A nation on a brink…

In a few hours, it will be another October the 1^st. Another Independence Day Anniversary for my country Nigeria. 52 years and counting as a nation; A nation tethered on despair, waiting on the wings of greatness. Teeming with opportunities; strumming with vibrancy; enshrouded in despondency.

As we count down to another Independence Anniversary, the words of a school song cheerfully sang as a young girl, assured of a future bright 25 years back plays through my mind.  A song then sang with pride but now stands to me a prayer whose reality remains trapped in the worlds of dreams, hope and belief.

Nigeria is a great Nation,

Blessed with many tribe as (diverse) people

Though we speak in different tongue

Our destiny is one

Men arise together

Let us work together

For there is a chance that we can build **

To bring this country greatness

Comrade Men and Women of honour

We need all hands on deck

Nigeria is for you and me

Unity is our goal.

Happy Independence Nigeria!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

For some reason, I can’t stop believing that Nigeria will pull through J

** ‘hum spaces’ where I can’t remember the exact words.

SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!

30th September 2012 

UNIQUE is REALITY!

What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what sort of person you are. - C.S. LEWIS

No two people see the external world in exactly the same way. To every separate person a thing is what he thinks it is -- in other words, not a thing, but a think. - PENELOPE FITZGERALD.

Perception is unique to each individual. No two people view the world exactly the same. Our Perception is the process by which we attach meaning to the world around us and our world view consists of experiences, people and environment.

Our perceptions are formed by our senses of touch, sound, sight, smell and taste. The perception process begins with a selection; a draft stage where we select the stimuli/catalyst we attend to through our sensory organs, next comes the organisation stage where we mentally arrange the information received so we understand or make sense out of it and lastly we go through the translation stage where we attach meaning to the stimulus. 

These translations or meanings are subjective and based on our values, needs, experiences, expectations, self image and other personal factors. This perception process happens really quickly, without us being aware of them.

There is, perhaps, one universal truth about all forms of human cognition: the ability to deal with knowledge is hugely exceeded by the potential knowledge contained in man's environment. To cope with this diversity, man's perception, his memory, and his thought processes early become governed by strategies for protecting his limited capacities from the confusion of overloading. We tend to perceive things schematically, for example, rather than in detail, or we represent a class of diverse things by some sort of averaged "typical instance." - JEROME S. BRUNER

Our perception oftentimes changes as we go through life. What we may hold up as true today may in a few days, weeks, months or years not be held as same due to a change in our experiences and perception. Perception therefore can be said to be our current reality. What we hold to be true or real to us in a present given situation.

It is one of the commonest of mistakes to consider that the limit of our power of perception is also the limit of all there is to perceive. - C.W. LEADBEATER

Perceptual differences are a major explanation of disputes in our world. Our everyday living at home, work etc.

Your opinion is your opinion, your perception is your perception--do not confuse them with "facts" or "truth". Wars have been fought and millions have been killed because of the inability of men to understand the idea that EVERYBODY has a different viewpoint. - JOHN MOORE

Understanding the perception process, while keeping in mind that we perceive and process each situation differently, can help create better understanding, build rapport and resolve conflicts. And we find that we are able to live a happier life, work better, stay motivated, build healthy relationships and develop a healthier lifestyle.

All we have to believe with is our senses, the tools we use to perceive the world: our sight, our touch, our memory. If they lie to us, then nothing can be trusted. And even if we do not believe, then still we cannot travel in any other way than the road our senses show us; and we must walk that road to the end. - NEIL GAIMAN.

SPICY Chrysalis – Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!

IMAGINE

Everyday, we are constantly placed in positions of leadership whether we realise it or not. Everyday we have an opportunity to lead. It doesn’t matter if you are a business owner, a clerk, a cleaner, a department head or a housewife. We all have the capacity to lead and change or influence our environment. 

Unfortunately, a vast majority of us are of the misconception that associates leadership w

ith positions and titles. The fact is; a title doesn’t make you a leader (as we have constantly seen demonstrated in our society). 

No matter how lofty or grandiose the title is, that by itself cannot make you a leader.

Leadership is the willingness, capacity/ability to accept responsibility to bring about a change. The capacity to create and deliver a desired change, an act or instance of leading, guidance, direction. 

We have all been blessed with the capacity to lead. Anyone at any level has the ability to learn or strive to be a leader and can help shape or influence their immediate surroundings. So how many of us are willing to step up and identify with the leaders within us?

