The copy cannot be the original...

Many a people that became them through you, and the ones you're seeking to polish or introduce to a life that they never knew existed will someday lose grip with reality. They'll exaggerate the estimate of their splendour and go overboard with their you-given living. They'll occasionally act against you, and taunt you like you're now the newbie and they the knowbies.

I know these things, and I know it hurts to be an object of it. But the way I see it, the ones like that have always had envious feelings for you, perhaps just on a low-key at the time. But it's a good thing that their masks are falling off their faces and you're able to see your worth in their desire to be you. So relax in knowing that the copy will always be cheaper than the original.

Committing responsibility to others is not cool...

Helping out, showing empathy for others, recognising feelings, or being promotive of any good cause is a noble thing. I mean even as seemingly futile as posting a very miserable picture on here and asking people not to scroll without sharing or typing ‘Amen’ - from when it's genuine and done for the greater good, I respect that. However, if your track record as far as caring is concerned is as good as zero-over-hundred, don't commit responsibility to others.

Once a friend came to me for some cash that I had, but because my internal state of being was out of network at the time, an unusually stingy part of me said to him: "I am broke star! But check on our friend [name withheld]; I don't know where he hit the jackpot but he's moneyed these days." Apparently, that friend was his first point of call; he was just redirected to me same way.

So rather than doing what we could, we were conveniently passing the baton of responsibility to one another, either attempting to shift blame, or just concealing our want of doing what we could've done. So if you can, do it. If what's asked for is too much to shoulder, just chip in, because more than occasionally, when someone tells you to help him with something to fix something, he's told another, and another, and another; by the time you know it, he's amassed a fortune at your collective expense.

When you amount to something.... the consequence!

If your name and worth are such that you don't have to be present or be introduced for people to know that you exist, brace up! A lot of opinions will be formed about you without any knowledge of the facts about you. But that's why they call it opinion and not definition.

Some people will sketch your character like they raised you, just to feign how close they're to you, or how deep they know you. Trying to vindicate your honour is a waste of time - only a few will listen. Allow the tumult to take its course, knowing that all what the truth needs is a lil bit of time to take its toll - not your defense.

To keep up...

Succeeding in what you do and to be at the top of your game is one thing, it's another to remain there. In fact, it takes double the dedication and character you put in to get there. Even if a fluke is what you think yours is, you can make it last by not choosing to fall asleep at the wheel, and by not allowing it to get to your head.

But then, there's this school of thought that believes that you don't change because of what you've become. Instead, what you've become only reveals who you really are. I heard one Galsen rapper say: "yaroo ndik yorroh" - meaning: not all who appear good mannered or modest are really so; he believes that some are because they aren't well-heeled, or have nothing to boast about yet, and I find that interesting.

Success attracts success, and failure...

Success attracts success - that's the claim. But then, from when you're comfortably circumstanced, don't lose sight of the fact that success can also attract failure. Remember, physics 101: 'A positively charged object will attract a negatively charged object.'

In the case of success, the negatives are leeches, b'tches, and snitches, and people who'll crack jokes around you, bring damning information about others to you, massage your ego with insincere approvals, just to get close to you, and to win your favour, or worst case cause you to fall after everything you did for them.

Be objective...

I don't think any sensible person will get worked up for being told his or her wrongs, if the person is wrong that is. But you don't also expect someone to be friendly if you always seem to find fault with his or her way of doing things, and invariably stopping short of showing him or her a better way; that's not constructive, it's detractive.

You don't just have to like something just because it's done by someone you like. When it sucks, it sucks, but if it's great, it's great; don't allow your dislike towards the doer or the agent to cloud your judgment. I know it's not easy to see a secret nemesis thriving, but really, if the accomplishment is deserved, be objective. In fact, as believers, we are told not to let our dislike of a people to incite us to act inequitably.

Some humour...

So this kid is so academically immobilised that the second to last position in class was his exclusive possession. Once he came home with his report card and this time he took last. His mom asked: "Ah, boy, why is this drop in position?" In his defence, he said: "It's not my fault mom; the one who used to take last was sick and so he didn't take the exam."

