Things I’d like my son to know

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As is gradually becoming obvious (if you’ve been reading this fly magazine) I’m a lister. Am sure you will agree it kind of helps distill thoughts into manageable bits. The whole idea being to let you the reader go ahead, move the thoughts around in your head, deconstruct, remove or fill up as the case maybe.
Anyhow, this is a life hack list I made for my son whom I love to bits (as all parents do) not just because he is my son, but also for the fact that I see him growing into a young manandIwanttobesureIcoveras many bases as I can with him of some of the things that I hold dear (trust me there are way more)and want to pass onto him, with the fervent wish and prayer that it will help form the foundations of his life, alongside my prayers. Let’s roll then.

‘ Jovwo and Jowo
Do kindly remember that:

  • It’s harder to take a punch than to throw one.
  • Sometimes you will have to work away and sometimes you will need to stand, if you let your heart lead you, you will know when to do what.
  • Find the people who make you laugh and follow them around like a golden retriever. Laughing is like a vitamin. You can never get enough of it.
  • A guy who hugs a lot is comfortable in his own skin.
  • Always have book and music in your life (ok, and some games)
  • Spend a chunk of time every year with people who are much less fortunate than you are. It will fill your heart with gratitude.
  • Always and unfailingly be gracious.
  • Never lie about anything. The first lie will cause you to have to lie again and again to cover up the truth. And each time you’ll chip away an important piece of yourself.
  • Find work that makes you happy. If you can change the world in the process all the better.
  • Nobody can and should define you or what you can achieve.
  • If you get the chance to travel across the country or across the globe, take it. You will learn way more from people who are different from you thanthe ones who are the same.
  • Doing nothing is better than doing the wrong thing. But you are going to make mistakes. Tons of them. The real question is what you will learn from them.
  • Radical honesty will get you very far in this world. Most people don’t have the guts to speak their mind, regardless of the consequences.
  • Don’t be in any rush to get married. Divorce really sucks. A good marriage can start whenever you find love.
  • When you marry, always give your spouse birthday presents.
  • With the ones you love, be tactile; hold hands, blow kisses, hug, just touch.
  • When you feel like crying, for joy or out of pain, let rip. If you don’t cry those tears out, they will calcify in your chest and make it harder to love as fully and deeply as you would like to
  • There’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence once in a while, remember as you always say, moderation in everything.
  • Money and power look good, but they won’t fill your being with joy the way your family will.
  • Find a way to move your body that gives you pleasure. You don’t have to be an athlete to be a man, but your body is a temple and you need to care for it, and use it to express yourself.
  • Find a spirituality that you can wear like a loose coat that keeps you warm no matter the weather. God should provide you comfort.
  • If you lose your soul, you lose everything.
  • Live passionately. Dream big. Don’t back down.
  • Always remember I love you, always. And so does Dad and Eseoghene. Always.

Merry Christmas ‘Jowo honey!!!!


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