Sheg Aranmolate

2: a little kindness

A few years ago, I was in Nigeria and there was a period of widespread poverty, high unemployment, and food scarcity mainly because corrupt politicians poorly governed the country. It was a devastating period for several families, and I vividly remember that many people were starving, unable to afford healthy meals. Sadly, many merchants and wealthy individuals who had access to stored food supplies began to increase the prices of food items to ensure that they made astronomical gains at the expense of the poor and impoverished. Nevertheless, there were still many generous and kindhearted individuals who offered discounts on food supplies to families and sometimes gave out free food to the famished.

Of course, business thrives on the idea of making a profit for every sale, but during times when human lives are at stake making profits should be the least important issue. In times of despair, when many people are dependent on each other for survival will you be a selfish opportunist, like those merchants who jacked up their prices? Or will you be a selfless philanthropist, striving to share joy and happiness to the less fortunate? Kindness and altruistic behaviors may not always be financially profitable, but these gestures are invaluable to humanity. Become a philanthropist today and change someone’s life for the better.

1: human potential

A young woman had read some of my inspirational messages on my website and had decided to write me for advice. She wrote me a sincere letter, describing how depressed, confused, and frustrated she was with her life and her family. She said her life was stagnant and it seemed like everyone, except her was succeeding in life. She added, however, that she knew she had the potential to make a difference and change her life but just didn’t know where to start. I found her letter touching and it inspired me to help her understand the concept of the “human potential.”

The “human potential” is like a corn seed that if planted in the soil is capable of growth. However, if left unattended in the ground, then various elements like disease, pests, weeds, and lack of essential nutrients will have a better chance of diminishing its growth. Every human being has a unique potential to grow and better themselves, but just like the corn seed we need continual attention, nurturing, and care. It is important for us to remove those harmful habits that constantly stunt our growth and to surround ourselves with positive ideas and positive people, similar to pulling weeds and giving a supportive environment for corn seeds to grow. Nevertheless, just as adding excessive fertilizers can be harmful to plants, excessive pressure on ourselves to develop can make us feel worthless and thus tarnish our growth. Simply be good to yourself, detoxify yourself of bad vibes, don’t be too critical of yourself, and at the end of the season your potential will reap bountifully.

|excerpt from day one | iACTUATE: vol 1|