Leadership is positive influences backed by passion - passion for life and what we do. People who lead strive to make things better. Leaders ask the question, how can I make a difference? What is the problem? What can I do? Am I a solution? If you have ever asked these questions, then within you is a leader! 

Leaders realise the extraordinary impact they can have on others and the world around them. They make the decision to exercise their abilities, skills and knowledge to help make a difference. They understand that they don’t need titles or permission to lead. A title does not define you or your ability to influence and lead. Life is what you make out of it. The more you put into it the more it reflects back at you.

True leaders know that no place is too small to begin, no effort is too little to make and no impact is too insignificant to deliver. If we as individuals and citizens of our great nation Nigeria do not seek out the leaders in us and choose to lead in our various places of influence, irrespective of the teeming chaos around us, then we have no one to blame but ourselves for the continuing rot that erodes our society.

Imagine if we each identified an area of change and commit to showcasing our capacity to lead in that area? 

Imagine if by our examples, attitudes and encouragement we are able to get others to commit to the same change? 

IMAGINE with me for a minute...

IMAGINE if we commit to treating people with respect and courtesy, irrespective of status or station.

IMAGINE if we commit to extending to our staff (domestic and professional), colleagues, friends etc the hand of courtesy and appreciation?

IMAGINE if we commit to treating others no matter how ‘underserving’ with understanding and courtesy?

IMAGINE if we teach our children to commit to treating themselves and others with respect and courtesy?

IMAGINE if our doctors, nurses, health care givers commit to attending to patients with dedication and courtesy?

IMAGINE if we commit to courtesy in service to our clients and customers?

IMAGINE if our law enforcement agents commit to courtesy in carrying out their duties

IMAGINE if we commit to driving with care and courtesy on our roads?

IMAGINE if we strive consistently to commit in these areas of leadership?

IMAGINE the difference that would make in our society! 

IMAGINE the possibilities! ...IMAGINE the change!

We are all important participants to effecting a positive change in our nation. Lets us commit with a sense of urgency to our positions of leadership. We have a say, we have a role and there is something we can do.

All that is necessary for the triump of evil is that good men (women) do nothing - Edmund Burke

SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!

March 2012

Personal Discovery - SPICY NUGGET

"Every hour of every day I'm learning more. The more I learn, the less I know about before. The less I know, the more I want to look around. Digging deep for clues on higher ground" - UB40 (Higher Ground) 

Life is a journey of continuous growth, an adventure of constant Personal Development/Discovery and we should always strive to maintain a consistent effort to improve and grow as individuals!

The meaning of life is to FIND your own meaning in life!

'We only become what we are by the radical and deep seated refusal of that which others have made us' - John Paul Sartre

Wouldn't you want to find YOUR meaning in life?

SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!

Play on words... SPICY NUGGETS!

Lets look at these two words... 

REACTIVE and CREATIVE 

Notice they are the same word or made up of the same alphabeths. The only difference is in the placement of the 'C'. When you 'C' (see) things correctly... 

You become Creative, rather than reaCtive!

What do you see? Who do you become? 

SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield! 

Sept 2012

... Choose LIFE!

"If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person.  If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house.  If there is harmony in the house, there will be order I n the nation.  If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world." - a Chinese Proverb.

"Forgiving is not having to understand. Understanding may come later, in fragments, an insight here and a glimpse there, after forgiving."

Choose to Love
Choose to Forgive

"Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion." - Buddha

Choose to Heal
Choose to Live

"All healing is first a healing of the heart" - Carl Townsend.

I have explored and read a lot on several different healing and forgiveness methodology but none of them will work unless you are willing to heal.

"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." - Robert Muller

 .... Choose LIFE! 

SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!
Sept 9th 2012

TEENAGE GIRLS, SEXUAL PLEASURE AND VIBRATORS

Heard this discussion on TV thanks to Miss Winfrey on why or was it how we should teach our thirteen year old girls to sexually pleasure themselves, own their bodies, and the use of vibrators. The idea of the topic shocked all of my sensibilities and immediately took me thinking back to my pre- teen and teenage years and for the life of me I couldn’t recall having a body much less ‘owning’ one. Specific people 'owned' my body leaving me with the functional task of seeing to its daily needs, keeping it clean, covered, fed and rested. My mother primarily owned my body, it was hers to protect, discipline, nurture and love, my brother by virtue of being older owned my body to bully (his exclusive right) and protect from external bullies, my teachers owned my body to teach and discipline within the structure of education. At thirteen my body was a vessel that took me from one stage of life to the next. Things happened to it that I was made to understand purely for knowledge, explaining my right of passage into womanhood.

