Heartbreak is a common thing, which is very normal. Broken relationships are avenues to learn and be better. It is not expected of you to go into a relationship, the same way you went into the former. You must have grown, having more experience about what a relationship entails, and putting them into use in your future relationship. It makes your present relationship better than the former. But if you are the type who has gathered no knowledge from the past, then it is not impossible you get a breakup again.
Just because your relationship with him/her didn’t work doesn’t mean you should never give love a chance again. In the same manner, that does not imply you should settle for someone who you don’t really have feelings for, because you think you might never get the real man or lady of your dream or you think the only person you love genuinely is the one you just broke up with. It is better to be patient, than to take a regrettable decision. Don’t act under pressure or influence. Remember, there is always a right man/lady, out there, and with time, things will fall in place. Don’t do silly things, that can cut you off from getting a hold of the opportunity. One day, you would be happy you let go of that man or woman. Always stay strong.
Water is generally known to be a polar inorganic compound, tasteless, odourless at room temperature. Studies have proven it constitutes an inherent hint of blue. But it is generally accepted to be colourless.
Water, a universal solvent is formed by the combination of two hydrogen atoms and a lone oxygen atom, branding it into water (H²0). Water constitutes 71% of the earth surface, while 96.5% of the earth’s water exist in the ocean. It is no new thing water exists in three different forms. These are the solid form, the liquid form and the gaseous form.
Water over the ages has proven to be the most important substance on earth. Both plants and animals need water to survive. An end to the cycle of water would lead to the extinction of life. Water is needed to keep life going. Below are some importance of water: • Drinking • Washing • Cooking • Plants survival
The consumption of water can be useful in many ways. Below are some importance of water in the body system:
• It Regulates The Body Temperature Water helps to replenish the water used up during physical activities and in hot weather. Water loss in this regard is discharged through sweat. Drinking water in hot weather or after exercising the body helps keep the body hydrated.
• Prevents Constipation Whenever you recollect that feeling, when you last had constipation, it makes you want to prevent future recurrences. Constipation is the difficulty in being able to have a bowel movement easily. This is usually due to lack of enough water in the body system. Make it a culture to take enough water daily, if you do not want to undergo the pain you went through the last time. However, if you are experiencing constipation already, take a lot of carbonated water. If the difficulty persists for more than three days, please, see your doctor.
• Aids Digestion Drinking water before, during, and after a meal is a good habit which aids the digestion of food. It aids in the breaking down of food into smaller particles, through which digestion is made easy.
• Helps Reduce Body Weight Drinking of water during dieting and exercising goes a long way in reducing Body weight.
• Fights Illness Intake of water helps absorb vitamins, nutrients, minerals, from foods, which are necessary for good living. It helps prevent diseases like kidney stones, hypertension, unitary tract, constipation and keeps you healthy.
• Boosts Metabolism consumption of water supports metabolism, which in return boosts the energy level of an individual.
• Keeps The Face Glowing Claims have been made that the consumption of water gives a radiant, younger – looking complexion, preventing pimples and other skin diseases. Water is needed to keep your skin glowing and to repair damaged tissues and leave it soft (moisturized).
The aforementioned are few benefits of water associated with drinking. It is therefore imperative you improve your drinking (water) habit to maintain a healthy living. Keep water very close to you. Always remember the saying “WATER IS LIFE.”
I love to retire early to bed, Not because I love to sleep, But because there with my eyes concealed, Only one thing do I espy, Something glowing in the shady kingdom of unconsciousness, That makes my face beam from the light captured in the shadow of my heart, To the outer world where your inexistence lie. Believing your face would one day be captured amidst the fog, To justify my questionable faith of hope, And certify my time of waiting. I love that I get to picture you in my sleep every night. The time we share together in the unreal realm I cherish. But both my vision and reality, I wish to have you subsist. I wait for that moment when I would behold your face, Hands fixed together under the sunny charged moon, When my sticky nose shall run over your flesh to catch your odorous smell. I look forward to that day, When our world would become a reality.
Forget your background. No one is destined to fail, and no one is destined to succeed. It is only a choice we make. Don’t let your present condition limit you, but strive hard to break out of your unpleasant condition. There are many people out there, who are from poor backgrounds. But today, they are what they are through hard work, prayer, perseverance, resilience and determination. Focus on that, which you want to become, and work restlessly towards it. Don’t give up until you’ve achieved it.
John was in his room, listening to a song. It was a very busy Friday at work. He had planned how he would enjoy his weekend. He was in his thirties, tall and dark skinned. He kept dancing to the song all alone with a headset placed over his head. He froze as someone tapped him. He was sure it was not his sister.
“Yes.”
He voiced out, scared. He did not see Lucas, his best friend, when he entered his room. He was backing the room at that moment. He was sure his sister, Tolu, had told him he was inside. He removed the headset just immediately.
