Category: Lifestyle

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Originality Mentality: Panacea to Identity Crisis

originality mentality

Originality mentality is the right answer to the identity question. It is the panacea to identity crisis. The truth about life is that each and every one of us has peculiarities. It might interest you to know that just as the fingerprints and hair strands are peculiar to us. We have potentials and abilities that are unique to us. Hence, no matter how identical a set of twins may look they still differ from each other. These peculiar endowments that are unique to them distinguish one from the other. There might be a striking resemblance between the two things but organically they differ from each other. This organic difference makes us differ from one another by reason our potential is originality. Originality is the quality of being completely new and different from anything that anyone has thought of before.

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars. For one star differs from another in glory (1Corinthians 15: 41)

Originality is all about identifying your innate peculiarities. It can be leveraged to success when you consolidate these peculiarities. It also entails defining your identity and being true to who you are. The term originality is all about sticking to your guns. It is the inevitable end; the final destination of the journey of self-discovery is originality. That is to say that the journey to self-discovery culminates in originality the very moment one defines one’s identity. Your own unique way, style, or method of doing things that are only peculiar to you, is originality.

Originality Mentality Means Being Unique

In Summary, it means to be unique. It is being original in your chosen field. Originality mentality remains a critical option in solving the jigsaw puzzle of our identity. We must therefore consolidate our peculiarities, potentials, or abilities. It is these peculiarities that will form our identity. Hence, originality shapes your values, beliefs, and personality, as well as defines your identity.

I decided long ago
never to walk in anyone’s shadow.
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I lived as I believed.
No matter what they take from me.
They can’t take away my destiny.

These are the lyrics from Whitney Houston’s song – the greatest love of all. These lyrics to a very large extent truly capture the essence of the concept of originality mentality. The good side of originality is that it makes you stand out from the crowd. Originality is akin to carving a niche of your own.  It has a way of standing you out from others who may equally be exceptional in such a niche. The only difference then will be your style which is different from there’s.

Originality mentality has helped me a great deal in my adventure as a writer. Basically, I might write the same topic as others but my unique style of writing makes the difference. Hence my originality has paid off dearly as I have been able to impact and add value to my readers. There are testimonials to attest to that.

Originality Mentality Vs Copycat Mentality

Another important aspect of the originality mentality is that it is a panacea to the copycat mentality. This mentality is a very dangerous and worrisome trend among the majority of people. There are so many ‘want to bees’ that fantasize about how to become like one role model. This is awesome, but while fantasizing you can explore your own peculiarities. There are potentials and talents which are so unique to you from that of your role model. And this is what will make you stand out from such a person. The copycat mentality is akin to hiding in another man’s shadow. Consequently, hiding in another man’s shadow makes it impossible for you to define your identity.

The world is in dire need of novel and innovative ideas to solve its numerous problems. Obviously, the world would be a better place if you can unleash your talents and freely express your potential unhindered. So you must do everything possible to bring to bear those peculiar endowments that providence has bestowed on you. Try not to live another’s man dream, instead tailor your dreams according to those peculiar potentials of yours. Then, pursue them vigorously. Don’t live in another man’s world instead create your own world to your own taste, with your potential. That is the originality mentality.

Copycat Mentality Breeds Counterfeit

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation – Herman Melville

On the contrary, if you are still bedeviled by this copycat mentality you are a counterfeit. Hence, if you are hiding under someone’s shadow, then you are a counterfeit of such a person. When it is not original it will certainly be counterfeit. And counterfeit is a bane to success. So if you want to succeed imbibe the originality mentality. In addition, Originality boosts your self-esteem and enforces your dignity. Hence your dignity is under threat if you are still hiding in another man’s shadow.

No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else – P.T. Barnum.

Never do a thing just because others are doing it. Don’t join the bandwagon. Always have a reason for doing the things you do. And let originality be the motivation behind every of your action. Always dare to be different. Break the norm if need be. You must endeavor to create your own signature. Do everything to consolidate your peculiarities. It is your leverage to your success. That is the originality mentality, and it is a plus to success.

