans, it is almost non optional when it comes to learning.

Learning is the acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught. Hmm...so if you want to get better, you have to learn. The best part of learning is that you are never too old to learn, to acquire a new skill, to make that shift in your career, to try that stuff you have always wanted to do. Yes, there is absolutely no limit to your abilities to get better!

The first one is a Bugandan proverb that says "by trying often, the monkey learns to jump from the tree". I like this one! So, practice makes one get better. Consistency and commitment can make all the difference! You have tried it once but it didn't work out so well. How about giving it another shot? How about deciding to make those small adjustments that would allow you get better and achieve your aim. How about coming up with a plan to allow you make those gradual leaps to finally take you to where you want to be? Remember, by trying often the monkey mastered the act of jumping from tree to tree.

That's a cute baby by the way.  Sometimes, learning involves getting the basis right! You learn the alphabets first before the words, you learn simple addition and subtraction before progressing to simultaneous equations and so on. This is typified by this " By crawling a child learns to stand" ~ African proverb. Yes, please get the basis right ( if you must) and build on it to get better. You lay the foundation of the building and go on to build that sky scrapper you so desire. However, without a good foundation, the building might probably collapse. If it means taking some step backwards to get your basis right, please do! That sacrifice will eventually yield benefits. Do not feel you have gone too far to make that adjustment please. Remember, by crawling the child learns how to walk...from walking to running *smiles*.

Hmmm, now this one is very interesting..."If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents" ~ African proverb. Please, you do not want this to happen to you. In today's world, you cannot afford not to be informed. An uninformed person is literally deformed remember? Get out there, do your research, surf the net, listen to the news and so on. Listen to various programs of interest to enable you get your facts straight. Read books and even explore the social media for more information. You definitely don't want to learn through accidents trust me!

Finally, I close with this : “Think of yourself as a brand. You need to be remembered. What will they remember you for? What defines you? If you have it in you, do something that defines you. Invent something, develop a unique skill, get noticed for something — it creates a talking point.” ― Chris Arnold
There are  too many proverbs out there about learning ! Please, look up some of them ...yes, make Google, other search engines and other  resources your friend. There is always something new to learn remember? Please add some more proverbs about learning as you drop your comments. Share and subscribe to the blog please. Also, send in your stories at mygpland@gmail.com. Have a great week ahead!

Signing out
Gpland

Visions / Revelations Versus Reality and Common Sense ...Part One

Visions / Revelations  Versus Reality and Common Sense ...Part One

Thank God... last week was great! I had the opportunity to meet some interesting persons and heard some real touching stories. Nigeria is a very religious nation I guess. Unfortunately, so many people have resorted to placing so much belief in visions either from pastors, imam , witch doctors and so on  * smiles * . As a result, some people have lived their lives or are living their lives placing visions over faith, over reality, over common sense and over principles. Well, putting it into perspective as it is, over reliance on visions have put so many people's lives in jeopardy, destroyed many relationships, destinies and so on.

Though I am not a great fan of Nollywood, I would use it as a premise to today's topic. Nollywood has done a great job in representing the typical Nigerian take on people's belief in visions. I like the way it has shown different scenario ranging from when someone would receive a message ( may be from a witch doctor or a prophet) that his brother, sister, uncle, dad or any other person is the cause of his/her failures, misfortunes, difficulties or any other scenario. The result is usually a big transfer of aggression and it often doesn't end well * smiles *. We have seen scenarios where daughter inlaws and mother inlaws for example are at war with each other...there are just too many scenarios about visions / revelations and the ripple effects atimes isn't pretty.  Well, someone might say this is just Nollywood...it isn't true after all! 

While some of the visions / revelations might be true, some of them are just ridiculous and doesn't just fit. Let's look at this one and it's a real life story by the way * smiles *. So, a pastor came to this village and was having a program. While he was praying , he said that someone resting his hand on an orange tree now ( he named the area in the village, so people hurriedly came to check and called the guy) , that his brother is the cause of his misfortunes and unemployment....hmmm! 

