LESSONS FROM THE GAME OF THRONES!

HBO’s Game of Thrones , a television show based on
George R.R. Martin’s acclaimed novels entitled A
Song of Ice and Fire, has become a cultural
phenomenon. Although originally intended for adults,
even young ones just can’t help to watch this show.
Game of Thrones has obtained a range of active
international fan base worldwide and has received
popular recognition from various critics. Game of
Thrones is not just a thrilling story. Yes, it has epic
fight scenes, thought-provoking dialogues, intriguing
characters with complicated and complex
personalities, and compelling plot, but it is more than
that. The show runs deeper than your typical fantasy
escapism. It is arguably one of the wittiest and most
distinct shows in television, which can make its
audience wonder of what’s going on at all. The Game
of Thrones universe is full of life lessons. This show
encompass a lot of betrayals, deceits, and ruling
power, but it will also teach you more about life,
relationships, and, of course leadership. This series
will show you how to rule a kingdom or, in our reality,
how to become an effective leader. Here are a few
valuable leadership lessons from the best and the
worst leaders of Westeros.

1.  Trust with Caution
Be careful in choosing who you trust. In Game of
Thrones, the audience is deliberately told not to trust
anyone or risk getting killed. Though you may not risk
being murdered, this is a good reminder to trust with
caution. Do not give too much information to people
you barely know, especially when it comes to
managing or leading a company. However, trust is one
of the keys to organizational and better performance.
No one can lead a team without trusting anybody. So,
as a leader, identify whom you should trust and how
you can gain the trust of others in order to reach your
goals.
“I swear to you, sitting in a throne is a thousand
times harder than winning one.” – Robert
Baratheo

2.  Lead by Example
Ned Stark is known for being an honorable and just
man in Game of Thrones. His character is one good
example of being an effective leader. He
always means what he says and does what he means.
Ned puts his swords to his words and doesn’t stay out
of duty, no matter how unpleasant it could be. A true
leader is someone who can be a role model in all
aspects. You must be accountable and must embody
the values you want others to follow. Remember, they
are watching you so you should exemplify the best.
Take responsibility and inspire greatness to those you
lead.
“The man who passes the sentence should swing
the sword.”- Eddard “Ned” Stark

3. Discover Your Strength
Tyrion Lannister might be small in stature, but he is
known for being good at ruling behind the scenes.
His fascinating ability to see everything in a different
perspective is what makes him one of the best
characters in the show. Though he had been
humiliated throughout his life, he makes up for it in his
wit and intelligence. Tyrion is driven by nothing other
than his strengths and will to survive his own reality.
As a leader, Tyrion should inspire you to discover your
strengths and use them to achieve your goals. By
understanding your strengths, you can focus on what
you are good at and you can further develop your skills
to become more effective in leading people.
“Never forget what you are, for surely the world
will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never
be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it
will never be used to hurt you.”- Tyrion Lannister

4. Stand Firm in Your Convictions
The manipulative, brilliant strategist and
stoic commander, Tywin Lannister, urges you to stand
firm in your convictions. He is known for his unfettered
and dominant attitude to ensure that the Lannister
legacy lives on. He rules based on what he thinks is
right and never allow anyone to deter his decisions.
More often than not, leaders are either making
decisions with other people or their decision impacts
others. Being a leader you are bound to make
decisions for the good of all and not only for yourself.
Learn how to stand firm in your convictions. Do not let
the personal choices of others make you doubt on your
own.
“The lion doesn’t concern himself with the
opinion of a sheep.”- Tywin Lannister

5. Know Your Worth
Daenerys, the mother of dragons, knows exactly what
she deserves and what she dreamed of. Despite the
struggles she has overcome, Daenerys never
underestimated herself. She has no training in
commanding an army, but she gained confidence and
strength to lead the Dothraki people after realizing her
worth. As a leader you have to practice believing in
yourself so others will trust you. Never underestimate
the things that you can and cannot do as you lead
people. Show what you can do and become better at it.
Just like Daenerys, know how extraordinary you are
and don’t undervalue your worth. You are a leader so
stand with conviction and act like one.
“I’m no ordinary woman. My dreams come true.”
- Daenerys Targaryen