The importance and need for sex education for young girls I cannot over emphasise but to encourage practical experiences at that age is overboard to my understanding. How is it ever okay to encourage our pre-teen and teenage girls to pleasure themselves and ‘own’ their bodies and then further extend it as a plus, so they are made aware not to have to rely on boys for their sexual experiences? What business does a 9year old, a 13yr old and even older have with sexual experiences, sexual pleasures and vibrators? Isn’t everything totally wrong with that picture? By this practise what will we be saying, what are we promoting? In the myriad onslaught of undesirable options, I’ll highlight one. That the natural processes of man and woman be scraped and men (our young boys) become mere tools in the scheme of life. I can veer off and for a few laughs kid about the many turmoil and challenges men have been said to bring to bear on us women and the probable world of utopia the very idea conceives. But this is a rather serious concept that I will not give in to the urge. I shudder and weep for the generation we are parenting.

Where has the age of innocence gone? What has happened to actively engaging our children in things that build mind and character without this excessive over exposure on sex and matters relating to it! Still thinking on my experiences as a pre - teen and teenager, my days went in a twirl and whirl of childhood activities that there was no room for me to conceive the thought or concept of ‘owning’ a body even if I wanted to. I recall my body been involved in various activities at home, school and church that kept it duly occupied and tired by the end of the day. What happened to the days of school games, match past, friendly street tournaments, girls guide, boys scout, girls brigade, boys brigade, local games; oga’a or ten ten and hop scotch (su’wey in local lingo)

How can we balance the world we know now and the idyllic world we once knew? How can we slow down this fast pace of growing up and allow our children to experience the joys and build the memories that only childhood can bring? What mysteries will we preserve and protect so our children can explore as they come of age? What values will we imbibe and encourage for the sake of our linage? How long will we allow the dictates of external influences rob us of the values and ideals that are intrinsically ours?

The next generation is given to us to mould and shape, a challenge not to be taken lightly. Therefore there is a need for us to regroup and start thinking responsibly as ‘parents’ within a complex world.

SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!
June 2012

KNOWING!

A discerning man desires
And is drawn to a confident woman
But looks with disdain on a desperate one
At best he goes after her
To pander to his baser needs - typical male!

When a woman's actions become desperate
She loses worth in the eyes of her man.
He may keep her around to serve a 'purpose'
But in his eyes, she has gone down a whole lot of notches
And where he finds a standard of confidence to compare... she's toast!

Desperation makes a woman go after a man
Employing all kinds of guise to
Catch, keep, or win his attention
But confidence makes her sit back
And let him come to her.

Seeking to know what a man is up to
Snooping through his privates
Depicts a low sense of self worth
That great make up, fashionable clothes,
Designer bags and trendy shoes cannot hide.

A confident woman does not seek
To bring down another,
Neither does she resort to under hand methods
To get in the know, make a point, bluster her ego
Or confront her issues.

A good dose of self worth and confidence
Comes from within.
It is born out of a knowing,
An acceptance and understanding of one's self!

A confident woman picks her fights
With knowledge and handles her issues with dignity.
Having done both she re-instates herself
Or makes an exit.
Either ways with shoulders high.

A PHENOMENAL WOMAN!
SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!
Feb 2012

Dying For Nigeria - 9 Effective ways to die!

I have been pondering on the question ‘Who is willing to die for Nigeria?’ since it was posed as a solution to getting Nigeria back on track in a recent discussion. Like the lady summed it up, “unless someone is ready to die for this country, nothing will change”. My initial reaction was to raise the usual arguments that ask “Why who? Why not you?” but somehow a different scenario flashed in my head that got me thinking. So moving away from the obvious argument why should we expect someone or a group of people to exclusively sacrifice to get Nigeria moving forward. My thoughts took on the path to question, must dying for Nigeria be in the physical lifeless death of the body? In my opinion, I think not! We have lost too many lives in this nation to demand or expect that unless ‘someone dies’ for Nigeria we cannot move forward. But I agree that unless we are willing to die for Nigeria, lives will continue to be demanded and wasted.