There was commotion in fact * smiles *. Well, the guy reported this to the family elders and they called for a meeting with his elder brother also present. During the meeting, they started asking intelligent questions like ; have u submitted a CV to any company? Have u talked to people about work? By the way, his brother initially helped him to start a business which he couldn't manage and the family people brought it up during the meeting? And as expected he answered NO to all the questions about job directed at him. So, with no real effort to getting employed from his part, how has the brother hindered his progress or stopped his shine? That vision doesn't just follow through! The "bad" brother in question offered to help should he be willing to make any efforts at achieving something. 

While some of those visions / revelations might be true, my suggestion is that people should at least  be rational. Don't swallow everything thrown at you. Put on your thinking hats please. The challenge is, some people have allowed those visions control their lives and actions, and have resulted to mental laziness by not actually self examining their self. How can you just swallow everything? Some people take some kind of solace in these visions and transfer the blames to someone else ( of course this is usually the easiest thing to do for an intellectual lazy person...just saying).

How can you fail to take charge of your life? How can you fail to grasp project management of your life? Who has bewitched you when you haven't taken actions yourself...I guess this is self destruction. While some of those visions might be true, I will like to remind us that even the children of God don't live by vision but by Faith! So, quite the excuse...and take charge!

Remember, "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be"...by Ralph Waldo Emerson and 

"If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month" ...by Theodore Roosevelt

As we go about this new week, let us remember that we are responsible for our lives and not transfer blames to some uncle / aunt and so on. Just take charge...Have faith, work and pray!

Please, remember to send in your stories at mygpland@gmail.com. Please share , subscribe and comment on the blog. Have a great week ahead! 

Signing out 

Gpland 

Character Vs Reputation

Character Vs Reputation

"worry about your character and not your reputation , because your character is who you are white your reputation is only what people think of you"  by John Wooden. 

While agreeing with this popular quote, I would also like to point out a few things about this issue.. Character Vs Reputation.  

It sometimes can be confusing to really draw the line between these two. Sometimes , what people think of you might be different from who you truly are. You might have experienced this in some way or the other...let's take a general everyday scenario that we all might have experienced. While meeting some new friends,

"Hello. please meet so...so.  The other person might be like ; yea, I have heard a lot about you...In someone's mind...okay, this had better be good...hahaha. Well, you can say your reputation proceeds you and it had better be good *smiles*. Now, what the stranger / new guy has perceived about you is your reputation.  

Thank you dictionary! Character is the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing. Character is also an account of the qualities or peculiarities of a person or thing.  Reputation on the other hand is the estimation in which a person or thing is held, especially by the community or the public generally. Again, thank you dictionary! * smiles *

Let me share a true life story please. 

While in the university, he was dating this lady way older than he was. The first day he went to visit her in her office, he was well received and they also had a quickie...* clears throat *.  While he was about leaving she gave him #5000 ( five thousand naira) . Of course, he was happy! While leaving the office, someone was coming to see her. Her EX who though was married, wanted to get her back...hmmm. But as the story goes, while her EX was leaving, he left with one of her phones unknowingly to her. So, the search for the phone was on and this younger uni guy was the prime suspect! Yes, who would think that a well to do EX would take her phone from her office?

Everyone was pointing fingers at the guy and he admitted he had to follow them to go the extra mile to a witch doctors house who after so many incantations, found him innocent. He proved everyone wrong! Initially, she called her EX about it and he denied picking up the phone.  Finally, after the exercise at the witch doctors place and the other guy found innocent, all her thoughts diverted to her EX though with a big  fat doubt! The lady put a call to her EX, this time explaining where she was because of the phone. Then, he admitted that he took it just to get her attention....and so the story goes.  

So, I asked the guy why he went that far to prove his innocence knowing that he was actually innocent? Well, he was angry about the false acquisition and it supposedly seemed obvious that he had the phone. Everyone aware of the issue was pointing fingers at him he said. So, to clear the doubts, he followed them to justify himself. Finally, she apologised to him send made up for the inconveniences caused. Of course. the news spread that he was innocent. Years later, he met the lady...this time she was married and she remembered that singular event and really appreciated his efforts once more. That's what character  can do for you ! She also spoke highly of him as she talked with friends at the function....now, that's a good reputation for him!   