6. Take Command
In the fourth season of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow
has proven his leadership skill. Snow is wise,
compassionate, and a natural leader. Using his natural
leadership, he led the Night’s Watch in battle against
the wildlings and successfully holds the Wall against
overwhelming odds. Taking command is having the
authority to direct people into strategic position. As a
leader know how to guide others into action and not
coerce them. Engage and energize the workforce
through motivating them and earning their trust. Once
you trust your people you can establish command by
supporting behaviors that bring good results.
“I’m the watcher on The Wall.” - Jon Snow

7. Increase Your Knowledge
Petyr Baelish comes from humble origin, but because
of his skills and knowledge on how to connect with
people, he became one of the most powerful officials in
the Seven Kingdoms. Knowledge is important in
becoming a leader. Knowledge brings respect. If you
are knowledgeable in leading people, it is easier for
you to earn respect and trust from others.
“Knowledge is power”- Petyr “Littlefinger”
Baelish

LOOK @ THE ROAD AHEAD!

The worst is over!! You have gone through a lot and you're still here! Despite how you may feel at this time, this experience will not break you. Whatever happened to you does not own you or determine your future. It is an experience that you must choose to grow through and not allow it to shut your life down. No question...this is easier said than done.But you have the power in you to put this
experience in your past, and not allow it to overwhelm your present or dictate how you show up in the world.
  Pause for a moment to get your head right and resolve to handle this. You know, life is like a roller coaster.
Sometimes you are up and sometimes you're down.Expect things to get better and they will. Do you know who
you are? You are more powerful than you give yourself credit for being. In time you will overcome this and become more resilient than you have ever been before.
Look at the road ahead, know that tomorrow will be better than today, pull yourself together and take time to heal.
Where your life goes from here is your call. Believe in yourself! You have something special. You have
GREATNESS within you!

THE WAY YOU DRESS!

If truly man looks at outwards appearance, why is your appearance not giving you a worthy life. Do you dress to
attract, detract, distract or retract? Your wedding ring loses value when you appear like a girl. Modest apparel is recommended for all women, we can understand that a child's first shoes are worn incorrectly but what about the
one we call a mother struggling to sit on a chair and covering her chest with handkerchief to take a stand.
shame on you!
    Your money loses worth when you purchase a low waist and cover your butts with your hands to have a sit even in
a decent gathering, why tuck in your shirt to cover you panties or butts? i just wonder why people practice willing
insanity! why take your cloths to a tailor to sow an undersize? The skirt is above the knee yet the slit makes it like a bare panties. This is not a show like today lady
thinks, it is a demonstration of what the philosophy of perverted fashion had loaded in your mind. worst still this has crept into the church, we are no longer ashamed to come nude to church. instead of being naked to God in repentance we go almost nude to the world for the feast of deception, seduction and damnation! lady, woman , watch your show!
Laying your cleavage bare or flaunting your hips out of your design is a personal pogrom, a diminution and depreciation of personal value. when you see such, you
need no prophet to tell you where their head is!!!! A clone of a whore! there is nothing called sophisticated whore, a
whore is a whore! The next time you are dressed up, look at both the physical mirror and the spiritual mirror and
ask yourself will a sane person go out like this and again will a covenant child of God go out like this? Answer it sincerely and be patient to listen to your conscience!
   Fashion is mannerism not nudism. Looking good does not imply psychological demise. Living another man's life is life's greatest tragedy, copying the fashion trend of the culture-less will make you unfit for a happy life. Fashion is being cultured not being attire vulgar. If you are a woman, watch your show, those days our mother
will almost look like a masquerade just to honor their body, today the body exposure is the show. a show is an event anybody attends, be the design God made you.
Precious woman.

FAILURE CAN BE AN EXCELLENT LEARNING TOOL!