“Lucas. Whatsup with you?”
He asked, hitting him slightly on the shoulder playfully.
“Guy, I’m not in the mood for this now.”
Lucas turned his squeezed face away. Lucas and John were best of friends during their secondary school days. They had met again, when John was offered a job at Lucas’s working place. They were so happy they could reunite. Lucas had immediately introduced his friend, Titus to John, and since then, the three had been very close.
“What is it man?”
John quickly sat down beside him on the bed as he wondered what could be bothering him. He had never seen him that down. He watched, waiting for Lucas to say something, but he was not responding.
“I am sure you wouldn’t have come here, if you ain’t going to say anything.”
John who was becoming uncomfortable with the silence said, trying to get his phone from the behind him.
“Imagine!”
Lucas exclaimed in a low tone as he jumped to his feet. John was scared as he turned his face to look at him, but he found him standing in front of him already. Lucas’s movement was so swift. He was all over John, with his eyes burning with fire. John kept staring out of fear, wondering if he was safe. He was sweating already.
"You will not believe what I saw tonight."
Lucas continued. His voice was going down as he spoke out of bitterness. Molecules of sweat gathered on the openings of his pores. At that moment, John felt at ease. He was sure whatever Lucas had to say was not about him, but something he saw somewhere. Nevertheless, he was still interested in knowing. He had never seen Lucas in such a mood. Not when they were in school, and certainly, not the four years they have spent together in Lagos.
“Calm down. I don’t know what brings you here, I don’t know what it is that you have seen, but surely, it is not something good. But, Please, sit first. I don’t like this countenance of yours. It would be okay if you take some water before you go ahead.”
He tried to calm him down. Lucas was forced to have his seat.
“Tolu… Tolu…”
John called out.
“Yes. Brother.”
Tolu said as she entered facing her brother
Tolu was a law student of Lagos state university. She was in her fifth year already. She spent weekends at her brother’s place. She traveled to Akure where their parents reside during school breaks. She was the last born of the family. Her face caught sight of Lucas. John noticed how scared she was. She couldn’t believe someone under that atmosphere could be sweating profusely.
“Please, get me cold water from the fridge with a cup.”
John answered, giving a sign to his sister, that all was well. Tolu in a haste left the room. She appeared again with a glass and a bottle of cold water in a tray. Lucas had his head bowed throughout.
“Drop it here.” Thank you.”
John dismissed her. He watched her as she left and waited till she had closed the door, before he faced Lucas, who was gulping the water directly from the bottle already. He watched as Lucas finished the water in no time.
“Is that okay? I can ask her to get you another bottle.”
John offered.
“No. Don’t worry. I am good now.”
Lucas politely turned down his offer, as he dropped the bottle in the tray, beside the cup.
“Now, tell me what you saw.”
John said, facing him. Lucas remained quiet for some seconds before he found his voice.
"Ngozi."
He mentioned emotionally.
“Ngo-zi.”
He stammered. Tears flowed freely from his eyes.
“What is wrong with Ngozi?” John asked anxiously. He hoped it was not what he was thinking. He knew how much Lucas loved her. Lucas had introduced her to him as his fiancée in the second week of their reunion. He had always wished to find a lady that would love him and that he would love, just live Lucas and Ngozi loved each other. He hoped she was not dead.
“I saw Ngozi with Titus at the bar. They were busy laughing, having a nice time together, as they sat side by side. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I left for your place immediately. Those two are having an affair.”
He sobbed. He wiped the tears almost immediately. John was at peace to know she was not dead.
“Take it easy.”
John rubbed his back. He didn’t know what to believe.
“Are you sure it was the two of them you saw?”
John asked. He found it hard believing.
“Am I a kid? I am sure. You should know I wouldn’t mistake anyone for those two.”
Lucas answered fiercely.
“But you can’t really be sure it is what you’re thinking. You might just be wrong. Anything could have brought those two together.”
John tried to let him see other possibilities that might have brought them together rather than an affair.
“Tell me. Things like what?”
Lucas asked, raising his voice. His face changed and John could sense the anger waking up again.
“You will hear the news.”
He said as he walked out of the room. John kept staring. He knew he was capable of doing anything. He quickly put on a shirt, picked his car keys and went after him.
John found his sister running towards the room, while he was rushing down the stairs.
“What happens? Where is Lucas?”
He asked looking at his sister.
“He went out already. I saw him coming out of the kitchen and then he headed out. I’m scared. He looked very scary. What’s the problem?”
Tolu was scared.
“He went to the kitchen? To do what?”
John asked sharply.
“I don’t have an idea. I just saw him coming out of there.”
Tolu answered.
“Christ. Stay here. I’ll be right back.”
John said as he rushed outside the building. Tolu ran to the window. She watched her brother, until the car was out of sight. She sat right on the floor, hoping her brother would return safely.
