“I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky. I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It’s just that the translations have gone wrong.” – John Lennon
Challenging times are coming. And, I’m not speaking of the economic state of the nation or the looming wars we keep hearing about on TV and Social media. I’m talking about the challenges and limitations that come with old age. This perspective seldom gets any attention, yet you must be aware, at least, if you … Read more
So many people feel a void in their lives regardless of their financial status, relationships, health, looks, or accomplishments. Billions of people have faced, are facing and will face an existential crisis. And, often, they all boil down to one question, “Why am I here on Earth?”. The question has been pondered and debated for … Read more
We’re often inclined to think we will be happy once we get something, somewhere, or overcome a challenge. But, like a mirage, that bias is only an illusion that gets us racing forward and onward. Whilst this is good for making “progress” in life, it can quickly turn into a formula for unhappiness. How To … Read more
I am Dick David. As is my tradition, I am reviewing my life this year (2023) in a self-written living eulogy. I hope you enjoy it and also find it helpful. *** I felt like Sisyphus for most of this year. Sisyphus is a figure from Greek mythology who is condemned to endlessly push a … Read more
Somedays I wish it was all a dream. I wish I could wake up to a reality where I don’t feel confused and stressed out. Like a river, stress can be both a source of life and a destructive force that erodes your footing. It is possible to ride the waves of stress without being … Read more
Look around and you will find reasons to throw in the towel. From your neighbourhood to your schoolyard, to your social media feed, there is a constant source of self-loathing and self-doubt. Friends’ galleries of accomplishments may remind you of how far you are from the finish line. Celebrities’ songs may make you feel socially … Read more
I grew up in a poor family in a bustling but economically impoverished neighbourhood of Lagos, Nigeria. With six of us living in one room (so you can imagine how cramped and exhausting it was). Sometimes, I would wake up to find myself under the bed, my face stained with charcoal from the blackened pots … Read more
I saw a meme a few days ago where a porcupine was admiring the smoothness of a snake. The porcupine said, “I hate these spikes. I wish I had her body”. Then, in the next frame, the smooth-skinned snake was picked up and carried away by an eagle. Seeing this, the porcupine said, “Thank you … Read more
As a new chess player, I made many mistakes. This was frustrating, and I would get discouraged whenever I lost to a more experienced player. However, looking back, I realize that my mistakes helped me improve my game. I learned to think more carefully about my moves and to consider more possibilities. Much like my … Read more
The crucial wisdom is learning to accept things as they are, even if we don’t understand them, and to forge ahead. That is the power of acceptance. And, it includes not denying the issues we have or the uncertainties, but rather acknowledging them and working through them as best we can.