Most people invariably answer yes to the question of being successful. We all want to be hugely successful, but few are willing to stomach the possibility of failure (Sometimes Multiple failures) that precede the enjoyment of success. Few are willing to take the plunge that places
them out of their comfort zones for the extreme fear of failure which is drilled into us all as children when growing up.
Granted in some fields we are not able to enjoy the "benefit of repeat failure" (Think tight rope , high walking, or setting up a bungee jumping event ) but failure is an
excellent learning tool when correctly used.
   As a culture we tend to only focus on those who have achieved huge successes in whatever field of endeavor
they are in. We laud their excellence whilst we either leave the failures to their own rut or even worse, tear them down
for daring to think and dream "impossible thoughts" , or for them not doing "IT" whatever "IT" may be, the way we may have done it from the sidelines of life.
Success attracts many "friends" , lots of praise and adulation, whilst "failures" are often largely denigrated. This ingrained attitude within society, causes many
potentially hugely successful people to idly sit on the sidelines, ignoring their big dreams, whilst they play the game of life as spectators and commentators.... These spectators always have a "better way", "IT", should have been done, or a "better" idea, but hardly ever are guilty of
initiating any activity, in any field.
It is great that we respect and honor those who have gone through the mill and come out on the other end, as large
successes, but I suggest that it is time we, not only place "failure" in its true perspective.i.e A stepping stone to huge success, but we also begin to celebrate those that STRIVE. Those who refuse to sit idly by while the game of life passes them by. Those who chose to leave the safety net of hum-drum existence, in the pursuit of their dreams and goals. Those that compete. Those that dream. Those
that innovate. Those that fight until their noses' are bloodied. Those that fall to the floor exhausted, wearied and embattled, but yet victorious in spirit. For "winning" is
NOT only to be found in the expression ... to the Victory the spoils, because "the spoils" are temporary, but the heart and the indomitable spirit that lies within the warrior spirit of those that strive whether they win or lose is already victorious.
To these ones ... I say ... More power to you.

S. I. UNIT~>TIME!

Measurement is crucial to performance. Faulty measure would devalue the joy of success and the experience of relevance.Time is the standard measure of relevance. Ecc 3:1. Time suffocates excuses and cripples pretence. Time is the miracle that brings opportunity to preparation. Ecc 9:11.What you spend time with fashions your life!
Time expense and dispense is the vehicle that describes the triumph and the challenges of life.Time investment is the taxi of preparation for profitable returns without regret.
Regret is basically the pain of time wasted.
Time runs whether you are in the race or not. God has given every man on this planet the same 24hours.Don't just use them,invest them wisely daily.Its not just enough to do the right thing in the right way,but it must be done in the right time if we must reap the right rewardof our labour.People who kill time work for others to eat.They may nit be there when the reward arrives.The popular Lord Nelson of Britain attributes all his success in life to his strict habit of punctuality.He said"ii have always been a quarter of an hour before my time,and it has made a man out of me".The only thing which is akmost as sacred as marriage is appointment!A man who fails to meet his appointment unless he has a good reason,is practicaly unserious and the wirld treats him as such.Every time is precious!God does not beleive in "spare time"Ephesians 5:16 declares:"Redeeming the time...."Never forget this;"Better late than never" ,is not half so good a quote as "better never late".Your position in life eventually will let all men know the race you were running!
Time is decision and choice. Every slice of time measures life's wellbeing! Time may be invisible but it is the yardstick that will judge all men. Take time to utter words, in it are the genes of life construction and destruction!
Become more time sensitive today!

#TAKEPRIDE~>Personal Responsibility In Developing Excellence

I soon realized that the process of METAMORPHOSIS becomes botched in the face of any physical intervention or
perceived assistance.... True transformation can only evolve when we effortlessly determine it is time and we take the right steps as we approach our cocoon [our place of consecration separation and ultimate enlightenment] - Alas our experience is what prepares us for that next level of flight. It is time to defy social convention and start living the
extraordinary life.
# TAKEPRIDE ~>Take Personal Responsibility In Developing Excellence
#TAKEPRIDE ~>In your corner
#TAKEPRIDE ~>In your compound
#TAKEPRIDE ~>In your church
#TAKEPRIDE ~> In your community
#TAKEPRIDE ~>In your company
#TAKEPRIDE ~> In your city
#TAKEPRIDE ~> In your country
#TAKEPRIDE ~> In your continent
No matter your constituency it is time to Take Personal Responsibility In Developing Excellence.

