Happy Friday

TGIF..... Thank God It's Friday. The day before the weekend. The day everyone looks forward to. The beginning of the weekend.

Happy Friday all. This is my debut write-up on vocal. Looking forward to a good time of sharing content, reading content, engaging other writers and receiving feedback. I'm actually here to unlearn, learn and relearn.

How are you doing? Hope you are doing well. I live in Lagos, Nigeria and I must say things are not rosy in the country at the moment, and that's putting things lightly. The atmosphere is one of gloom and all pessimism. The constant mantra we hear every day and every where is " THERE IS HUNGER IN THE LAND". This is actually true though; food prices have gone up and there is still negotiation between the Federal Government and organized labour on upward review of national minimum wage (we will discuss that in a separate post).

So I ask again, how are you doing? For me, my answer is FINE. Wow! In the mist of all the issues you are FINE? Really? Well yes, I'm FINE. I know there are issues in the country, but we are not the only country facing economic issues. There is hunger in the land, oh off course there is, and sadly it won't end soon (We will also discuss this later). I choose to see the cup half fill in all things. I choose a positive mindset and I choose to work and play my part in making the country a better place.

Now, we don't need to look to far before we are constantly reminded of the things that are bad in the country. Just tune to the morning talk show programmes omn TV and you will hear plenty. Staying motivated and positive in this country takes a conscious effort. What makes it worse is the bandwagon effect of negativity. It is now trend to share and review negative news than the positive ones. I guess there are still deep rooted sentiments from the results of the elections last year (another topic for another day). However, I wonder, how long will it take people to move on and heal? Holding on to the past and ignoring the present or even planning for the future will not do any good.

At the end of the day, we are all entitled to our opinions and are ultimately responsible for how mindset and happiness. The onus is on us to look within for encouragement and forge ahead towards a better future. I also admire those that feel there is a political solution to the numerous problems in Nigeria. Some even believe there is a MESSIAH that will one day become the president and will take the country to the PROMISED LAND. I don't share such sentiments or innuendoes. I believe we are empowered to be the change we want. Outsourcing your happiness, breakthrough, success and prosperity to an INDIVIDUAL (who has his/her own vested interest) is foolhardy.

Even religion has disappointed. We used to look up to pastors and clerics as sacred people with closer ties to the ALMIGHTY. However, these days they have become charlatans and hunger fellow just seeking what they will eat. From FAKE PROPHECIES to Social Media monetization and even entertainment moonlighting; theses MEN of GOD cannot be relied on to offer HOPE or DIRECTION. There was even one that said he can perfom MIRACLE MONEY for his congregation (I'll give you the full gist later)

In summation, from all the rantings above, it is clear that seeking external validation or happiness from individuals is a dead-end journey. NOBODY IS COMING TO SAVE US. We all have to work the work and walk the walk. We have to get our hands dirty and work hard. Collaborate, innovate and produce the future you want. No political messiah or no religious saviour will do anything for you.

SO next time when you are asked: How are you doing? Respond in the positive, knowing you are in charge, and you will make your life better.