Understanding...

Coming on social media to communicate in such a way that your thoughts or ideas wouldn't be misinterpreted by anyone is almost impossible. But you can be reckful and give misreadings as little room as possible.

When you read too, it's natural to relate to certain things, or to tend to reason the communicator into what was in fact not his or her state of reasoning. The ideal assumption to make is to assume that your assumption could be wrong.

It's amazing how much one can impart to the other as well as learn from another if one seeks to understand the other.

Risk taking...

Sometimes you have to give away to gain something better, or let go to avoid an even greater loss; call it sacrifice. But you cannot call your act a sacrifice or risk taking if you're waiting for absolute assurance, if you're always looking for a means of indemnity against loss. You must have the courage to lose sight of what's at stake.

Mark Zuckerberg is said to have once told a group of young entrepreneurs that “in a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”

But just in case you want to risk it halfway like Zuckerberg, remember this: if you know you wouldn't be able to do it without studying it, and you know you're academically intelligent, go for it, because what went well for the goose may not go well for the gander, and knowing that a degree is a surer and more secure path to modern day success.

Just an observation...

Ask the average employee about his constraints at work and he will say "capacity building," and by that he's talking about attending another graduate or professional school to earn multiple degrees, even if unrelated to his career path, so long as he can be afforded the prestige that comes with saying "I have it," and be given a platform to do no different from what he had been doing before his extra degree, like attending meetings just to agree to disagree on replacing the word "key" with "core."

Gone is that ancient Rome era where common sense used to be a monopoly, where no matter how spontaneous and sensible the common man was, he would prefer to be seen and not heard lest he be asked with what authority does he speak. To intelligent civilisation, capacity development responses are relative, to include anything you do to strengthen your knowledge, enhance your skills, and experience, primarily to achieve your development objectives over time. You don't have to be Dr. Sainbhy to do that; sometimes all you need is the will and an unfettered mind.

I understand that Dr. has a total of 35 degrees to his credit, holding 15 masters degrees, five post-graduate diplomas, a bachelor of law, and numerous other bachelor’s degrees and certificates. First time I saw this I was like, he better be the most productive too, but I figured his is a hobby to keep collecting degrees for as long as he’s able to attend classes, not necessarily what he needs to promote the growth of those around him.

For the record, I am not opposed to education. I am a student of knowledge myself and I love it. But in my opinion, you don't have to be caused to memorise "twinkle twinkle little star," or know how "polly put the kettle on," or be certificated in it to be educated. Education is just access to information, and school is one dedicated source that provides such access, not the only source to knowledge and information.

Misplaced rage... so uncool!

When a certain annoying situation is because of your arrogance, or indifference to the consequences of the poor choices you make, it'll be very unnatural to not to feel sorry about what you did or didn't do; just don't beat yourself up over it like you're incapable of error.

But if you must put an address to your emotions about it, make sure they're bound for where they actually belong. Kicking the innocent dog for it is so misplaced, and it isn't gonna help you, the frustrating situation, or the dog. I will suggest you develop reason; it's a great virtue.

The impression your dp sends can be a lasting thing...

I don't know jack about quantum mechanics, or electromagnetic field theory, but I sure know how to connect dots, and what intolerance smells like. So IMHO, half the criticisms on here about girls using mobile photography to do their photos up are derisive and intolerant, especially when we all use one of those.

In fact, I don't get it! With all of today's absolutely free selfie-camera apps, sent from heaven to make everyone look so radiant regardless, you upload a profile pic or dp, looking like you're ecologically disappointed? That kinda bizzare naturality is uncalled for. Well, except if you're an adherent to a fatwa that proscribes it.

If you're not photogenic, don't despair; take twenty-ten shots and choose one; if The One sucks, use the filters, that's what they're meant for. Truth is, human beings are visual creatures, so it shouldn't hurt to make use of this contemporary miracle and make your first social media impression count; it can influence a lot, and in knowing that you may not get a second chance.