PEACE =UNDERSTANDING +RESPECT

   Peace is something that everyone seems to want, but no one knows how to achieve successfully. The key to attaining worldwide peace is this simple formula:
PEACE = UNDERSTANDING + RESPECT .
   Let me give you a few definitions before we get more in depth into the formula. Peace is defined as the absence of war or other hostilities. Understanding, in
this situation, is defined as knowing and being tolerant of another's point of view. And finally, respect is defined as a willingness to show consideration and
appreciation for the beliefs of others.
In order to achieve a world without war and hostility, you need understanding and respect. Without understanding and respect, we have nothing but a world full of intolerant individuals, each concerned
only with their own beliefs and ideals. We currently live in a world full of selfish people that believe that their way is right, and anyone else's way of thinking that differs even slightly from their beliefs is wrong!
   The first thing we need in order to successfully complete the peace formula is understanding. What can we do in order to bring understanding into the
equation? It's simple really. What we need to do is promote more open mindedness when it comes to studying other belief systems. Check out the ISIS for instance, who behead crucify or shot Christians and others who have a different believe from theirs. Why do we insist on holding
on to such outdated beliefs? This isn't the 5th century,this is the 21st century! If we would only take a little time to learn about and understand each other's differing views and get rid of some of these outdated belief systems, we would be much better off and the first part of the peace equation would be complete!
   The second part of the peace equation is respect. We can tolerate other people's viewpoints, but without respecting their views and showing consideration for them when making decisions, the concept of understanding becomes moot. If we don't show respect for other people's beliefs and take them into consideration when making a decision, you can pretty
much be rest assured that not all parties involved are going to be happy with the final decision. Take what's going on in Israel right now for example. Everyone is
proclaiming, "Oh, we want peace!" But neither side is willing to respect the other's point of view and make any sort of compromise. Without this, the peace process in Israel may never be fulfilled and the Israelis and the Palestinians will remain fighting for centuries to come!
Though it may seem that I'm coming from some sort of religious and cultural viewpoint by presenting the two examples above, the concepts of understanding and
respect relate to many events that take place in our everyday lives. If we just take a closer look at what's going on and try to understand and respect each other's views when it comes to the decisions we make everyday, the world will definitely be a much better place and the equation of peace will be complete, or at least given a chance to succeed!
   Every leader in the world aims to find a lasting solution to the problems that beset our planet but so far, peace on earth has continued to be an elusive dream. There are many movements, conferences, brotherhoods and fraternities all over the world that promotes the idea of world peace.Philosophers, theologians politicians, and other great thinkers from the past up to the present have offered so
many formulas and ideas for achieving peace but no one has yet came up with a solid answer to the question.
Why is world peace so difficult to achieve? Perhaps the answer lies within ourself. What have we done to make the
world a better place to live in? How have we treated our brothers and our neighbors? If we look at the philosophies
and teachings of great men and the number of world peace movements that have risen out of nowhere, the issue
assumes even more layers and textures than the original idea.
    Is it possible to achieve world peace?Some great thinkers believe so. But if you are asking whether it can possibly happen in our lifetime, then that is something no one can answer. Only time can tell. But as long as everybody makes a conscious effort to work for it, then maybe we stand a chance of seeing the first signs of world peace happening.
     Another issue to ponder about, is the different ideas as to what constitutes world peace. Some people think it is the resolution of conflict that will bring about world peace. Others think that absence of
hunger, deprivation or social justice would be a sign that world peace is finally happening. It is like looking at the forest without seeing the trees instead of the other way around. The perennial question will always be where to start.If we take a few minutes to read the teachings of Jesus Christ,  Mahatma Gandhi or
Confucius  the common denominator lies with the “ Golden Rule ” (LOVE) which
teaches “not to do unto others what we do not want others to do unto us”. This teaching rings true even today when we
look at how people are treated in some parts of the world. War, violence, famine and social injustices are all handmaids of the devil. If we strive to treat other people like a brother, living harmoniously with one another, treating each other justly
and fairly, there would be no conflict and the rest follows.
     Finally, in order to achieve world peace, we have to start with ourselves. We have to be agents of change and
ambassadors of good will. We should learn to live with our neighbors peacefully and do business with each other fairly
and honestly. When we start with doing good to other people, we can inspire others to do the same. By paying the good deeds forward, we can multiply the number of people we touch with our goodwill and eventually it will spread and infect others. We cannot expect peace in the world unless we give that which in our heart we are prepared to sacrifice.