*
“Sweetheart.”
Ngozi said as she saw Lucas walk in, in the blue light. There was another lady seated beside Titus, on the bar stool, so he was made to sit in the middle of both ladies. Titus turned towards Lucas and so was the other lady. Lucas kept marching towards the Dispense bar with a knife in his hand. Their expressions changed suddenly, when they noticed something unusual. They all tried to run, but it was too late.
Titus was groaning on the floor already. Lucas stabbed him right in the chest. Everyone in the bar ran out screaming. Ngozi was sweating profusely, as her body vibrated. She looked left to right, unsure of what to do. She watched as Titus bled.
“What have you done?”
Ngozi finally managed to spill. He tried to attack her, but before he could, John was already in the middle, taken by surprise.
“What has come over you?”
John screamed at him. He looked at John with anger, trying to resist the temptation. John saw how disturbed he was within. He almost said his last prayer and wished he never followed Titus.
“Death is what they deserve!”
Lucas screamed, trying to console himself.
“But that is his girlfriend, Lizzy behind you.”
John said. Lucas turned back immediately. Lizzy was busy looking at Titus’ lifeless body on the floor with her hands covering her mouth. She drew back, when she noticed Lucas was facing her.
She ran out of the building, scared Lucas might hurt her. Lucas’s bowed, beholding Titus’ body on the floor. The knife slipped off his hand.
“What is happening here?”
He asked.
“She was not here the first time I showed up.”
He continued.
“You were here?”
Ngozi asked. She looked surprised.
“Yes. But she was not here. It was only you and Titus I saw.”
He managed to say, as his voice skipped. Tears gathered in his eyes. He tried to hide his fears, but he could not.
“Oh. Maybe it was when she went to the restroom. That was the only time she was gone.”
Ngozi explained, still in shock.
“Then what are you doing here. Tell me, who have you come to see?”
Lucas summoned the courage to ask, as he wiped his face.
“I was here waiting for you.”
Ngozi quickly explained.
“I called you several times, but it wasn’t reachable. I tried Titus and he told me you would be coming here tonight. I decided to meet with you here.”
“That is true. I told him I would be coming tonight.”
Lucas affirmed. He placed his hand on his forehead disappointed in himself. He looked down again at Titus. He bent down to check his pulse.
“He is gone. What have I done?”
He said unbelievably. He looked surprised. He wept bitterly, shaking the corpse.
“There.”
The bar man said from behind, accompanied by three uniformed men.
“Hands behind your necks.”
One of the men said, as they pointed their gun at the three of them. John and Ngozi did as instructed, as Lucas stood up gently with his hands raised, stained with blood.
THE END
Not all the eyes see, not all the ears hear, not all the mind thinks are true.
Be slow to anger, tame your temper…
Act wisely!
Written by Ayano Praise
Ediited by Afolayan Funmilayo
There used to live a boy, who was homeless. He lost his father, mother, and siblings, when he was just fourteen years. They actually died of food poisoning. His relatives accused him of being the wizard, and swore never to take him in. He was left to roam about the street, but they were generous enough, not to take his father’s house from him, which was the only inheritance his father left.
Lesson(s): i. Never blame people for their predicaments.
ii. Be generous enough to leave a trace of goodness even when you’re being wicked.
iii. Don’t be wicked at all.
For the first ten days, he would roam about, return to the house, get something to eat, then sleep, but on the eleventh day, he noticed the foodstuffs were going down, and he would soon need to get some. He went to the street, begging for alms from passersby. He was fortunate enough to always earn some kind and money at the end of the day. He continued practicing this, until one day, his bills expired, and he could not afford the amounts placed on them. He stopped getting the regular light and water, and before he knew it, he just got used to it.
Lesson(s): i. Never get satisfied with your unpleasant situation.
ii. Never wait until the last minute before you act.
iii. Don’t be shy or embarrassed to take some certain steps.
iv. Don’t get satisfied with the little you have. You can be better.
He continued begging by the roadside until he was seventeen years. He began to wonder what the future holds for him. Would he keep begging all the days of his life? That night, before the usual time he closed from his begging centre, he packed his things, and went back home, pondering on what action to take next. He considered selling the house to start a small scale business. But he realized he would have no place to hide his head.
Lessons: i. There are some steps you would have to take in the future, that you can take now.
ii. Always plan ahead of the future.
iii. Sometimes, you don’t need an advice from a friend. You need to reason deep on your
own.
iv. Never do away with your asset, except you have a replacement.
Many thoughts ran through his mind, but none was good enough to give him a better livelihood. Then and there, he understood the saying, that there is no shortcut to success. He decided to go back to the roadside, begging for alms. The following morning, his centre was open again for the one-sided transaction. That night, he figured out he could actually save some money everyday, so he started that.