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The Beautiful Side of Life

the beautiful side of life

Dwelling on the beautiful side of life is a more potent way to nip this social menace called suicide from the bud. In my last post, I told you about a couple that lost their only son. They were inconsolable as it seems their world has ground to a halt. However, they were able to overcome it because they saw the beautiful side of life.

A certain man was depressed to the point of taking his own life, So, one day he decided to end his ‘miserable’ life by hanging himself. He pick up the rope and went into the bush. The story has it that after tying the noose around the tree branch the man decided to take his last moment of life. Within this final moment of life, he wants to have a sober reflection on life. While sitting under the cool shade of the tree that sunny afternoon he saw a ripe bunch of bananas in the nearby bush.

So he decided after all how nice it would be to have his last taste of the fruit. He plucked the banana fruit. And as he was eating the bananas under the cool shade of the tree he had another perception of life. He saw the beautiful side of life. In fact, he saw the sweetness of life. Life is sweet but it depends on the angle from which you view it. 

Eventually, the story ended with the man jettisoning the idea of killing himself. He was able to do this because he saw the beautiful side of life. On this side of life, there is every reason to live. Understand that no matter how unfair, unjust, and wicked life or the world may seem there are still people that love and care for you. Don’t think about your negative life experiences, ordeals, and failures.

Always Think on the Beautiful Side of Life

Always think about the beautiful side of life. So next time you contemplate taking your life think, you must reflect on the positive side of life. Relive your best moments or experiences of life. You may think about your family, your loved ones, and your friends. Think about the sorrow and the grief you will cause them. Think about those that will become widowers, widows, orphans, and childless, and the vacuum you will create in the heart of those that love you because of your obnoxious action. This can do a miracle. Understand that your life is so precious to God and that your family and friends, your community, and the entire world still need you.

Say no to suicide, it is demonic. It is an ill-fated wind that blows no one any good. You don’t need to die. Hang on a little longer. Understand the mystery of life. Life is full of surprises, and no condition is permanent. Your next encounter in life might be the one that will obliterate your many years of negative experiences in life. After all, tough experiences don’t last rather tough people do. Instead, be full of positive energy. Always think about the beautiful side of life. Together we can win the war against this social monster called suicide. Life is beautiful, don’t waste it.

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Why People Commit Suicide. When Life Becomes Suicidal.

why people commit suicide

It is very important to know the reasons why people commit suicide. At least, it would afford us the opportunity to know why it is assuming an alarming dimension. And also to help us figure out how to curb it. As I did say in my previous post, suicide is an ugly trend that has permeated the different strata of human society. It is a social menace that has now assumed a dangerous and worrisome global dimension. I also said that an unfulfilled life is a hotbed of suicide this is because it opens up the door to some of the vices which if not well managed could lead to one contemplating suicide option.

In this post, I shall explore some of the reasons why people commit suicide do manifest in an unfulfilled life, and how to deal with them. And if we want to nip this malaise called suicide from the bud it is pertinent we know why people commit suicide. Obviously, we can only win the fight against suicide if we are well-informed about the reasons and bravely handle them. These vices include;

The Agony of Shame

The agony of shame is one of the reasons why people commit suicide. It comes in different forms and shades. It could be the shame of failure, betrayal of trust, or disappointment. And many because of shame have committed suicide. Instead of enduring the stigma of shame, they have opted for suicide. The Japanese samurai were notorious for this kind of suicide. They were known to be good at ‘honor’ suicide called seppuku or hara-kiri as it is called in the west. They prefer to die ‘honorably’ than to bear the shame of defeat or failure. Contrary to their belief there is no ‘honor’ in taking one’s life.

Hence, we can now see here how shame if left unabated can trigger the urge for one to take his or her life. Shame is a precipitation of an unfulfillment. They see their failure as a shameful thing and had to take their lives to end the shame. It could happen in any area of life, even in the area of personal values. For example, a well-known public official who has been entrusted with public funds reneged on his integrity and dipped his hand into the public till. He has fallen below expectations and betrayed the public trust.  And when he was caught and tried for embezzlement, he decided to take his life. Instead of living with the stigma of corruption or being labeled as an ex-convict, he decided to end it all.