STRANGE GUESTS VISITED STAMFORD BRIDGE

Another stadium was visited by strange guests over the weekend, with 11 hooded onlookers causing a stir at Stamford Bridge on SundayEXTRA TIMEChelsea's Stamford Bridge became the latest football venue to play host to a gang of mysterious visitors on Sunday when 11 men in robes were spotted at the Premier League clash with Manchester City.The figures closely resembled those seen at Saturday's Bundesliga fixture between Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin at the Allianz Arena.Shrouded in secrecy | The visitors provoked curious glances from Chelsea supporters at the BridgeAs in the previous sighting, they wore black robes with mysterious circles on their chest and were seen making curious synchronised movements at irregular intervals during Chelsea's 2-1 win, while they also stood in unison at random moments. Situated three rows back from the corner flag at the Shed End, the gang could be clearly seen on TV cameras beaming pictures of the crunch fixture all across the world.One Chelsea fan sat close to the mysterious guests was Robin Taylor, who said afterwards that he was slightly perturbed by their presence."We're used to a few different characters down at Chelsea, there was once even a guy brushing his teeth behind the bench at a game, but we've had nothing quite like this before," he said. Watching the Kaiser | Franz Beckenbauer was pictured near a robed man at Stamford Bridge on SundayThe appearance of the mystery men coincided with the surprise visit to Stamford Bridge of Franz Beckenbauer, the former Germany World Cup-winning captain and coach.The Kaiser watched the game from the VIP area and conducted media interviews. He subsequently released an extraordinary personal video which can be viewed from the link below.The sightings at the football grounds follow a series of bizarre incidents involving the same mysterious circles at landmark locations - including London, New York and Rio - across the world. Speculation over the events has hit social media, with discussions using the hashtag witnessed at the sightings: #WINNERTAKESEARTH

PARENTS BE CAREFUL!

Parents determine to a large extent what their kids would turn out to be in the future. Studies have shown that in most cases, great men and women of our generation have one good thing or the other to say about their childhood. In the same vein, people that turn out quite bad with various psychological issues have one link or the other with abused childhood. (in each case though, there are exceptions.)

Often times, children with melancholy nature are pro e to suffer bouts if depression as adults and also, tend to have some bad traits. Medical experts have carried out research and have revealed that children who lived in an abusive environment display negative tendencies ;violent in nature, low self esteem etc.

The late king of pop, Michael Jackson was one of America's music icons with lots of fans even among the unborn and people hoping to be great like him. His life was full of surprises, not many would have guessed he suffered low self esteem. In spite of his prodigious talent, unlike the great James Brown who reigned before him, he failed to convince his teeming fans to take him for who he was. He underwent many cosmetic surgeries and the after effects.., we all know. Therfore, it wasn't surprising when he told the world that he was a victim of a deprived childhood.

In contrast, our own Professor Wolf Soyinka, in his autobiography "AKE", narrated how his parents were able to mould him into becoming a success in life. Though his mother was not educated, yet her love and proper discipline molded him into becoming what and who he is today.

Parents should know that in as much as they love their children, they must take note of the following so that their good intent wouldn't boomerang.
~>If a child lives with CRITICISM, he will learn to CONDEMN.
~>If a child lives with HOSTILITY, he learns to FIGHT.
~>If a child lives with RIDICLE, he becomes shy and afraid.
~>If a child lives with SHAME, he learns to feel GUILTY.
~>If a child lives with TOLERANCE, he learns to be PATIENT.
~>If a child lives with ENCOURAGEMENT, he learns to APPRECIATE.
~>If a child lives with PRAISE, he learns to APPRECIATE.
~>If a child lives with FAIRNESS, he learns to be JUST.
~>If a child lives with APPROVAL, he learns to LOVE himself.
~>If a child lives with COMPARISON, he learns to be COMPETITIVE.

Finally parents, learn to pray, bless, listen, and your children rather than cursing, dictating for them. Allow them to make choices for themselves whenever they want to choose, all you have to do is to advise and pray for them. Trust me, if you gave done your homework (which is, bringing them up in the way they should go;the way of the Lord) I tell you that you have nothing to be afraid of because they'll never make the wrong choices. Parents make your children your friends, believe in their dreams and aspirations, celebrate their success and encourage them when they fail.

