IT IS NOT BY FORCE!

“A man who uses force is afraid of reasoning” (Kenya)

Force is the process of using violent physical action to obtain or achieve something while reasoning is the process of thinking about things in a logical way before reacting; opinions, ideas that are based on logical thinking.

Our ancestors believe that the best way to deal or relate with other people is not by force but by reasoning. Those who rely on obtaining things by force usually fail to consider viewing things from the perspective of the people/person that they relate with. In most cases, things that are acquired by force are against the fundamental human right; hence the process of acquiring it becomes unlawful.

It takes a mature mind to be rational. Reasoning commands more respect and accolade than force. Life is better lived when people consider things from different perspectives before taking vital decisions. Instead of also considering viewing life from the lenses of others, many feeble men choose to be sentimental by doing things their way, regardless of other people’s consent.

As from today, learn not to force your way to stardom, fame, wealth, power, position, marriage, success and any other things in life. If you truly want it and you think you deserve it, let it come naturally by reasoning. Don’t be a coward! Don’t force it! Let it just flow.

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

ARE THINGS JUST GETTING EASIER FOR YOU?

“If things are getting easier, maybe you are headed downhill” (Ghana)

In the field of science, we understand that light comes as a result of connection between a positive force and negative force – such is life. Life isn’t fair at all, it is a combination of positive and negative forces.

You won’t appreciate beauty if you have never encountered ugliness, you won’t pray for riches if you had never experienced poverty; you can’t appreciate your creator for the gift of life if there is nothing like death. The juice of life is fully enjoyed when the opposing forces are richly blended.

Our ancestors believe that when things continuously get rosy for an individual, it is either the person is going downhill or nowhere at all. There is no progress without challenges; without challenges there won’t be a change.

As you progress in your pursuit for success in the journey of life, always check and observe the challenges at each stage, try hard to fight them till you get to the next stage. Welcome challenges, it is natural for them to come.

At any point in your life, if everything just suddenly becomes too easy for you, come on! Wake up! It’s either you are dreaming or lost in fantasy. May your road be rough!

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

HOW DO YOU GREET?

“Greet everyone cordially when you don’t know who your in-laws are going to be” (Madagascar)

Greeting is an integral part of the African culture. It is our beauty, identity and heritage. As Africans, we believe that greeting doesn’t diminish your status or make people disrespect you. No matter how you demonstrate (either by kneeling or prostrating) while you greet, people around you would appreciate and respect you for your humility.

However, it is observed that some people choose to greet people based on their mood or personal perspectives relating to the people they greet. So they end up greeting some people genuinely while they either greet some other people sluggishly or they don’t greet at all.

Our ancestors believe that greetings should be expressed cordially. In life there are no permanent friends and there are no permanent enemies. Your close friend today may soon become your chief enemy while your enemy today may be your guiding angel tomorrow.

Instead of relating anyhow to people around you because of their status today, why not think about tomorrow. Change is constant to life; things, people, priorities and policies change every day. Always ensure that you maintain cordial relationship with the people that nature brings around you;  you may need them someday. Try to understand that as human, we all have our differences, take time to relate with people based on your understanding of their peculiarity.

When last did you cheerfully greet your driver, gate man, cleaner, maid, cook or those who work for you? As from today, learn to greet everyone cordially because you don’t know who your in-laws are going to be.

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

LET THERE BE LIGHT!

“When light enters the house, darkness removes itself” (Nigerian/Yoruba proverb)

Light and darkness are opposite forces. In the heart of darkness, there are cluelessness, gloom, misfortune, evil and hopelessness. Light, on the other hand illuminates and restores the hope lost in darkness.

Our ancestors expect us to always embrace light so as to be enlightened. We are also expected to serve as light in our neighbourhood, community, society, office and wherever we find ourselves.

Your presence as an individual is expected to brighten the lives of those who are around you. Always attract people and things that would illuminate and brighten your life; the more you walk in the path of light, the brighter you are.