You can't cheat fate....

I took close to a decade off from my academic prime and dedicated it all to the game of basketball, but I couldn't turn pro, because my part was to decide and to strive to excel. It takes fate to make it happen, and that lies in the hands of God. Do I regret (mis)directing my efforts to what was never meant to be?

No, because whether I accept it or not, destiny wouldn't give a rat's ass. So I chose to appreciate that no matter how good I thought I was, how hard I thought I had worked to earn a spot, and how much I hated to luck things through, the fulfillment of my will and of things I work for will always be at the mercy of a Higher Will, a better Will.

Will you tell?

When circumstances overpower you to look into something on someone you wouldn't want to find anything on, and you (un)fortunately found something you weren't looking for, something so damning that if told, could breach that thing that made you not to want to find anything on that someone.

Then comes the awkward, perhaps interesting moment when you gotta decide whether to want to tell, or to have to tell, or just call it a secret like everyone has one, and I pray you don't have to tell because it hurts to rat out or humiliate someone that close, especially when avoidable, and in knowing that not telling doesn't always mean you can't... I'm not saying you should lie; what I'm implying is, who doesn't let go for the benefit of more than just oneself?

Boss or Bossy?

When someone undergoes an undesirable event, such as a demotion, or is stripped of authority, and those with whom he works celebrate; you and I will be like: what the hell; this guy's a hard worker?

Fair concern, because that's as far as we were made to see, but was his for the benefit of those close to him is for the colleagues and associates to answer. Usually, their reaction is not necessarily what he was able to accomplish, but his callous disregard for their feelings while at it.

So, if you're named boss because you're the person in charge, or you're just someone entrusted with the task of overseeing the work of a person or group of people, read and learn: it's to your favour to understand that there's a thin line between being result oriented and being overbearing, and to understand that no matter the pretext of trueness around you, nobody likes someone whose interest is totally void of the feelings around him.

In case you're like that...

Aniekee Tochukwu EzekielIn believes that "in the world of dogma, you become free the day you decide to go to hell.”

Well, figurative or literal, I have not decided that yet, but unless you're in some powersharing deal with God as lawgiver and judge, or as saviour or condemner, I cannot be bothered by you who constantly bring hell into our conversations, making it feel like I am already condemned and you saved. If that makes me a kufr, see you in hell. Happy Friday still!

There's a time compete and a time to collaborate...

Anyone can part with anyone and do just fine; it's as easy as screwing in the bulb and flipping the switch. As a matter of fact, we all have our I-am-happier-getting-along-with-myself moments.

But in the real world where ideas are the thing, you must emancipate yourself from vain pride and collaborate; build relationships of mutual trust and respect with others; it can be a useful part of your creative process. See how stars who do their productions and creations by collaborating with stars beyond borders blossom like their talents are on steroids.

Just dream again...

Do you sometimes wish you can go back to when peer pressure caused you to succumb to what you today see as very extreme foolish behaviours? I know; I have also been around the block a few times and I do that all the time.

Truth is, you cannot go back, but you can make up for it by dreaming again like there's never a road without a turning; you can reverse your direction and retrace your steps, that's what dreamers do, they don't stop dreaming.

From once you develop that dream-again mentality, no mood of despair fashioned against you shall prosper. So it's your call to not only have a fully funded 'I will rise' fund, but to make sure you use it.

The manager...

If your job is to manage others, it's natural for them to expect more from you, and to look to you as someone who will always do it better.

I am not asking you to do the impossible, but know that you'll be lowering morales, and more than likely kissing goodwill goodbye if you're too quick to declare a situation as one bound to end in failure simply because you're stuck.

Sometimes when a thing seems to be a no-win, think like that's what you're paid to do; rewrite the rules if you have to; that's what smart people do. At least that's what I will do, but that's perhaps an ego trip.

People are different...

Not everyone is high-key; some people just prefer to stay discreet, y'know, very low-key. Their privacy is a sanctuary, sort of. So, just because they won't label (theirs) with a hashtag, like it's not uncommon on here doesn't mean they have no stake in what's trending, or have no interest in the things they're privy to.