Remember that you are just a guide, a caretaker and not the owner of their lives so never push them to the wall. You should never see or take your children as investments, hoping to make profit off them someday or as a joker for you to win what ever game you are playing. Parents which is pronounced as PAY–RENTS, should actually pay all rents(bills) be it water, electricity, medical, shelter, or whatever. Do allow your children to handle your responsibilities while they are unmarried.You have lived your life, let them live theirs. All you have to do is to nurture them physically, spiritually, educationally, emotionally, mentally and otherwise, and see how God will bless you and your children.  CHEERS!

DEEPEST FEAR.

Marianne Williamson once said that "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It's our light and not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves 'who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?'
Actually, whobarevyou ou ou not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people around you don't fell insecure. We are born to manifest the glory of God that is with in us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let the light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do same. And as we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically releases others'.

Are you the best you can be or are you just making do with your mundane existence because like hundreds before you, you are afraid. Fear is a terrible thing. Some fear are well founded, others imaginary but either way, fear isn't right. It's not of God and it's in fact a ploy of the devil, a cunning way of binding and clipping us as we seek for refuge.
The big question is what do we fear? We fear the unknown, we fear the future, we fear the myth, We fear having money, we fear having none, we fear for our loved ones. We fear what people will  say or think about us, we fear circumstances. We even fear humans, We fear friends, we fear enemies. I can go on and on.
The Bible endears us not to fear because fear isn't of God. It can cripple one into inactivity, it can cause you to become pompous in a bid to seem strong. Fear can make you do or say things that you'll later regret. It makes one an underachiever because of the fear of failure. The truth isthat as Christians, we have immense  strength more than we perhaps realise.'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me', is no idle talk. Think of David, imagine how terrible he would have felt if he had been overcome with fear, only to discover later that he could have defeated goliath so swiftly.

In life, there are so many obstacles.They may seem large and looming  but we have the strength to overcome, but  only  if we have faith and trust in the Lord. Fear put us in a cave in an uninhabited valley when we have every capability to be on the mountain's top.

Remember, fret not because God loves you, faint not because God holds you and finally, FEAR NOT because God keeps you. These three keys of real peace, will open the gates to our prison of fear, worries and discouragements. Cheers!

JUST ONE TREE.

Some time ago, on one cool breezy hamatan afternoon in Mkputu clan of Owerezukala village in Orumba south local government area of Anambra state. It's was the 26th day in December of that year, we were sitted on the balcony enjoying nature blessings ;from the different beautiful songs of the birds to the wonderful palm trees land scape, the hills, oh what a wonderful scenery it was. And most of all we were enjoying this with some kegs of fresh palm wine and bush meat from mkpurunma.

Amidst us was Daniel, a young man who was concerned and uncertain of his future and confused about which direction to take with his life. He sat quietly, watching squirrels stamper among the trees. He drew our attention to a squirrel that suddenly jumped from one high tree to another, aiming for a limb so far out of reach that the leap looked like sheer suicide.

Though the squirrel missed it's mark, it landed safely and seemingly unconcerned, on a branch several feet below. The squirrel then scampered upward to its original goal, and all was well.
"Funny thing" remarked an old man who was sitting by our side. "I' ve seen hundreds of them jump like that, a lot of  them miss, but I've never seen any hurting trying". Then the old man chuckled and added, "I guess they've got to risk something if they don't want to spend their lives in just one tree".
Daniel thought to himself aloud, "a squirrel takes a chance - have less nerve than a squirrel?"  Grabing a cup, he filled  it with palm wine, the same(palm wine) he refused drinking awhile ago and after some gulp, he told us that he has made up his mind to take the risk he has been considering and sure enough ;when we met a year later, he landed safer and higher than he had dared to imagine.

Break through confusion by taking a bold leap of faith .  As you take that risk today, pray, believe, persevere, have faith and I assure you that you'll be a trail blazer Cheers!

NEVER GIVE UP, NO MATTER THE OBSTACLES!

NEVER GIVE UP ON ANYTHING NO MATTER THE OBSTACLES!