As much as we are want not to explore the concept of death or dying, events around us are daily being punctuated by death, evidence of death, news of death and rumours of death. Every day, Nigerians continue to give up their lives in diverse violent manners highlighting the collapse and decay in our Nation. With the countless heart wrenching pointless deaths being recorded every day, I found myself exploring the concept “dying for Nigeria” as a solution.

History the world over is filled with accounts and legends of men and women who ‘laid down’ their lives for their country. Not all of them died in the physical sense of the word but it is important to note that they all died in some form or the other; some died to self or died to sacrifice while others died in dedication of themselves, their resources and time for their country etc. So instead of looking from the limiting view (physical death) I began to explore the ways we can choose to die and commit to doing so willingly.

DIE... To Self
Dying to self is one sure way to commit to dying effectively. What this means is putting the needs of Nigeria before our own personal gains. Always looking at the bigger picture and asking how our decisions, actions etc will affect the total wellbeing of the Nation. In carrying out our duties or going about our daily lives, we must put away the self centred attitude of thinking how this or that will affect us or whether it will pay us. When we learn not to consult our own ease, comfort, advantage or interest for the greater good of Nigeria, then are we ready to move this Nation forward.

DIE... An Example
Set yourself an example of the change you want to see. Remember, you don’t need a title to lead or become a leader. Leadership is the ability to accept responsibility to bring about a desired change or result. Lead and be seen to exemplify by your actions the way things should be done or the proper way to act. Become accountable by your actions, decisions and attitude. Die an example at work, on the road, in your interaction with others. Die an example for a better Nigeria.

DIE... To Serve
How can you effectively serve Nigeria?
What sector of the economy can you dedicate yourself in good service?
Teach and organise workshops to help improve our diverse sectors
Join or set up a targeted pressure/ interest group to monitor/observe within any sector.

DIE... In Accountability
There is a need to imbibe the mindset of accountability. We must determine to do things at the right time and in the right ways. In our various areas, we must showcase and expect from ourselves the character to be found accountable. Accountability is not a negative quality. An accountable individual is a person of sterling quality, a trustworthy individual. It is more beneficial to die in accountability than to pass on or conceal a fault.

DIE... In Obedience
We are a nation governed by rules and regulations. We must die in obedience upholding our constitution. When we don’t obey the basic laws and rules within our society, we create a chaotic environment for ourselves. Obey traffic rules. Queues are for order; they help get things done quickly. Quit the ‘do you know who I am’ attitude, whoever you are doesn’t exempt you from obedience. Do you demand obedience and respect from others? Then challenge yourself in obedience and respect for your country. Die in obedience to the rule of law.

DIE... To Sacrifice
Where can you help?
Who can you help?
Can you identify a need you can sacrifice to meet outside of yourself?
Can you help a family send a child to school? Or feed for a month?
How about putting the cost of yet another leisure trip towards empowering someone else?
Instead of buying that designer item in what ways can you put the money towards making a difference to someone’s life?
Who can your resources help?

DIE... To Solution
What needs to be done?
What problems can you solve?
Where can you lend your expertise?
Do you know someone who can be a solution and needs a door you can open?
Do you have the resources to help bring about a solution or solutions?
Become known as an effective solution for change.

DIE... Vocal
Dying vocal calls on us to speak up! To use our voices and make them heard. Technology has armed us with effective tools of communication. What is the point of a “Blackberry” broadcast coming a day later than it should have gone viral? Why do we keep quiet when we see things going wrong only to cry and moan when we experience the devastating effect of turning a blind eye? What difference it will make if people who see evil learn to speak up against it. Speak up! Send out a broadcast, tweet, tell someone, don’t keep quiet it can come back to bite you in the face. Die vocal based on truth!

DIE... Efficient
We must begin to inculcate the spirit of excellence in whatever we do. In our places of work as we carry out our duties, we should strive to die in the place of efficiency. How can you improve your influence areas? In what better ways can you work? Stop cutting corners; it takes away our right to die willingly. Use the right tools; don’t compromise on quality, keep to approved standards. Apply all checks; nothing should be left to chance. Inefficiency is a destructive attitude that erodes the life line of our Nation.

