To be called foolish .

What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?

Key to Counciousnes

Names be they first, middle, or last carry a profound significance that extends beyond simple identification; they act as keys to our consciousness and recognition. Although we often downplay their importance, it is rare—if not impossible—to find someone who would choose to be called “Stupid” or “Foolish,” even if they may sometimes act in ways that could be described as such. Our names narrate our ancestry and illuminate the journeys we have undertaken.

Rare to find one that would choose to be called..

My name is Obianujunwa, as I mentioned in my last article, which relates closely to today’s discussion. It is a unique name found only among the Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria in Africa. It means “came amid surplus.” Names are shaped by various factors, including culture, circumstances, religion, ancestry, vision, and beliefs. Beyond serving merely as a means of identification, names play a crucial role in reflecting and preserving humanity’s heritage, uniqueness, and diversity.

Our names not only describe us; they also tell the story of where we come from and the circumstances surrounding our being.

Your well-being; Your responsibility.

What experiences in life helped you grow the most?

Trust is not given

Growth is inevitable, regardless of our life experiences. Sometimes situations arise that we wish had never happened, but in the long run, they often become our greatest teachers. Encounters with others teach us lessons, both good and bad. In reality, life will present us with a variety of circumstances, and how we choose to accept and find meaning in them is what truly matters. Trust is like glass; once broken, it can be restored but will never be the same.

People often take advantage of others. One thing about trust is that it typically comes from those we hold dear. As humans, we all have our unique characteristics and things that make us stand out, one of which is my greatest strength, loyalty. I trust wholeheartedly and believe that others will treat me the same way I treat them. Unfortunately, my hope for fair treatment and reciprocal behaviour was dashed early on by people I held dear, which ultimately shaped my expectations of others. I came to understand the importance of trusting myself and being open to people without expectations.

My early childhood experiences of betrayal were deeply painful, but they prepared me for adulthood, which brought its own set of emotional challenges related to trust. Having learnt these lessons early in life, I became aware of the harsh realities surrounding our society and the consequences of placing too much trust in others. This awareness has allowed me to apply these insights in my everyday life, therefore helping me grow while shielding me from disappointments and hurts at the same time.

Providing me with the understanding that my safety and well-being are solely my responsibility and no one else’s while appreciating people responsible enough to offer in return. Believing the assertion that trust indeed is not given but earned.

When You are not you!

Do you believe in fate/destiny?

You are Still You!

After returning from the play park with my young girls on what seemed to be a sunny day—perhaps an early hint of summer—I could hear their complaints about the lack of outdoor experiences during the long winter months. With high spirits and enthusiasm, I noticed their sighs of relief when I mentioned going to the playground. Although it was a lovely day with sunshine and cool weather, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was my fate.

Were my current circumstances destined to happen, or were they merely the result of random decisions? Fate can be defined as the development of events outside a person’s control, often seen as predetermined by a supernatural power. It’s challenging to manage the unforeseen circumstances that life throws our way, which seem destined to occur.

This led me to question: What is destiny? Do I believe in it? Destiny refers to events that will inevitably happen to a particular person in the future. As you’re reading this article and trying to grasp the picture I’m painting to illustrate my story, I encourage you to ask yourself if this is fate, destiny, or simply the natural circumstances that bring us together.

Even when you are not you; you are still you!

While I may believe in fate, I must admit that I don’t fully understand how it works. The idea that every challenge I have faced is justified and that my victories were predestined could place me in a difficult position. I also believe that our future is shaped by our actions today. Yet, there are times when circumstances emerge that we, as humans, try to escape but cannot.

Complicated as it may seem, here I am, reflecting on my life—my children, my wife, my jobs, friends, family, admirers, detractors, and my country—wondering if all this is fate, my destiny, or simply a product of random decisions intertwined with the forces of nature. Meanwhile, my spouse has just returned from work, and the atmosphere in our home is alive again; everyone is happy after a day well spent.

It’s much like incarnation; even when you feel disconnected from yourself, you are still you. The same applies to fate and destiny: even if we doubt our circumstances or the journey of life, it remains our story and experience to share.

We are not lesser than those we idolize!

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why?

You are your experiences

Rolling on my bed at midnight, I find myself weighed down by an overwhelming tide of thoughts that kept sleep at bay. It’s been two weeks since I lost my job, and the heaviness of being reliant on a single source of income has proven to be a painful reality. My mind races with worries about how I’ll manage my bills and what the future holds for me and my loved ones.

In moments like these, it’s hard not to feel like our circumstances define us, yet deep down, I know we are all unique individuals shaped by our experiences. If given the chance to choose our paths without limitations, many of us—myself included—would likely strive for versions of ourselves that feel more complete and fulfilled. I often wonder, wouldn’t you want a better version of yourself too?

This leads me to ponder a poignant question: If I could be someone else for just one day, who would I choose to be? In light of my current situation, I hesitated to even confront this thought. But in this moment of sleeplessness, I’ve decided to use this time to reflect instead of retreat.