The challenge is that sometimes, there might be a mismatch between your character and reputation. It doesn't just fit or align and in fact, it  might be very different ! So, "A" can sometimes be represented or  perceived as "B".  "A" is the character (kind of) and "B" is the perception.  

Character is who you are! The real you! The traits you posses. The characteristics you have even when no one is looking at you.  Reputation is the representation of who you are. What the outside world feels about you. 

Reputation sometimes might come from what the person might have about you. what people say about you or even the impression you have created on people's mind. Whether this might be good or bad, the good news is : you can always get better in terms of your reputation and this is very important!  

Reputation is your selling point and that might translate into the value placed on you. You might be a very wonderful product inside, but if poorly represented , you'll make no sense and even when you try to, it might just be a shadow of yourself.  On the other hand, if you have a bad product but a good representation, you'll sell I guess! People will buy...more or less ( at least before they discover the rubbish in you *smiles*). So you see...good reputation gives you the opportunity to be truly discovered while a bad reputation might just do the exact opposite...now that isn't pretty for anyone at all! So yes, let's try and build up good characters and also make efforts to have a good reputation. Personal development should be the watchword remember?  

Thank God is Friday . Please, let us apply this in our dealings and seek to get better on that stuff that isn't exactly good. It can be anything like not keeping to time / appointments. Let's think of ways to overcome that challenge that doesn't tell the best stories about our real great self * smiles *. Let us build good virtues and try to showcase the good virtues for the world to see and be positively  affected.   

Remember to send in your stories at mygpland@gmail.com. Please share, subscribe and send in your stories too. Many thanks !

Signing out 

Gpland

The Prodigal Son : Lesson on Self Examination

The Prodigal Son : Lesson on Self Examination

"Judging others is too often escapism dressed in the garb of righteous indignation, whereby I dutifully point out in others that which I probably should be pointing out in myself.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough

Self examination! Hmmm!!! If you judge yourself, then there will probably be no need for someone else to judge you...hmm. Self examination is viewing ones action critically through an imaginary  microscopic lens by oneself. It is taking a step aside to reflect on ones actions and asking oneself some questions : what is going on? how did this happen? what's the way forward? how can this be resolved? how can this be avoided?  what did I really do? What did I set out to do? What worked? What went wrong ? And so on...those questions that one can ask oneself to kind of put oneself on the hot seat * smiles * it is like self policing if you like *smh* 

As a child, I enjoyed the story of the prodigal son from the bible. Lately, as I reflected on the story once more, I realised it was a typical example of self examination. I have dropped a few verses of the parable of the prodigal son here...let's enjoy it please .

Luke 15 from verse 11( king James Version) 

11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

*exhales* so the younger son took his share of his father's wealth and went on to foolishly lavish it without saving for the rainy days in summary. But that's the best of it I guess as we now have an opportunity to learn from his wonderful experience *smiles*. After spending all his resources, he met with suffering and literally had a one on one encounter with hardship! However, in the midst of all these, he didn't allow his present condition to overshadow his mind, his sense of reasoning and his problem solving attitude. He was able to sit back and talk to himself. He actually reflected upon his life as he faced reality and approached the matter rationally without pride as he admitted his mistakes with every element of humility at work.  

What a guy! So, after what he just did to his dad, he still has the guts to resolve to go back to his father...wow! In the end, he went back and was ready for the worse! What a courageous guy! I admire him!  

However, it was self examination that made him realise that even servants in his father's house were doing better than he was doing at the time . His sense of reasoning allowed him to weigh the advantages and disadvantages...and he was able to make that final decision and had the courage to follow through. Now, that's what self examination can do for you! Yes, you and me of course!  People can advise you, but you can also advise yourself and in the end, it is You who have the power to accept anything someone has said or implement what you have resolved to do. 

Remember, you have to be sincere with yourself and put away pride in this process of self examination for it to be truly worth it.   