Lessons: i. There’s no fastlane to success.
ii. You can rack your brain harder.
iii. There’s nothing you do, that you cannot save some little from.
One year passed, and this boy kept saving. You’d not know how much these beggars go home with in a day. Before the end of the second year, he’d realized about a hundred thousand naira. He thought of what he could do with it, but nothing was forthcoming. He kept begging, hoping that before he clocked twenty years of age, he would know what to do with the money and the extra, which would be added.
Lessons: i. Some beggers are out there earning more than what you earn in a day, but that
should not stop you from giving.
ii. Don't forget you have a target.
One night, something struck his mind. He was a great cook. He recollected the road, where he begs, was the the busy type, and yet, there was nobody cooking in the area. He decided not to resume back to his duty post the following day. He visited the market, pricing foodstuffs in large quantities. Lessons: i. Realize your talent(s) and build on it/them. ii. Take advantage of opportunities. iii. Set out to work on your skills. He went back home, calculating what it would cost him to open a small business with a table and an umbrella by the roadside. For a start, it would not cost him more than fifty thousand naira, so he decided to take the risk. He went to a small stall, where cloths and slippers were sold, and got himself some. He went back to the market to get some things he would be needing for his business. He also went to the barber’s shop to have a good cut. Lessons: i. Don’t be afraid of taking risks. ii. Your appearance matters a lot. He understood nobody would buy food from a pig. The following day, he was set by the roadside. Not begging, but ready for a real transaction. He looked so different, that no one could even recognize him. He didn’t sell anything until noon, when about six customers visited him, buying the food at cheap prices. Lesson: i. To succeed, you have to take a big step forward. It was night, and he understood he wouldn’t sell much. He decided to share the food amongst the people who rushed down to him, stretching out their plates, as he served for free. He walked home feeling dejected. But he believed the six people who bought from him would be back to buy the next day, and hopefully, bring some other people along after they might have enjoyed their delicious meals. Lessons: i. Don’t feel compelled to give out that which would end up being wasted. ii. Hope is an essential factor of success. iii. Don’t let disappoint and failure send you parking. They are only stepping stones to great achievements. Again, he was at the spot very early in the morning, ready to do business. To his surprise, two people, who he gave for free the previous day, were the first to queue up in front of him. He sold to them, encouraged some others would show up. Before noon, those he sold to the previous day, and those who had it for free, where all queued up, alongside some new buyers. He ended up selling the little he prepared, disappointing many of his customers. He apologized, went back to his house, to prepare more for evening. He ended up disappointing many others at the end of the day. Lessons: i. Be ready to persevere. ii. Do good, and the good you have done would locate you in more folds. iii. One day, your hardwork and perseverance would bring a smile on your face. iv. Never tell a customer it is finished without you seeking for where else you can get the particular product. It can make you lose your customers. This continued, until one day, he thought of expanding his business. He met with the operational manager of the mechanic workshop in front of where he sold his food, which belonged to the operator. They both ended up sealing a deal, he could construct a smal canteen made of wood in front of his garage, while he pays him for renting a portion of his land to him. His business got expanded, and he had to employ a few number of workers to work with him. Lessons: i. There’s no success without an expansion. ii. Don’t be satisfied with your little achievement(s) iii. Keep getting better in anything you do. He kept expanding his business, until the mechanic man ended up selling to him his whole land at a normal price, and relocating to a nearby available place, where he continued his mechanic business. Today, on that land, he has one of the biggest restaurants in town. He is now a big man, working on where to build his hotel alongside a bigger restaurant. He plans to also build event halls all around the nation, to generate more income for him. Lessons: i. Remember you can possess the land. ii. Your sweat and determination would pay off one day. iii. Never stop working hard. iv. Never get tired of climbing the ladder. Maybe I forgot to mention, that he furthered his education, and now, he is reunited with his family, who left him to die. Lessons: i. Education might be a scam, but notwithstanding, it is a major necessity. ii. Forgive your enemies. Without them, you may never make it. THE END… NOTE: This is not a true story. It is just a fiction. I hope you enjoyed the story and gained something from the lessons. Thanks for reading. See you again, when we see…
… and the precious substance shall be kept away from all aorta of evil, And the people shall celebrate her rebirth, trying to steal a glance, And the whole world shall hear about her, And they all shall run down to see and be a partaker of her glory, when it she is revealed, And everyone on earth shall be on guard, so as not to miss the first view, And on its opening, the other nations shall bow in reference and submission, And they shall acknowledge its superiority and Lordship, And the people of the soil shall rejoice, happy they lived to see the day, And new colours shall be espied on the newly reformed nation, And the colours shall be a new green, a colour of honour and pride, And a new white, a colour of glory, And it shall attract everything that breaths, And the she would forever be referred to as NIGERIA, THE LORD’S CHOSEN.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE, NIGERIANS, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE, NIGERIA.
P.Lord Shelf 