Most of them just prefer to let others to sit in judgment about them by the facts and not just claims. I know folks who posting stuff on social media is not their thing; they come here to see waguan and read stuff on their timelines. No matter how inspired or wowed they get, they won't react. I'm not sure if that's a good thing but my point is, people are different.

Rules...

Sometimes you wonder what good is it to you knowing the rules, if the rules you know won't matter when you need them. You wonder if rules are always rules, if an infraction or a failure to follow the rule is frowned at only when the person at fault is someone you find abrasively displeasing.

I know that feeling where you're right and treated like you're very wrong, like Ayman al-Zawahiri before a US judge; it's annoying.

But no matter how reduced your morale is caused to be, it's always a great thing to be thorough, to know the rules of your game, and to play your part by it like a pro, knowing that nothing comes in handier than knowledge of the rules. It could be your cover if you decide to kick some ass... Happy Tobaski still!

Your circle keep matters...

If you're ingenious in business and you know it, or engaged in an enterprise that has traits in common to, or better than what others are doing somewhere, and theirs seem to be faring way better than yours in every aspect, check where you're; revisit your circle. It's not always a case of tough luck. Sometimes the success of what you do depends on the solidity of the links or connections at your disposal.

If the company you keep is one of envy, joy killing, naysaying, negative influence over the choices you make, and you don't want out, forget about growing, because progress within a circle that causes you to downgrade your dreams is a wild goose chase, especially one that limits your ideas towards the direction of everyone else's directionless thoughts. Such a circle will kill your goose just so she won't lay that golden egg.

Your circle keep matters...

If you're ingenious in business and you know it, or engaged in an enterprise that has traits in common to, or better than what others are doing somewhere, and theirs seem to be faring way better than yours in every aspect, check where you're; revisit your circle. It's not always a case of tough luck, sometimes the success of what you do depends on the solidity of the connection or links at your disposal.

If the company you keep is one of envy, joy killing, naysaying, negative influence over the choices you make, and you don't want out, forget about growing, because progress within a circle that causes you to downgrade your dreams is a wild goose chase, especially one that limits your ideas towards the direction of everyone else's directionless thoughts. Such a circle will kill your goose just so she won't lay that golden egg.

Pray, it's Arafah...

God bless all those who get things done, and those wishing to, and damn anyone who serves to deter. May all detractors be put out of favour and their evil incapacitated. May we be able to conquer fuckery, see right as right, and wrong as wrong, even if we are disadvantaged by it. May we love for as well as dislike in ourselves what we love for or dislike in others, and not be selfish as to not being able to prevent the wrongs that do not directly affect our person.

Ameen!

Knowing changes everything....

So thanks to the viral announcement on here, I am now in the know that fasting on the day of Arafah is sunnah, and an expiation for two years. Considering the many petty misdeeds I indulged in, and not so proud of, I cannot say I didn't know I could wipe them clean.

It feels like the Eskimo hunter who asked the local priest whether he would go to hell if he did not know about God and sin... and the priest answered, saying: "no, not if you did not know." He asked again, and very earnestly: "then why did you tell me?"

Good question, because knowing will beset him with adherence.

Social media...

Social media is really an emotional roller-coaster. Sometimes you login and see fun things, interesting things, inspiring things - you know, things that will make you sit back and say wow, amazing!

Other times, you read some statuse updates or click on some shared link and regret why you did it. You either get so pissed off, or so sad, wondering what lies in the heart of some people.

Man, whole heap ah bad vibes and sad stories. But like I-Octane and Ky-Mani, ah yah mi deh. Mi just haffi put on mi shades of positivity, strength, and dignity, and let di stinking vibes gweh.

Rule of engagement:

Don't write a cheque if your ass can't cash it. For instance, if you find yourself engaging the attention of a high-maintenence customer service assistant, don't act all cute thinking she'll if you ask her out. It's her job to be nice on behalf of the company.