However, there are some people, ideas, beliefs, rituals and lifestyle that may deem your light till it fades off. Never walk in the path of darkness because you may soon fall into a pit. Stay away from anyone or anything that doesn’t or won’t make your light shine. As from this week, start showing the world that you’ve got the light. Let there be light!

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

WAIT FOR SOME MINUTES!

“The greatest remedy for anger is delay” (Kiswahili proverb)

Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure, hostility or antagonism towards someone or something, usually combined with urge to harm. It is always very difficult to suppress one’s anger especially when it is at its peak.

However, our ancestors believe that of all forms of remedies in controlling anger, the greatest is delay. Before getting engulfed in the raging fire of anger, give yourself some minutes of silence. Instead of talking back, shouting, hitting something/someone or reacting to certain actions when angry, it is better to give yourself a break and walk away to ease the tension.

If only man could learn to delay before diving into the pool of anger, there wouldn’t have been war, riot, terrorism, insurgences, violence, divorce, etc.

When next you feel the urge of anger, consider the words of our ancestors for today. Remember, “the greatest remedy for anger is delay”. May you not wrath in the rage of your anger.

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty! 

HOW FAR?

“Far is where mother is; where there is the woman you love, you will expend all efforts, even to death, to get there". (Zimbabwe-Mozambique-Shona)

When last did you take time to visit your mum, dad, foster parents, siblings or loved ones? In most cases, it is not just enough to call them on phone; you need to pay them a special visit because they truly deserve it.  No matter how far these people are to you now, nothing should hold you back from moving out of your comfort zone to make them happy.

Our ancestors believe that nature usually bestows special blessings on us whenever we spend time with our loved ones. So, despite our busy daily schedule, let’s spare some time to make some people happy. You can’t tell how valuable your visit would be to those who are depressed, in need, in pain, isolated, bereaved, sick, etc.

Remember those who had been with you in the early days of your life; those whose contributions made you who you are today. Remember your critics; reach out to them, remember your junior colleagues, employees or those who render some services to you, show them some love by paying them a visit. Distance shouldn’t be an excuse, just do it with love.

So, who and who are you planning to visit this week? Remember to share your experience with us here. May your days be plenty!

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

FIND IT OUT!

“He who needs a thing has to go and find it” (Ghanaian proverb) 

The world is filled with people who desire and expect people to do things for them. Most of us really wish we could get all what we want without much stress. Only few people are ready to pay the price. Often times, we expect our creator, the government, our religious leaders, teachers, parents, children, colleagues, neighbours or loved ones to provide certain things for us because we feel that we need and deserve those things.

Our ancestors believe that the key to greatness is in your ability to take up responsibility for yourself and going to find whatever you want. No matter how difficult it is to find whatever that you need, you must ensure that you get it.

Instead of thinking about how to persuade other people to help you, why not start thinking and planning on how to do it yourself. Even if people must help, it should be after you have taken the first bold step to doing it yourself.

Nature usually works in favour of the man who knows what he needs and takes the bold step to get it. No matter how long it takes, you can always get whatever you want if you make up your mind to get it. Try this today; get a pen and a piece of paper, write down your basic needs before the end of this year, put it under your pillow, check it every day and never relent until you find them out. Don’t forget to share your experience with the ancestors. May your days be meaningful.

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

WHAT ABOUT YOUR PAST?

“A man can never undo his past. Can zebras wipe away their stripes?” (Namibian Proverb)

You may change the way you look, the place you stay, your friends, what you eat or drink, the way you talk...but you can never change your past. However, your past remains your past, it is not you.

Our ancestors believe that whatever we do today eventually turns out to be our past tomorrow. So, if you choose to be good, invest your time on things that add value to your life and the life of people around you. Keep good friends, help those in need; all these will sum up as your past in future. But if you choose to do otherwise, you will always reap what you sow.