When we choose to die to self,
We take on the power to live against Corruption

When we choose to die an example,
We take on the power to live with Dignity

When we choose to die to serve,
We take on the power to live in Excellence

When we choose to die in accountability
We take on the power to live for Posterity

When we choose to die in obedience,
We take on the power to live for Greatness

When we choose to die to sacrifice,
We take on the power to live against Greed

When we choose to die to solution,
We take on the power to live in Prosperity

When we choose to die vocal,
We take on the power to live against Oppression

When we choose to die efficient,
We take on the power to live in Progress.  

We are at a crucial stage in our nation where “dying to save Nigeria” should be the norm, embraced with understanding and commitment, not a concept to be feared, viewed with contempt or treated with cynicism.

When we demand of ourselves to die willingly,
We take on our powers to live as citizens of a great Nation.


In Memory of Adobi Thelma Mojekwu (46), Ijeoma Onyiuke (39) and the countless lives needlessly lost as our Nation groans for our manifestation!

Rest In Peace... your memories hold us accountable.

SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!
June 6th 2012

A Mindset of Possibilities!

I was recently on a reunion getaway trip to Dubai with my high school classmates. It was an awesome experience in so many ways. The excitement of meeting up with friends I hadn't seen in well over twenty years, the beauty of being in a dream city, the bliss of a few days of relaxation and the joys of exploring and shopping without a bother. It was a perfect holiday, we couldn't have chosen a more pleasurable destination than Dubai. With their clean air, wide expanse of road networks, astounding marvels of architecture, I dare say I was in a different time and space.

Driving into the city in the early hours of the morning. Amidst the oohs and ahhs of the magnificence before us, one of the ladies told of an uncle who says he didn't like to visit Dubai. I was of course prompted to ask why? Who wouldn't want to visit this loveliness? I was puzzled until she went on to explain. According to her uncle, Dubai and Nigeria were on the same scale developmentally 25yrs ago. But now in comparism with Nigeria, it saddens him coming to Dubai to be faced with how well they have done and how far they have come. A sadness that resonates with me.

And as I soaked in the wonder of their serene and beatific environment, my mind unavoidably channels homewards to Nigeria. Churning in comparism at the beauty of how a system and its people can be developed to work. Why can't this be same back home I wondered. What is it about the people and countries that have been able to achieve these outstanding results that daily elude us in Nigeria. What is it about their mindset that they are able to achieve and deliver successful developments?

In my short stay in the 'city that never sleeps' everyday was a wonder, a reason to wake up and go. I couldn't get enough of the beautiful scenery, the seemingly out of this world architecture, the orderliness, the commitment to service, clean air, everything worked, people seemed to know what was right and did it.

I remember walking out to the 'taxi pool' at one of the malls. The amazing line up of taxis streaming in and out. The passengers not needing to be directed queued and boarded orderly. I observed the 'control wardens' each carrying out their duties with courtesy and dignity of labour. The one who had to blow the whistle did so timely, the one who had to flag out the taxis did so precisely, and the taxis filed in, filled out and drove away almost like clockwork. There were no shouts, curses or chaos. The system worked seamlessly. I went to the mall to shop and got sold on proof that it is possible. If it is possible in Dubai, it is possible in Nigeria.

The road network was amazing not to mention peaceful. With my reluctance towards driving, those roads would have wooed me. No blaring horns or congested pile ups. Wide, open and welcoming. Stretched expanse of smooth tar unblemished with unnecessary speed bumps not to imagine potholes. Clean, well lit at night streets and no trash littering anywhere. You could walk the streets day or night without fear or intimidation. I doubt I spotted any 'police man', traffic wardens or the equivalent of our numerous 'security/road traffic enforcement brigade' yet there were no congestion or disregard for traffic rules and regulations. It is possible. If it is possible in Dubai, it is possible in Nigeria.

I saw good service, delivered professionally with a human touch. At our hotel, the staff exemplified hospitality. It didn't matter if it was the cleaner, the doorman or the manager. Everyone was courteous. There was evident willingness to assist. Your coffee was brought with a smile. Your bags were taken and stowed politely without any expectations of a tip. It is their job or duty and they did it. You were met at the elevators by chance and your day was pleasantly inquired after. They understood you were the guest and the reason for their business or employment. All around I saw a people who took pride in labour whatever the capacity. Neat and smartly attired. It is possible. If it is possible in Dubai, it is possible in Nigeria.