But if you must hit on her, be my guest. Just don't discount the possibility of bouncing out like a bounced cheque, or feeling gutted like a reject that you aren't, and that is if she doesn't screw you over, give you hope, and then rip it away like 'sobukay paraarch!'

Mood...

When someone who used to be so nice now appears to be abnormally sensitive, or almost continuously offended, like why the hell can't he just lighten the 'eff up, don't pass judgement unless he lays his heart open to you; unless you can see his demons, or the battles he's fighting. Understand that even the coolest of people have their bullshit tolerance limits, and the strongest their moments of fatigue.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Timing...

When you're doing the right thing at the wrong time, the lack of delicacy thereof may make it feel all wrong. This is why when someone with the right timing does exactly the same thing and everyone else's like: wow, this is what we have been waiting for, you question how folks assign recognition.

If you ask me, it may not necessarily be about you. Perhaps you only needed to wait on the right time to act. So take your time and don't make it look as if you were dragged unwillingly to it. Anna Wintour is credited with saying that: "it’s always about timing. If it’s too soon, no one understands. If it’s too late, everyone’s forgotten."

Olof Njie neh:

YaAllah sunu borom bindul kum dul reye, wye bindana nyum dul toroxal. Ku bindu ni tama nak, nyu tegga la ni tama.

Whosoever God puts into existence must undergo death, but there are those He will never cause to be humiliated. Notwithstanding, if you surrender your birthright, take foolishness for humility, or choose to be shaped like a talking-drum, you'll be beaten like one; no ifs or buts about that.

If you're too selfish, try me...

Ask my dawg Spoonhead. If you show me that you'll always put your interest above mine anytime, be sooo, so worried, because no matter how long it takes, I'll get you, and I'm gonna put mine back up, and I will press yours sooo, so hard that it'll hurt sooo, so badly.

That's how much I hate selfishness, and after all, serving one’s self-interest as the standard for every decision you make is a skill that anyone can master, especially if you're not looking forward to being a martyr to bygones.

When a blessing becomes a curse, rant.

It's official - I'm not gonna use this godforsaken car anymore. I am so bloody tired of sharing money that I obtained with a great deal of tolerance for bullshits with mechanics. So if you see me arduously trekking the streets of Serrekunda with my backpack and umbrella, don't ask: "boy ana motor bi?" I'm usually so sarcastic when irritated, and I have a way with retorts too.

Mtcheew!

I'm so done with driving a car feeling restless rather than comfortable that I'm free from having to hassle for a cab. Once an idren told me: before taking someone to the Obeah-man to cause his downfall, give him a bad car for a gift and watch him bleed dry, and he's right - I'm not ready to deal with that shit. And I didn't do this post for a pity party; I needed to get shit off my chest; I find rants like this so therapeutic.

Need is reciprocal...

When God gives you what He doesn't give to others, share with them, knowing that He has given to others what you lack, and need is a two-way traffic. In fact, I don’t think anyone can be independent to the full degree.

No matter your state of independence, you'll always be in dependence. Perhaps the depth of dependence is what we differ in. Those of moral eminence are those whose dependence doesn't subject them to servile flattery, constant bias and influence; may we be from those.

The evil known isn't necessarily worse than the evil unknown..

Before deciding on your target of outrage or disgust, remember this:

Not all who was for a single instance caught red-handed is as bad as you think, and just because someone isn't caught in the act yet doesn't mean the person is as immaculate as I was at twelve.

In other words, there are low-key perverts, subtle whores, hidden junkies and thieves within the criminal underworld that we don't know yet, or are perhaps too invulnerable to exposure. Yalna sutura yaaga rek, and do have a great week ahead.

Success and criticisms...

Youssou N'dour and Michael Jordan will remain constant in greatness and success; you know why? Their control over their emotions and actions when criticised is amazing, especially knowing how critics will always find something to say.

Youssou believes that one should try to rid his mind of baseless criticisms, because they're dissuasive (bullen falleh denj la tarrdel). He said he prefers the short-grain rice (chep bu sehw) to bickering (wakh bu sehw). MJ on the other hand is busy being his own critic; naturally having no time to argue or dismiss what's being said about him.