Finally I close with these ; “For the wise have always known that no one can make much of his life until self-searching has become a regular habit, until he is able to admit and accept what he finds, and until he patiently and persistently tries to correct what is wrong. – Bill W.” and “The only way to make a spoilt machine work again is to break it down, work on its inner system and fix it again. Screw out the bolts of your life, examine and work on yourself, fix your life again and get going.” ― Israelmore Ayivor

Please , let us practise self examination even as we go about our activities for the rest of week. Please, remember to subscribe, share and comment on the blog . Remember to send in your stories at mygpland@gmail.com.  

signing out 

Gpland 

True life story : lesson on accepting responsibility for your life

True life story : lesson on accepting  responsibility for your life.

After staying in SA for some years, his uncle decided to move to London. A few months after his uncle's relocation, he visited Nigeria. While in Nigeria, he visited his sister and loved one of her sons. He so much loved the boy, that he wanted the boy to start schooling in London where he was based at the time. Admission was secured, international passport ready and everything was moving smoothly except for one "fat but". The uncle in question was a chronic smoker and so was the boy, a smoker too . Trust the typical righteous Nigerian parent...that didn't look good! So, the dad ( the uncles inlaw) objected and blocked every plan that was on going for his son to go study in London where he will supposedly be staying with his uncle.

Several years down the line, the uncle is now settled in Nigeria and is one of the most successful business persons in Rivers State, Nigeria. The uncle and his nephew are still smokers . The boy went on to graduate from Accounting department in the university of Port Harcourt. Another irony, immediately after graduating from school, the boy had another chance to make progress with his life and proceed for his masters and PhD overseas. Again, the family members blocked it because of some reasons they felt weren't right at the time ( details have been withheld please). Only for them to realise, that their initial thoughts were all wrong. Again, he missed that opportunity ! 

Today, as I write, the guy admitted that he's living a shadow of himself. Though plans are under way to land something really great, he still regrets the missed opportunities his family cost him.  He met his uncle the other day and after several minutes of conversation, he reminded him saying : " see what your parents caused for you " while shaking his head. By the way, what his parents tried to do didn't stop him from smoking. 

While you might be tempted to lay blames, I choose to pick out the moral lessons in all this * smiles*

Lessons : 

I love Nigeria! Unlike the UK for example, smoking is a big issue down here. Some people still have this wrong impression for smokers. Some feel that once you're a smoker, especially if you're a young guy / lady, then you probably are a bad boy/girl * smiles *. Though , this might be hard to admit, but this wrong perception of smokers cost that young man opportunities . 

Parents, please don't be foolishly overwhelmed by the love you have for your children. Sit down to properly evaluate and analyse ( you never know besides ). Don't be overwhelmed by what you think would happen. Keep an open mind and always see the big picture and this applies to all of us out there.  

There are so many family ties in Nigeria and while this might be good or bad, it's each and everyone's life and you must live your life. While family members and friends might try to influence your decisions, you must learn to stand up for yourself and to accept responsibility for your life. Please, don't allow what someone thinks about you become your reality. Only you have the power to hold you back and yes, it's your life! So you got to live it...and live it to fulfil your dreams! Don't allow hypocritical and self righteous people "dull your swag" * smiles*. Only you can stop you remember and sometimes, they just can't catch your vision and the vibe no matter how you probably try to...hmm! It's your life finally!  

Again, you can only suggest to people. It's totally up to them to accept what you have said or not. Especially for parents, please don't impose things on your children (especially for the grown ups). The experience might not go down so well . In Senator Ben Bruce voice, I'm only trying to make common sense *smiles * 

Thank God is Friday! Let us head into the weekend with a mindset of accepting responsibility for our life please. 

Finally, I close with this : "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off " ...General Colin Powell

Remember to send in your stories at mygpland@gmail.com. Please subscribe to the blog and remember to share please. Drop your comments please and add some more quotes on responsibility... thank you! Let's do this! Have a great weekend ahead!  

