A Chinese student made an opening speech at her graduation ceremony at the University of Maryland where she said "
Five years ago, as I step off the plane from China, and left the terminal at Dallas Airport. I was ready to put on one of my five face masks, but when I took my first breaths of American air. I put my mask away. The air was so sweet and fresh, and utterly luxurious. I was surprised by this. I grew up in a city in China, where I had to wear a face mask every time I went outside, otherwise, I might get sick. However, the moment I inhaled and exhaled outside the airport, I felt free".
And the whole of China came for her head.
We are at a place right now in the world where everyone seems to be caught in the wake of hypocrisy, sycophancy and bootlicking.
If my opinion does not agree with the popular opinion, I could be crucified for it.
We are surrounded by people who don't do anything unconventional.

There is a need, no! a cry out, more than ever before for the rise of men and women of courage. People like Abraham, Moses, David, Abraham Lincoln ,Martin Luther, C. S Lewis, D. L moody
People who remind us that the motto "safety first" leads to hell.
People who inspire us to jump! Because the net will appear when we do. People who are not afraid to pack their bags and leave their father's house to a land, some unknown land.

Courageous people travel light and make maximum impact. They often take the road less traveled. Courage does not mean the absence of fear though, but responding inspite of fear.
The tombstone of a man who fails to take a stand will read "what could have been".

People of courage make a difference in the world. Instead of cowering to the pressures of this dysfunctional society, become a force. Break out of the box. Boxes are designed for storage and Shoes and not for you. Know what is right and do it. Dare to have principles and stand by them.


Some of the most impactful people in history were people who could have easily ended up on the shelf of mediocrity, but they dared to do the unconventional.
Abraham Lincoln was a failure before he became the President. Don't settle! soar.

An old adage says, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
If you live courageously you may loose friends, because the crowd thins out when you decide to live outside the box,, but the view is worth the climb.
You can leave a mark and make an impact but you must have the courage to do it.

Billy Graham writes, courage is contagious. when a brave man takes a stand the spines of others are stiffened.

I have a little friend who is "hyper" friendly, she's just eight but she literally initiates conversations and friendships on a first meeting. When we first met she walked up to me and asked me "what is your name"?" "my name is ify", I replied, completely astounded at her guts, but I tried as much as I could not to show it. And that's how we became a pea in a pod.

She's a cute little angel, sweet and really friendly. Over time I have watched her talk to a couple of other people who don't find her as interesting as I do, and don't really give her the attention she gets from me and a few others. I guess she's learning more about life( sorry sweetie, that's life finally)

This makes me reflect on life generally. It’s actually impossible for everyone to like me. What one person wants me to do, another person might want me not to do. Not everyone will like me, but not everyone matters, so I shouldn’t let it bother me.


Not everyone you meet is going to like you, Don't get offended. It doesn't in any way reduce your worth. it's not going to make you richer or poorer, prettier or uglier. Some people will not see the "big deal" about you, they will see you as just another human living on earth. Learn to Deal with it.

Not everyone is going to appreciate your gifts and talent, don't waiver, keep putting in more effort. You are not the first and you sure won't be the last.

Not everyone you meet will be willing to help you. Some people will be so uninterested in the things you value the most, they might not even understand why and how you derive pleasure from the things you do. To them it might seem like a complete waste of time. It's completely normal,there are people who have been strategically positioned by God to help you until you meet these people keep calm and keep moving forward.

Not everyone you meet will encourage you, there will be people who will be so keen about the things you do like "kilode" !! While some will be so passive and indifferent like "what's your name again"? this shouldn't deter you in any way. Keep the fire burning.

As you go through life, bear in mind that not everyone belongs in your life. And when you meet people who are not necessarily relevant to your purpose, don't be bothered by the way they will to react to it. Cut them off quickly before they poison your mind and disrupt your focus.
Those who need to be in your life will come and stay and will ultimately help you become better.
P S: don't forget to appreciate them. These people don't come easy.