That's what's up - from when the standards you set for yourself are higher than the standards set for you by rat-asses, you wouldn't give a rat's ass about the rat-assery of the rat-ass. But if you know you're going to display an inordinate sensitivity to what others say about you, be nobody, say nothing, do nothing, and stand for nothing; it's that simple!

He's educated, just differently...

I know a kid who growing up was the smartest I have ever seen. He reads everything he finds readable, and whatever he reads, he understands, and once he understands, he doesn't forget. Survival knocked him into a different lifestyle. But when he realised he wasn't being fair to his gift, he wanted out, get a decent job and lead a better life, but the system won't just allow him.

Dude's hardcore autoditact, consumes knowledge like he consumes weed. Anyone he interacts with is always wowed by what he can do, but he can't get hired because a degree is a requirement he doesn't have. If he could/should he would've gone to college just to get it over with, but his ego wouldn't let him waste that much time and money that he doesn't have.

So here's what he did: because he knows they know what he knows, and what he could know if he wants to, he took advantage of it, read rule books, regulations and manuals of companies that wouldn't hire him, draws their attention to loopholes that he could patch or write for them. Now he earns a living by being consulted for help like that; a ghost consultant sort of.

And you wonder why the disconnect?

But even if God Himself should come down and say: here people, take this and divide it equally between yourselves, there will be some who will reject their share NOT only for not having more, but for not having more than everyone else.

Some will keep theirs and try to negotiate the rest. Funny enough, there will be fools amongst the lot who'll gladly surrender theirs, and before long, the surrenderees will start to walk all over the surrenderers, making them scapegoats, and treating them like who the hell do you expect to respect a doormat?

Same is boring...

As human beings, we do not have to think, love, or see things alike to coexist, because even if not impossible, it will be so boring to tune in to the same carrier wave all the time, as whatever it is, and no matter how interesting, the thing will become so tired through overuse. If you ask me, the goal is to function in harmony without prejudice to our different likings and mental tendencies.

Smart folks..

If your dream is to make a living by making someone else's dreams, go for it. If the benefit you receive in addition to the normal benefits of holding your job, a raise, or a promotion makes you so happy, or is the standard by which you measure success, salam! Me, the fact that I am providing labour to another person for a salary makes me feel unsmart. But that's just me.

In my opinion, smart people don't wait to be employed, they create it; they go against the odds, break out of deep dependence to make new identities for themselves. They hardly indulge gossips or seek advantage at the expense of colleagues or the greater good. They are busy networking: interacting with like-minded people, getting new ideas and contacts, bargaining and negotiating business deals.

Confusion...

About events of this day and age, if you're confused, keep calm and know that you're not alone. Everyone is just as confused as everyone else. I think those who are good at seeming less confused are because we expect them to know, and since they don't want to dilute that perceived image, they play along, knowing none dares drop the 'whoa' or 'WTF!' tone on them.

This is why you see folks commenting on here and writing like it's a toddler messing with their keyboards, still thinking they're suitable and their opinions relevant; like the confused confusing the confused by attempting to convince them that he knows. If you're hardcore-confused, you tend to get so desperate that you can't but wish to do, think, and see what he wants you to... but maybe I'm just still confused.

Does stupid exist?

Albert Einstein is credited with saying that "everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

I remember when I used to come home disgusted by what I believe to be inexcusable ignorance or stupidity, mom will admonish me to stop judging everyone by my own standards. She said I will forever be defeated of my expectations if I should keep expecting everyone to think, see, or feel the way I do, because people are different, with different backgrounds, beliefs, and upbringing. To her, everyone's intelligent in a different way.

So, you're not stupid just because you're not sufficiently informed, skilled or knowledgeable at one thing. But in case you're being accused of it, don't massage your ego yet; in as much as I want to agree that no one is stupid, I think there are some of us who do not know what to do with our intelligence, and that misfortune is not unlike stupidity.