Remember and Appreciate

As I stepped out of my house one Saturday morning to observe my weekend training session-this entails jogging within my avenue and doing some sit-ups. I decided to change my routine and instead took a walk in my neighborhood to feel the morning breeze.  I consciously took my time looking at the still well lit mansions sprawled around the neatly manicured gardens. The street was still very quiet so I had time to really savor the wonders of human imagination and creativity. I could hear faint voices of kids running around behind the walls probably a weekend ritual like my own too. Looking at these magnificent buildings was enough to challenge one’s thinking. I remembered the first time I bought a car. I was ecstatic!  Though I knew I was going to buy a car sometime I honestly wondered how this was going to happen. If you knew where I came from then you will understand. My parents were from the middle class income bracket and my father used a car for 27 good years not because he loved using it but because he had a lot of bills and hangers on to take care of. It was funny though but somehow I am so proud of him. The most important thing he ever focused on was to get us educated. I am enjoying this great legacy today.

I could not sleep because I was just waiting to get into the car and drive off to nowhere! The car became a very important thing to me. Today I am grateful to my parents, much more grateful to God as I remember and appreciate the good things of life I have come to and still are enjoying. When you remember and appreciate the good times it prepares you for a greater future.  Now when I remember that day I always become thankful and appreciative knowing that more of these goodies are still coming my way. 

Really there is nothing that cannot be achieved. The thought started with little savings here and there. There were days I would have to sacrifice my lunch or refuse to go out with the boys to the club. Oh I was stingy with something’s even to myself and some of my friends wondered where my money was going to. To me all I wanted was to buy a car. When I moved into the city of Abuja from Ibadan, I left the comfort of my parents’ home to survive in the uncertainties of the mega city life. I conditioned myself to get the best from the megacity and not to expect the worst. It is all in the mind. With nobody to turn to but my instincts I began my own journey to success. After staying with a friend for some while I moved into my own apartment with just a mattress and my clothes. To say I was happy is an understatement. This little progress meant a lot to me because I knew I was moving forward.

Now when I walk down the street and I see edifices littered around with their owners parading themselves in front of them or driving out of the street I just smile to myself and say these guys were just like me at some point, I am definitely going to be like them very soon. We can get to wherever we want to only if we know where we want to get to. Happiness does not come from only from the abundance of possessions but also from our past and present achievements. When you think back and remember, this is one sure way of appreciating your present position and one great strategy of moving forward in life. Our sorrows stem from the fact that we want to become big all at once. So my dear friends, when you walk down from your building take time to smell the roses if you have any or just look around and see the wonderful things that surrounds you. Even if you are in the comfort of your offices and are checking through your numerous bank accounts remember and appreciate your little beginning. It takes a lot to remember and appreciate our humble beginnings. I see you on top of your riches.

Kolawole Kehinde is the C.O.O of The Idea Embassy and R.E.E.L Inc and currently lives in Abuja. He can be reached on kolamagic@gmail.com and kolayore@yahoo.com 2348055159014 for speaking events and seminars on personal development, time management and marketing business services in the 21^st century.