The Big Deal

The big deal here is not for one to end one’s life. Everyone must understand that the stigma of shame does not end with the taking of their own life. The shame lives on even long after we are gone with our generation unborn. In fact, when one commits suicide the stigma is doubled coupled with the shame of failure. The best bet would have been to examine the probable reasons for the failure and defeat in life and work towards redeeming the situation. To do that you must tow the path of honor by planning well to avert the shame of failure.

Burden of Guilt

The burden of guilt is also another reason why people commit suicide. Guilt can degenerate into suicide if not well managed. When one is laden with the burden of guilt in one’s heart it could also make one consider suicide as an option. I know of a young girl who attempted suicide because of the guilt of stealing from her mistress. She was such a nice girl but yielded to the temptation of stealing and was caught red-handed in the act. The burden of guilt was so much on her because she had reneged on the good standard she was known for.

However, when the guilt became unbearable she fetched and drank insecticide to end her ‘miserable’ life. The effect of her action was calamitous as the corrosive substance ruptured her throat and she started vomiting blood. It took extensive surgery and Medicare to correct it. She would have killed herself all because of guilt, but she survived it.

Well, for the question of guilt as a reason for suicide, every one of us must understand that we are not superhuman. We are mere humans and as such not infallible. We can still make mistakes but we must as much as possible avoid regrettable actions that will bring guilt. Always think before you act. A lot of people act before they think which is why they always regret their actions and are saddled with the burden of guilt. The earlier we understand this, the better for us as it would curb the incidence of guilt as a reason for committing suicide.

Financial (Economic) Reasons

We can consider Financial or economic reality as a reason why people commit suicide or take their lives. However, it depends on the circumstance. Many have taken their lives because of negative financial or economic realities. Financial or economic realities like financial loss, bad loans or mortgages, poor standard of living, bankruptcy, and high indebtedness have made many take their own lives.

What is your financial or economic reality? Is it robust or are you struggling financially? Well, to handle financial problems you must understand that your life is worth more than all your financial assets put together. Whatever financial trouble you encounter is just temporal and does not warrant the taking of life. Understand that with innovative ideas you can bounce back on your feet financially. There are measures you must take to overcome financial challenges. These include properly investigating any investment you want to make as not all investments are healthy. Do not be motivated by greed in any investment you make rather take time to assess the risk involved. This will reduce financial loss to the barest minimum. 

Curtail Your Debt Limit

Also, you must try as much as possible not to overstretch your debt limit. In addition, you must not spend more than your income. All these are measures that will help you to effectively manage your finance, they also guarantee financial fulfillment. On the other hand, the government should consider improving the standard of living of its citizens. By investing in education, and health care services, curbing inflation, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. And by creating a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive. All these measures will make the economy robust and attractive to foreign direct investment (FDI). It will also improve the financial realities of the citizens.  

However, it is an irreconcilable fact how a person with one of the best brands in the world; financially sophisticated and robust can opt for suicide. Hence, if somebody who is stable with a positive financial reality could take his or her life then there is more to suicide than meets the eye.

Terminal Illness

This is another probable reason why people may consider the suicide option. Many people have taken their lives all because they were diagnosed with certain incurable illnesses. The issue here is not whether or not you have an incurable or terminal illness. But how well you are able to manage the situation. Are you contemplating taking your life because you are living with cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or any other terminal illness? The solution is not in killing yourself but in how well you manage the illness. 

It may interest you to know that many people who are diagnosed with these deadly illnesses are living longer than expected. Many of them are still living because they rose above the challenge of their illnesses and managed the situation well. Understand that terminal illness is not a death sentence or a hopeless situation as some would think but it depends on your attitude. Now that you have known why men commit suicide don’t kill yourself; you have the option to live well and long enough even with that terminal illness if you manage it well. Remember I told you earlier that there is more to suicide than meets the eye?

TO BE CONTINUED ….