On the desert safari adventure, I was irrevocably affirmed on my 'it is possible' mindset and campaign. An exhilarating ride through the desert, roaring up, cresting and plummeting down the impressive sand dunes. A waste land creatively transformed into a revenue generating structure. You paid to get your adrenaline junkie rush or be scared out of your mind. Entertained and treated to a night of culture etc. I think to myself, if the desert famed for its unfriendly and harsh conditions can be put to such good use, how much more the many abounding human friendly resources in Nigeria. It is possible. If it is possible in Dubai, it is possible in Nigeria.

Dubai was fun, a fantastic getaway. A marvel, a place of affirmation. A tangible example that an effective working system can emerge from a 'can do' mindset translated in action.

So impressed was I with the city called Dubai that I began following His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and constitutional monarch of Dubai. Described as an embodiment of energetic and successful leadership. A man who has made promises and kept them, insisted on excellence and achieved nothing less. A description that tells a great deal on how and why Dubai is the city we see today and their milestones for the future.

On April 7 he tweeted on his twitter page.

'I believe happiness comes from within. The govt's job is to facilitate people's lives & create opportunities for its citizens to be happier'

'I disagree with many who say “people's satisfaction cannot be realized”. I think people's satisfaction, welfare & happiness are achievable.'

A mindset of possibilities. If it is possible in Dubai, it is possible in Nigeria.

SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!
April 2012

SPICY NUGGETS - Vision

VISION is the ability to see farther than your physical eyes can look. To see with your 'mind's eye' not just what is but also what can be and make it a reality. Vision is a function of the heart. The core of your purpose and dreams.

Vision is a mental picture of your destiny. A powerful picture painted in your being that translates you from the world and words of impossible to possible!

When you know what you really want and can 'see' it (vision), then no matter what comes along or against you, you will not give up. Vision propels you to pursue your dreams, goals or ambition to accomplish them.

Vision determines your destiny. You are the best person (leader) to drive your vision. The only one who can imagine, nuture and fulfill it. With a clear vision (purpose) you know how to stay the course (focus, motivation) and complete it (achieve, succeed).

Vision adds value to life. It gives you purpose and a sense of direction.


SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!

No Message in the Bottle

There is no message in the bottle.
Why do you want to see the bottom?
Let go of the darkness.
The vice that grips is your hold on the bottle.
There is no message in the bottle.
You don't have to see the bottom.

Your tears those bottles won't soothe.
Your fears they won't wash away.
There is no message in the bottle.
Why do you want to see the bottom?

The rage of your storms they won't still

Their dregs hold nothing but anguish.

There is no message in the bottle

You don't have to see the bottom.

Rise up, look up, there in the light is a message.

Raise your head, take a breath, in the freshness is a message.

There is no message in the bottle.

Why do you want to see the bottom?

Stand up, brace up, in your strength is a message.

Fight the lies, face your fears, in the truth is a message.

THERE IS NO MESSAGE IN THE BOTTLE.

YOU DONT HAVE TO SEE THE BOTTOM.

SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!

April 25th 2012

Mind Your Language - Speak to bridge, reach and build!

I have been musing over the words... Bridge! Reach! Build! as points of focus when we speak. Let our words 'bridge gaps', 'reach people' and 'build minds'. Language whether spoken or written as a source of communication is not a tool we should look to using lightly when conveying our thoughts, messages and ideas.

When you know what you want to say, consider exactly how best you can say it. You are responsible for sending out a message that is clear and concise. You need to consider what you will say or what you have to say and also how you think the recipient(s) will perceive it. To achieve this, it is of utmost importance that we learn to ask ourselves these questions...

What am I saying?
What is my message?
What is the essence of my message?
How do I give expression to my message?
Am I using the best choice of words to convey my message?
What is the language that best suits my message?

There is also a need to consider our audience...
Who am I speaking to?
Who are my listeners?
How best can I reach them?
How will they receive my message?
How will they react to my choice of words?
What will the words I use mean to them?... etc

No matter how 'timely' our message, if we do not convey them in a manner or ways our audience or listeners will gain understanding. We may have only just made noise!

Words conveying our thoughts, message or ideas are not about us but about the people whom they are meant for. They are the ones that matter when we speak.

When God 'The Universal Word Master' spoke to the earth void and without shape, it took form without confusion. The waters didn't surge up to the skies, neither did the fishes think to fly.

Therefore, words and by them our language is very important and not to be used without thought and consideration. We may well argue that we cannot please everyone but we can very well learn to use words such that they.... Bridge gaps... Reach people... and Build minds!

SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield
June 21st 2012