If you had had a terrible past, instead of bothering yourself about erasing your past, why don’t you concentrate on what you do or what you can do presently and stay away from the distractions from your past life. You can always be a better person irrespective of your past. Learn from your past experience; it is always there, teach other people not to fall victim and don’t ever repeat your past mistakes.

As from today, always remember to live a life that is remarkable. Ask yourself how your children, grand children and great grand children would feel when they read/hear that you did what you are doing currently. Do something memorable today, sow a seed, support a project, start something that would positively affect the humanity and make the world a better place to live. Just do something today! May your past never ruin you.

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

THE STOLEN FOOD

“Stolen food never satisfies hunger” (Nigerian/Yoruba Proverb)

The food does not necessarily have to be stolen; even if the money or resources used to acquire the food is stolen, the food eventually becomes a stolen food.

Our ancestors believe that you can never be satisfied if the source of your wealth is through dishonesty or from corrupt practices. No matter how rich, privileged or famous you are today, you will soon face the consequence of nature if your source of riches is illegal. One day, the table will turn and the riches would become wretchedness while the grace behind the fame automatically becomes disgraceful.

Every stolen property, money, food or title (position) that you possess today attracts evil spirit to you and those who presently enjoy with you. This spirit eats deep into you and weakens the good spirit within you. Then, as your good spirit becomes weak, it may be very difficult for you to see the light till the die is cast.

As from today, always avoid anything that would require you to lose your self-worth by stooping low to get things through illegal, corrupt or dishonest means. If you don’t have it now, don’t steal it! If you must get it, go get it for real and ensure that you get it in the right way.

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

THE WEALTH OF THE GREEDY

“The wealth of the greedy ultimately goes to the community” (Ghanaian proverb)

Greed is a selfish or excessive desire for more than what is needed or deserved, especially of money, wealth, food or other possessions.

Our ancestors believe that a greedy person does not really recognise the imaginary line that differentiates between adequacy and excess. Greedy people will always not be satisfied or contended with their abundant resources until they foolishly lose everything they have earned or acquired.

As from today, always learn to control your selfish or excessive desire to get fame, money, food and material possessions. Whenever the passion becomes excessive, it becomes abnormal. Instead of disturbing yourself by thinking how much you need more, think about those who don’t have anything; think about those who are in debt. Appreciate your creator for what you have now or for where you are now and try to help other people who are not yet there. By helping others, you would eventually learn how to control yourself from diving helplessly into the pool of greed.

Remember that at the end of your journey in life, your name will not be engraved with hot chisel in the anal of history because of the wealth, fame or property that you had greedily acquired but for the people you have inspired, lifted, helped and directly influenced because of your benevolent heart. May you not labour in vain.

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

ARE YOU HUNGRY?

“The day one learns laziness is the day one should learn to endure a painfully empty stomach” (Nigerian & Togolese proverb)

Hurray! The ancestors are here again. Trust me; it is going to be a beautiful week for you.

Have you ever experienced hunger? Have you ever been in need or compelling desire of food? Have you ever stayed all night enduring a painfully empty stomach; weak, restless, passive and hopeless all through? If truly you had experienced real hunger, you wouldn’t want to go there again. It hurts badly.

Our ancestors believe that the key to perpetual hunger or emptiness is laziness. A lazy hand is an empty hand. Emptiness does not only mean lack of food, it is simply the lack of whatever you should have.

If you want to go farther in the journey of life, you need to learn how to work hard and be smart. Don’t ever embrace idleness, don’t be satisfied with little or nothing; always strive for more. Try hard to push your brain, mind, hand and other parts of your body to work before your old days.

Life is good and beautiful but for those who choose not to remain stagnant, useless, lazy and idle. As this week begins today, try hard to experience the beauty of life by moving out of your comfort zone. Come on! Sing that song, write that book, start that project, accept that job offer and push yourself to work. Don’t look at the reward for now, just get it started.