It's madness to hate roses because you got scratched by one thorn. It's just not right to give up on your dreams and aspirations because of the obstacles and challenges you going through. Remember that if you are trying to achieve in life, there will be roadblocks. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb, go through or walk around it. NEVER GIVE UP ON ANYTHING, ALWAYS DETERMINE TO FIGHT TO THE END.

Obstacles/challenges /troubles are often tools by which God fashions us for better things. Difficulties are meant to rouse not to discourage. Challenges are what makes life interesting ; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. No wonder, B. C FORBES  wrote "History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to get discouraged by their defeats".Finally  folks , believe in yourself and all that you are and know that there is no obstacle that can defeat you! Cheers. 

ASPIRATION

There's still room for the high adventure of attempting the impossible, what you need is Aspiration. Without it, seas would never have been crossed, poles ascended, instead of braving the upper air on the wings of the wind, man would still be creeping among the brutes that perish. Through aspiration, mountains were surveyed, islands discovered and valleys explored. Every researcher has a marked quality of it in his system. Nor was is not the spectacle through which the past heroes viewed their services for their father land?

In many great cases;the untiring effort of the Allied nations, the heroic services of athletes, the going of divers into the bottom of the sea and the ascension of astronauts to the moon, the search for knowledge by scientists in the tropical forest to the Greenland are unique efforts of men on whom aspiration had prevailed.
A man of aspiration is quite insatiable of his present achievement. He works his hands to the bone. His philosophy isn't equality with anybody but blazing the tray for everyone. A man full of aspiration sees beyond his microscopic environment. His optimization for his course of choice can no mortal man ward off. His motto is that of Oliver Goldsmith-"where determination is predominant, failure cannot dismantle the flag if success ". He says to those who praise themselves " if what you did yesterday is yet big before you, you haven't done anything today ".

Be a man of vision, be an epitome of selfless ambition, have aspiration  for your discipline or any other you love. Single yourself out of the multitude and try to make a remarkable grade in your course of choice. By this, you can become somebody for your family, community, city, state, nation and the world and successfully retain the divine service which you're relentlessly labored for, in the proper perspective, leaving a mark in the annals of history.

IF YOU WERE GLENN CUNNINGHAM.....?

The little country schoolhouse was heated by an old-fashioned, pot-
bellied coal stove. A eight-year-old boy named Glenn Cunningham
had the job of coming to school early each day so that he could use
kerosene to start the fire and warm the room before his teacher and
his classmates arrived. One cold morning someone mistakenly filled
the kerosene container he used with gasoline, and disaster struck.
The class and teacher arrived to find the schoolhouse engulfed in
flames. Terrified on realizing that Glenn was inside, they rushed in
and managed to drag the unconscious little boy out of the flaming
building more dead than alive. He had major burns over the lower
half of his body and was taken to a nearby county hospital.
From his bed, the dreadfully burned, semi-conscious little boy faintly
heard the doctor talking to his mother. The doctor told his mother
that her son would surely die – which was for the best, really – for
the terrible fire had devastated the lower half of his body.
But the brave boy didn't want to die. Glenn made up his mind that
he would survive. And somehow, to the amazement of the physician,
he did survive. Yet when the mortal danger was past, he again heard
the doctor and his mother speaking quietly. The mother was told
that since the fire had destroyed so much flesh in the lower part of
his body, it would almost be better if he had died, since he was
doomed to be a lifetime cripple with no use at all of his lower
limbs. His mother refused to let the doctors amputate.
Once more this brave little boy made up his mind. He would not be
a cripple. He would walk. But unfortunately from the waist down,
Glenn had no motor ability. His thin, scarred legs just dangled there,
all but lifeless.
Ultimately Glenn was released from the hospital. Every day
afterward his mother and father would massage his little legs, but
there was no feeling, no control, nothing. Yet his determination that
he would walk was as strong as ever.
When he wasn't in bed, he was confined to a wheelchair. One sunny
day his mother wheeled him out into the yard to get some fresh air.
This day, instead of sitting there, he threw himself from the chair.
Glenn pulled himself across the grass, dragging his legs behind him.
He worked his way to the white picket fence bordering their lot. With
great effort, he raised himself up on the fence. Then, stake by
stake, he began dragging himself along the fence, resolved that he
would walk. He started to do this every day until he wore a smooth
path all around the yard beside the fence. There was nothing he
wanted more than to develop life in those legs.
Ultimately through his daily massages, Glenn's iron persistence and
his resolute determination, he did develop the ability first to stand
up, then to walk haltingly with help, then to walk by himself – and
then miraculously – to run.
Glenn began to run to school. He ran for the sheer joy of running
and being able to run. He ran everywhere that he could. The people
in his town would often see him run by on his way to who knows
where and smile. Later in college Glenn made the track team where
his tremendous determination paid off. He eventually received the
nickname the "Kansas Flyer."
In February 1934, in New York City's famed Madison Square
Garden, this young man who was not expected to survive, who
would surely never walk, who could never hope to run – this
determined young man, Dr. Glenn Cunningham, ran the mile in four
minutes and eight seconds, the world's fastest indoor mile! Later
that same year in a prestigious outdoor track meet, he shaved
another second off his record to run the world's fastest mile to that
time . if you were  Dr. Cunningham would you have accepted the doctors verdict?