It shall come to pass : encourage someone

It shall come to pass: encourage someone 

This one is to encourage everyone out there that is going through one hard time, challenge or the other. I want to say that: you are not alone and I have better news for you shall come to pass. When it comes, it shall pass. 

I guess you will all agree that " Life is not a bed of roses". As we go through life, we might experience several different things, both good and bad, and sometimes, we feel that we are alone in this and that the world might have forgotten us! Well, the good news: You are not alone and the better part is that: it shall come to pass.  

I like the way the Bible uses it, usually to usher in a declaration that may be from God or a prophet. Lately, I had this conversation with a friend and I got a different perspective of the phrase: it shall come to pass ( please, take a deep breathe and repeat the phrase twice: it shall come to pass x2). 

One of the most fascinating things about life is time. The way the time ticks away is sometimes amazing. Whether you are productive or not, sleeping or busy, playing or studying, and any other thing that you might be doing, the time just ticks away. If the time is 2 pm now for example, in the next one hour, it will be 3 pm. As simple as that may sound, it holds a great lesson for us all and that is; it shall come to pass. 

Look at it this way please: when it comes, it will pass. So, no matter the challenge you are going through right now or the hard times, remember that it shall come and then it shall pass * smiles *.

My suggestion is to always try and see that silver lining that may be hidden, learn from that experience, challenge, or whatsoever. Be realistic and also maintain a good positive attitude towards it. Hopefully, again, it shall come and when it comes, it shall pass!

Finally, I close with this: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” – Steve Jobs

Please, let us remember to share this to encourage someone. Remember to subscribe to the blog and send in your stories too at mygpland@gmail.com. 

Welcome to March and from our story...your story, we want to wish all of you a wonderful new month.  

First Things First

First Things First

"Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work.” by H.L. Hunt . This statement simply summarises the principle of "first things first ".

Nature's number one principle is probably : first things first. Take having a baby for example. From copulation and sperm deposition  (except otherwise) to conception . Then the mother carries the baby for a period of about 9 months ( more or less) to finally putting to bed. Even when the child is born, first things first applies. From regular care and support from the mother , the child gradually grows. From just carrying, the child grows to crawl, then walk, run and so on. So you see... first things first!  Take growing a crop as another example, you sow the seed, then the seed germinates and grows to maturity before you harvest your plant. First things first! Again, notice the flow...the flow of events all leading to the goal. In the midst of so many distractions and challenges, this principle can bring that kind of flow to what we have set out to do and achieve ( more or less).

As a child growing up, I loved the story of creation from the bible. Thinking about it again, I realised that the principle of "first things first " is just encapsulated in it. I will drop the first 25 verses from Genesis chapter 1 ( the  King James bible ) here ;

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

What a long read * smiles *. We see that even God followed "first things first". The first thing God did( from the story) was to organise and bring structure. So from " without form and void...and darkness ", God created light, form and the heavens and the earth, and put a structure in place. God also divided the land from the waters. He made provisions for  whatever he was going to create before going ahead to create. He created a home for the water creatures and then created them and did same for land creatures and air creatures. First things first!

The principle of first things first deals with priority. It allows one to deal with the primary and to lay the foundations for further development.  It also helps one identify what is important. The challenge is, most times, we spend a great deal of time dealing with urgent things that come up probably from our everyday schedule. Sometimes, it might be urgent but not important. At other times, it can be urgent and also important...and so it goes. My suggestion is to always ask yourself what you really want to achieve and make both short term and long term plans with provisions for flexibility of course, so that urgent but important needs that might arise can always be taken care of. Most importantly, applying this singular principle can bring order and organisation to our lives and allow us to maintain our focus.

Thank God is Friday! I urge all of us to do " first things first " please and stop giving attention to the wrong item on our list. Let's give priority where priority ought to be.

Finally, I close with this :  " What tasks are more important? It’s hard to know when you’re caught up in the flow of things, just doing things left and right, quickly switching between tasks, and so on. Everything seems important. But when we step back and think about what matters most, what will make the most difference in the world and in our lives, we can see what we need to focus on, to make time for. We can’t step back unless we’re aware that we’re getting caught up in less important tasks.” ~ Leo Babauta.