As from this week, remember that “the day one learns laziness is the day one should learn how to endure a painfully empty stomach” May you never be empty!

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

NOT ONLY ONE ROAD

“It is not only one road that leads to the market” (Nigeria)

As a trader, you cannot confidently say that you know the market if you know only one road that leads to the market. Your knowledge of the market can be determined by the various means that you can navigate the market.

Also in life, you cannot achieve ultimate success if you continually use the same approach towards solving problems. How would you know that there are other better approaches if you keep trying one approach? No matter how successful you are in life, you are not fully successful if you know only one route to success. There are several good ways that lead to success; all you need to keep being successful is to explore all the ways. The good thing about being versatile is that if one approach fails, you have other amazing options to explore.

As from today, always try to know more than what you think you know about whatever you do. Explore and research on several methods that can work for you. Instead of giving up on your dreams, try to think of other possible means of getting what you desire. May you walk and never stumble!

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a daily feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

DON’T HURRY THE NIGHT!

“Do not hurry the night; the sun will always rise for its sake (Eritrea)

There are some things that you can’t change in life; they are just natural. There is time for the day and there is time for night. No matter how hard you try, you can never hurry the natural time. You can only hurry or delay your time, not the natural time. So, there is a personal time and there is a natural time. No matter how you view it, the night remains the night and the day will continue to be the day. 

Whatever challenge you face in life, you don’t need to hurry the night, your sun will soon rise. Though it may appear to be dark for too long, always remember that the sun must rise. No matter how dark it is for you today, remember that the darkest hour of the night is the closest to dawn. Don’t worry, don’t panic, never be in a hurry, your dawn is here.

As you go out this week, don’t do anything in haste; take your time, pay attention to details and wait for the right time to do whatever that you wish to do. Don’t hurry the night, wait for your time!

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a weekly feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

ARE YOU KIND ENOUGH?

“Kindness dies out if it is not observed by both sides” (Uganda)

Before relating with anyone today, ask yourself ‘am I kind enough?’

Over the years, your creator had been so kind to you for giving you the gift of life (even in many situations that you prove to Him that you do not deserve to live). No matter how bad, evil, cruel, hostile and ungrateful you are, He keeps extending His kindness to you. When last did you thank Him for His kindness?

The best way for you to reciprocate His kindness is to be kind to others. Don’t wait until people show you love before you believe that love exists. Nothing stops you from being the first person to show the world that true love exists. Show love to the people around you today. When last have you told your parents, partner, friends, siblings, spouse, employers, clients or neighbours that you love them or that you really appreciate them for being part of your life?

Do you say ‘thank you’ to your maids, employees, cook, drivers, teachers and many other people who offer you quality services? Try it this week and see how it works. Remember, ‘kindness dies out if it is not observed by both sides’.

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a daily feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!

THE BIG SHIP

“Big ship needs deep water” (Somalia)

To whom much is given, much is expected. If you are planning to do something big today, remember the words of our ancestors that ‘big ship needs deep water’.

The quality of your project determines the quality of time that you need to invest on it and the calibre of people that you would need to work with you. Don’t spend less time preparing to execute a big project. Don’t ever underestimate the value of proper research and commitment; concentrate, focus and put all your best in whatever you intend to do this week. Remember, whatever that is worth doing is worth doing well.

If you have a big dream, big vision, big idea or big task to execute today or sometime in life, always try as much as possible to think deeply about your plans and map out calculated strategies to attain your desired goals. Never compromise, don’t settle for less, you can always be the best you had always imagined if only you believe in yourself.

Your environment does not determine who you are; you determine who you are and wherever you choose to be. As from today, always dare to dream big! May your ship never wreck!

Don't start your week without a word from the ancestors...remember, a word is enough for the wise. Sign up with us for a daily feed. Follow @our_ancestors on twitter, email: wordsofourancestors@gmail.com. or call 08180458852. May your days be plenty!