BLOOM AND GROW

We should be concerned about our world. As Chimamanda Adichie alluded in her 2019 commencement speech at the American University (AU), we should try to change a tiny bit of our world.  We don't realize that when we choose to do this, we are indirectly making efforts to improve our lives.  When this subject of "changing our world" comes up, we are quick to think this means we should go green or save the endangered animals. However, let's remember that our world is also about humans and our social-cultural exchanges.  So, below I share my take on four very important points  on changing the world, raised by Adichie in that speech  ,  1. DO SOMETHING "Do something is to try", says Adichie. In my opinion, to do something to look at your immediate environment and take an action that improves the lives of those around you.  It is to give some of your money to deserving charities.  It is to give some of your time to helping others.

  photo credit: Instagram: @opeyemii_ 1.   You have time to self reflect Time for personal reflection is very important. That is, you actively take stock of your goals and decide the next steps to take in order to push yourself forward.  Having time for yourself also means being disciplined about your goals.  2.  You have a positive mental picture of your future. You know you are going to make it in life. At the moment, you may be far away from your goals, but you know it’s going to be OK eventually. Your perception of your future will influence the choices you make in the present.  3. You have the right value system . Honesty, trust, integrity, fairness, kindness, and tolerance are a few of the values you hold with high regard. There is a direct correlation between your value system and the choices you make.  You can’t just say you act with integrity when your actions say otherwise. Again, your choices have to align with your values otherwise, you will start to feel li

1. Your life’s purpose is to create more meaning in life. That meaning is found through the work you do.  Opinions may differ on this but I know that your purpose is basically that activity that completes you. For me, I am certain that I am here to write.  Period. And your work is usually as simple as that. I have a job; a 9-5 which I am happy about but I am a writer at heart, so I write. 2. I like Maya Angelou’s point of view on living a legacy. According to Maya, "your legacy is in every life you touch." 3. Happiness is not your life’s purpose. I am learning that happiness should not be the main pursuit. We should not chase happiness like nothing else matters. What about fulfillment? What about leaving a legacy?  I am not saying that depression and anxiety should be the preferred state of mind. What I am saying is that there will be times when you will feel less than 100 percent. Just know that there is nothing wrong with you. We all have our moments. 4.   The