Remember to send in your stories at mygpland@gmail.com. Please share and subscribe to the blog.  Have a great weekend  ahead !

African proverbs part 1: Wisdom

African proverbs part 1: Wisdom 

African proverbs are quite interesting and within its rubrics are wisdom that if properly understood, might just be what you need right now. They can sound so funny though especially if not understood .   As a kid growing up, when I heard some of them, it sounded really funny and makes me wonder ( especially the way Pete Edochie says it for those people familiar with Nollywood) * smiles*

There are different categories of African proverbs and we are going to focus once  some of them that are dealing with wisdom. Wisdom is a principal thing and without an iota of doubt, wisdom is at the centre of almost everything we do if we must succeed! With wisdom, we can all lead better lives and yes, really go all out to become the best person we can ever be. I'm not here to lecture about about wisdom though( for today, that will be for another day) , so I will just go on to write down some of the African proverbs on wisdom and drop a few notes about each . 

I love this! It's a Somalian proverb :Wisdom does not come overnight and this : Nobody is born wise. Yes , wisdom is actually acquired and there are endless possibilities to the acquisition of wisdom. Through books, messages, seminars, lectures and so on , and even hanging out with the right set of people.  Ooh yes, your friends can really influence you. Some will stretch you by challenging your thoughts and dreams, and some might actually just make you  become too comfortable with yourself and that might not end up so well.  

This next one is also lovely as it touches on personal development : If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom. It points to the fact that if you're filled with pride and you feel that you know it all, then you probably have closed your mind to learning new things.  Please, nobody knows it all! We can learn something very unique from everybody we come across remember?  

 

This one is a Congolese proverb : Wisdom is like fire. People take it from others. I like this one because it serves as a mirror for personal examination. The way I look at it ; how can you give wisdom when you don't have it yourself? Can you give what you don't have? So this one is a wake up call. It's time to challenge ourselves towards the acquisition of wisdom. So that, out of the abundance of the wisdom you have, you can give somebody some *smiles* . What you have to say might just be what somebody needs to get inspired!  

Again, remember that wisdom is the principal thing. Wisdom is wealth. ~ Swahili. Finally, I close with this : A wise person will always find a way. ~ Tanzanian proverb and Only a wise person can solve a difficult problem. ~ Akan proverb. 

Please remember to send in your stories and also drop some proverbs on wisdom as you  comment. Please share and subscribe to the blog. Have a great week ahead!  

Fruit salad : how has it fared?

Fruit salad : how has it fared?

Diversity is a good thing and beautiful especially in the ideal sense of it. In most advanced nations with solid structures and institutions already in place, diversity can be really enjoyable. Otherwise, diversity can be a major hindrance to development and progress in the other nations in question. There are different kinds of diversity and this includes ; people diversity, viewpoint diversity, idea diversity and so on. However, I am going to concentrate on people's diversity.

In my home country Nigeria ( for example) , there are 36 states which have been split into different geo-political zones. The diversity is quite a lot and from the result so far ( as a nation) , it makes you wonder whether  diversity is good and the beauty of diversity is even applicable to Nigeria. This can be worrying and really baffling! The major challenge amidst this diversity is tribalism and this consequently results to favouritism and ethnicity, more or less.

On the global scene, diversity still has plenty of pitfalls and some  people still have challenges accepting it. I guess it is just an attitude problem probably. In the western world, non acceptance has often translated to racism with its many negative ripple effects. In the US, there has been several instances of police killing innocent black folks and amidst several efforts to combat this challenge, it still happens often now and then. The intimidation on black folks got so bad that it inspired an up rising that gave birth to rap music. Consequently, rap stars have gone on to tell stories of police intimidation on them. Ice Cube is a typical example when he sang : Fuck The Police! ( here's the link , please enjoy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5fts7bj-so)

In Nigeria, ethnicity and tribalism has almost become the order of the day. In the just concluded elections, the results clearly demonstrates this : the North voted heavily for the All Progressive Congress while the South voted for the People's Democratic Party.  Diversity doesn't seem to work! Quite a lot of issues seems to be associated with diversity in Nigeria.