NOBODY IS WELL QUALIFIED TO DETERMINE YOUR FUTURE. YOUR FUTURE IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT. THE KEY IS IN YOUR HANDS. USE IT. Now that you know.... 

KNOWLEDGE & WISDOM

Knowledge
Smart people are full of knowledge. Knowledge is the
accumulation of facts. It empowers you to make educated
decisions about rational questions. It is gained through
experience, reading, listening and doing. Knowledge is
possible regardless of your age or experience level.
Wisdom
“Wisdom is the faculty of making the use of knowledge, a
combination of discernment, judgement, sagacity and
similar powers. If knowledge is the accumulation of facts
and intelligence the development of reason, wisdom is
emotional and spiritual discernment. More than knowledge,
it is the right application of knowledge in moral and
spiritual matters, in handling dilemmas, in negotiating
complex relationships. Wisdom is nine-tenths a matter of
being wise in time. Most of us are often too wise after the
event! It is insight into the heart of the matter.” Wise
people see beyond the facts and figures. They avoid
problems before they occur. Wisdom is gained through
experience, patience and listening.
It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes .
Do you agree?
One of my favorite quotes I’ve recently heard is this:
Smart people learn from their mistakes. Wise people
learn from the mistakes of others.
So which one are you? Are you the journeyman who has to
experience everything to learn or do you learn by the
actions of others? It’s often assumed that wisdom is a trait
reserved for the older wise man who sits in a chair of
power imparting his guidance. However, I have come to
believe that wisdom is available to anyone willing to
humble themselves enough to learn from the mistakes of
others. Rather than having to do things “their way,” wise
people follow the example of men greater than themselves... Cheers!

HAVING ONLY POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS!

Over time I have discovered there is no absolute finish line for everyone in the race of life. Our tracks are different and our durations are different. The only thing we have in common is the same empire. For instance, one person graduates @ age 20 and struggles for another 5 years to get a job, another might graduate @ 25 and get a job immediately. One can marry a virgin and wait for the next decade to have the blessings of children, another lady probably after having series of abortions in her past, becomes a mother almost immediately after marriage. A fellow becomes MD @ 38 and dies @ 56, another becomes MD @ 55 and lives to 90. What a life! Life is full of twists, turns, ups and downs and many more surprises and disappointments. Life offers each one of us different opportunities and once an opportunity is lost, it's gone forever except by the grace of God. It is up to each one of us to patiently prepare, wait, recognise and utilise every opportunity. We learn on the way. No one knows it all or has it better. There is a reason why we all don't fall @ the same time. It's so that when one is down, weak and discouraged, the other who is strong, can encourage and lift the other person. God never promise that the road would be easy but he promised never to leave nor forsake us. Although life is a competition, let us learn to go easy on ourselves and trust that God is working it all out for good (even if it doesn't make sense now). I know that there is a time for everything but most importantly that "  it will come to pass ". Whatever trials, challenges or down time , this too shall pass and in due course, u will be up and strong again to lift up those who maybe down around u......NEVER LOSE HOPE...cheers!