Very little is needed to make a happy life;
it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.
…Marcus Aurelius…
Would you like to be a five year old child again?
So I went to check out an apartment with Abiodun, the facility manager of an estate and here comes this lovely chubby little boy (five years old, I guess) riding his bicycle at the centre of the road without a care in the world.
“Oh I wish I can be five years old again”… the facility manager said
I don’t want to be five years old, I replied her…
We argued back and forth and I gave her my reasons – I don’t want to be as naïve and care-free as a five year old. Abiodun’s response was that she will like to be a five year old again because adults have too many issues to deal with. I laughed my heart out when she said; “if I have a chance to go back to primary 2, I will so repeat that class over and over again”. Unfortunately, she didn’t have a chance to go back to primary 2.
Later that evening, I reflected on my discussion with Abiodun and I thought it would be nice to be care-free without a worry in the world, free and if possible ride a bicycle at the centre of the road without being scared. In that moment, I realised that being happy and without anything worries is a personal choice. It is like drinking red wine in place of “agbo” (Yoruba native herb), they don’t do the same thing; they also don’t have the same taste or give you the same feeling. However, they are both liquids that we make a choice to drink or not to drink. In the same manner, you need to be happy; be you, life is a flick; so learn to enjoy every moment you have. Spend time with your family, it is okay to take the call of your family in the peak of cracking a hard nut at work. Enjoy every stage of your life, each stage comes with its own story and glory.
That night, before going to bed; I came to a conclusion that I don’t want to be a five year old again. I would rather be a ninety year old (90-years) relaxing on the roof top of my exotic mansion with family and friends, reflecting on my life’s journey. But if I’m given the chance, here’s how I want my life’s journey to flow: I’ll be in my thirty’s three times over, then move to my forty’s and stay a little while there, lounge in my fifty’s, celebrate my sixty’s, seventy’s and eighty’s before the big ninety’s and… your guess is as good as mine.
Today, this week, this month, this year, in whatever phase of life you find yourself; learn to be happy and enjoy every bit of your life.
Written by Udochi Anokwu