The Biafran people are currently pushing for separation to become a different country : Biafra. Even if this happens, will it translate into good governance? The challenge even translates into division amongst people from the same state and may be same local government. Even if the division occurs and Biafra comes to realisation, some people have argued that there  will still be division and non acceptance of differences that might exist. Nationally, there are still misconceptions all around the country and this has furthered contributed to the challenge. For example, it is said that : Igbo people like money. Hang on, who doesn't like money? * smiles *. While this might create trust issues among individuals dealing with Igbo people, I would like to point out that there are cunning and untrustworthy people scattered all over the world. So the issue of someone liking money ( or any other generalisation) applies to most ( if not all of us especially when it comes to money) in my opinion. So far...so bad for diversity in Nigeria I guess * smiles *

Perhaps, the issue isn't with diversity  itself. It Probably comes down to  individual attitude and the general orientation we have as individuals. Just may be, diversity isn't meant for every nation? Just may be, the advantages and disadvantages of diversity should be accessed locally. After all, all business is local! However, if a system can be created to put everybody in line, the beauty  of diversity can come to fruition probably. Just may be, if there can be a way to look beyond our differences and focus on what we can do as a team, then the beauty of diversity might just come to fruition. Personally, I quite love the spice that diversity brings to the board . While I absolutely love diversity, I think that if it isn't working, then we could probably look at other alternatives,  to at least limit it's disadvantages and just may be , we could find a silver lining.

Finally, I close with this : " Defeating racism, tribalism, intolerance and all forms of discrimination will liberate us all, victim and perpetrator alike"...Ban Ki-moon. Please remember to send in your stories at mygpland@gmail.com. Please share, subscribe and comment please. Have a great week ahead!  

Fruit salad : lesson on individuality and the beauty of diversity

 I love fruit salads!  Don't know about you * smiles *. The sweetness and several benefits of fruit have been known since antiquity. Quite a number of people all over the world like fruits just like me and consequently make fruit salads I guess.

So please imagine you are about to take your fruit salad ( with your desired fruits of course! ) . You have finished washing your fruits and may be cutting as desired  (all in preparation for getting it ready) . You then put your ready fruits onto a glass visible bowl. Hang on : please don't start eating yet * smiles * . Now,  before you start munching, please take a few seconds to actually look at the fruit salad.

What do you see? Different fruits right? Different colours and shapes too right? Okay, so you can now eat your fruit salad please. As you munch slowly, you begin to feel the sweetness I guess .

Now you see...albeit, the fruits are all different but it turned out well after all. That's how we all are in the world and I could be right to suggest that the world is like a fruit salad perhaps. Different people, different races, different ethnic groups and different individuals most of all! The apple for example didn't say : ooh, I don't like the way the cucumber is shaped. May be the cucumber should have been a little bit rounder...it sounds ridiculous I guess.

Again, irrespective of how different the fruits are, they bring different tastes to the whole mixture. So it is with us as individuals. Different orientation, different view points, different cultures and so on. Understanding people remains a key to human relationships. And yes, just may be, it is our difference, that makes us really interesting. It is that special ingredient that we possess and bring to the board * smiles *.

However, unlike fruits , humans have an immerse ability to develop and always become better. We can always become better individuals in all aspects of our life remember? Yes, you can become a better husband , better dad, better friend , better sister, better ...better...better !

I had the chance to partake in the first diversity day organised by my university. I was amazed at how different cultures around the world are. I especially enjoyed the dance, food and fashion of different countries. I learnt about the crops grown and economic prowess of these nations. It was eye opening! I was amazed! Diversity is indeed beautiful ... you just got to love it please * smiles *

Finally, I close with this : “We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity life would be very boring.” — Catherine Pulsifer and “We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.”— Max de Pree

Let us go out there and become better even as we own our individual differences and keep an open mind to what other people are bringing to the table. Remember to send in your stories at mygpland@gmail.com. Please drop your comments, share and subscribe to the blog please. Have a great day ahead!