Yet, here I am, embracing the fact that my identity is rooted in everything I’ve encountered. And so it is with you. While I may not cherish many of my past experiences, I wouldn’t trade my life for another, knowing too well that I can’t fully appreciate someone else’s journey without understanding their struggles and victories.

I choose to become a better version of myself, recognizing that I hold the power to shape my future—something I’m only beginning to discover now. It’s all too easy to envy what we see in others: their success, their beauty, their power. We can overlook our own resilience and strength, forgetting that the challenges we’ve faced have made us who we are.

We are not lesser than those we idolize; rather, we are heroes in our own right. The trials we’ve survived could have overwhelmed many, yet here we stand, ready to forge ahead. I’d choose to be me any day, continually seeking to grow richer in spirit, healthier in mind, happier in heart, and better in every sense.

Trusting yourself is a precious gift!

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

To My Younger Self (thank You)

As a teenager, nothing feels more alluring than the freedom of adulthood, the sweet escape from the watchful eyes of parents and older siblings. I can see this yearning in my six-year-old daughter, who often whispers to me, “Daddy, I wish I were 12.” It’s a heartfelt sentiment that reflects a natural stage in life. Many teenagers, having completed secondary school and entering the early days of puberty, experience a profound awakening of self-awareness and a fierce desire for recognition. It’s as if they are convinced they possess invincible superpowers, capable of conquering any challenge that comes their way. I, too, was swept up in that exhilarating tide.

To my younger self, I would gently say: take a moment to breathe and savor the journey. The excitement to fully embrace life sometimes led me down paths of reckless decisions, choices for which I still bear the consequences today. I often find myself reflecting on my missed opportunities, especially regarding my education. Dropping out due to financial hardship is a regret that lingers, a reminder of the barriers that once felt insurmountable.

To my teenage self, I urge you to embrace life’s moments but to do so with mindfulness. I understand now that the balance between enjoyment and caution is vital. My own youthful struggles, compounded by a strict upbringing and pressing economic challenges, often meant that I had little room for enjoyment—experiences that I now wish I had allowed myself to embrace.

Trusting yourself is a precious gift. I know how easy it is to seek validation in others, and I too fell prey to that vulnerability. My sincerity and openness sometimes left me exposed to others’ intentions. I realize now that believing others would reciprocate my kindness was a lesson learned through hardship—a truth that still echoes in my life today.

Finally, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to my younger self for persevering through every challenge and for the tapestry of experiences that have shaped the person I am today. Thank you for your resilience and for laying the foundation of the journey I continue to walk.

Water is life!

What is your favorite drink?

My go -drink without question

Water is essential to life—colorless, tasteless, and readily available, yet vital for our existence. It’s my go-to drink without question. We are advised to meet specific daily water intake requirements based on our age, environment, weather, and level of activity; typically, 6 to 8 glasses is the target.

No matter when you choose to drink it, water serves its purpose exceptionally well. Whether it’s first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, after a satisfying meal, post-workout sweat, or during a heatwave, the benefits of water are undeniable. Nothing can rival the satisfaction of a cool glass of water after an intense treadmill run. While we may use water for various reasons—cooking, bathing, cleaning, or swimming—its refreshing quality after a workout is unmatched. Water is not just important; it is indispensable.Water is life.

At some point in life!

What’s your favorite candy?

Everyone loves candy!!!

Given the health problems associated with sugar intake, I find it difficult to eat much candy. I wouldn’t say I’m a fan now, but that wasn’t always the case. Unlike my children, who sometimes cry for candy every day, I wasn’t raised with it. At my age, I can barely remember the names of any candies other than Haribo; surprisingly, I even miss the names of the candies I currently buy for my kids each month. That’s how little of a fan I am.

Nevertheless, my favorite candy is Haribo because it contains less sugar than others and is also chewable. When I have a craving, I often open a pack and take out three or four pieces for myself, leaving the rest for my younger children. I’m allergic to sweetness, especially to high sugar levels, making me uncomfortable whenever I accidentally consume too much.

At some point in live everyone loves candy!

For the past fifteen years, I have suppressed my desire for anything sugary. I even went so far as to drink my tea and coffee without sugar until my doctor informed me that my sugar levels were low. At that point, I began to add a small amount to my teas and coffees. I always got goosebumps when I saw how much sugar my coworkers put into their tea; their reactions to my unsweetened drinks were quite surprising. Although they often complimented me on my choices, I understand their preferences.

Sugar is addictive, much like caffeine and other products, and since the recommended consumption levels are not well-regulated, we often ignore the consequences of excessive intake. Some parents give their children too much freedom when it comes to candy, leading to habits that can be difficult to break later in life. Understanding the importance of managing sugar consumption, I have made it a priority to regulate my young children’s candy intake to avoid the serious health consequences associated with it. Nevertheless, everyone loves candy at some point in their lives.