HERBAL MEDICINES ARE NOT TO BE TOYED WITH

Ardent users of public transport would attest to the fact that there are lots of things that one gets to see and hear when one takes public transport. You join a bus and there’s someone standing to share God’s word with you, someone else telling you about a recent business or a new development in the system. Or, the most common one, when you join a bus and having someone peddle one herbal medicine or the other.

I always wonder at the proliferation of “mobile doctors” in the system. No matter where you find yourself, there always seems to someone or the other selling you the latest herbal wonder cure. It’s either you’re being told about cinnamon, medicine for body pains, sexual weakness, issues with menstruation, and so many more.

Aside knowing that there exists an association for people who practise herbal medicine, I recently got to know that there are actual herbal medical doctors who are trained for six (6) years and deployed to herbal clinics. After having an encounter with one, she told me there are only two clinics of the sort attached to public hospitals. I was a bit taken aback because there are lots and lots of clinics using herbs as medicine.

In my quest to suppress the different perspectives I was having on herbal medicine, I took to asking some questions to get things clear once and for all and we took to talking at length.

According to the herbal doctor, there exist two different types of medicine. The Orthodox or Allopathic, popularly known as the “white man’s medicine” and then the herbal medicine. The former has been used extensively and when we visit the hospitals, that is what we are mostly given. These medicines come about as a result of taking the herbs through various procedures to extract the exact content needed to cure a particular ailment. As such, these medicines only have cure to mostly a particular discomfort one may be feeling. This is however not so with the herbal medicines. It is in its totality, a substance that does more than just giving relief. Whereas the “white man’s medicine” might be to suppress or control a malfunction in one’s system, herbal medicine does more than that. It goes a long way to eliminate whatever discomfort one is feeling.

It is true that humans have been exposed to the white man’s medicine extensively and as such, know very little or almost nothing about herbal medicine. However, herbal medicine has assumed some prominence in Ghana quiet recently. When asked why this is so, she said that research has shown that even though it has been in existence for long, the use of it is prevalent in some parts of the world and they are doing just fine. Since the world is now a global village, the use of herbal medicine extensively is now being incorporated into our public health centers.

I  also took to asking her how we can differentiate the quacks from the original herbal practitioners. She claims that one should not always be on the lookout and not buy medicines that are just sold anywhere. Our health must be taken seriously and as such, we must give priority to that. Should you be experiencing anything which is not normal, get to the nearest hospital and you will be treated right. If the white man’s medicine is being prescribed to you and it is not working for you, you can ask your doctor to put you on herbal medication. It is done interchangeably with little or no problems recorded. Doctors with white man’s prescriptions can refer patients to herbal trained doctors and vice versa.

There has been a lot of successful stories on the use of herbal medicine and it can go a long way to even eradicate health cases that have come up if it is done holistically. A lot of misconceptions have come up . If you wish to get things right once and for all, just walk into any health facility to get the right thing done at the right time, and place.

We only get to live once and we cannot live what we have left with regrets.

HUMAN RELATIONSHIP​S

HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS

"No human can ever live as an island, there definitely will be a time where you will need to speak to someone" . These were words that kept running through my mind as I walked out of a leadership seminar some time ago. Then I thought, what happens to introverts, the people who are very reserved or love to be by themselves?  Is it a matter of inferiority complex or what?

Humans are such that we are responsible for our every actions and even inactions be it being alone or in an organization working with other people. Different people work together to achieve a common goal. That's to say we are to communicate, brainstorm, criticize and so on in order to attain a particular objective.

When one says interactions, there exists healthy and unhealthy interactions. But even before that, interactions is all about some form of relationship that exists to allow people work together to achieve a common goal. Even though there exists intrapersonal activities, what we have mostly is interpersonal interactions. Sometimes people act in such a way that you get confused as their true intentions but in order to get rid of this confusion, there​ are ways one can enhance good relationships with others.

To begin with,there should be an open communication. More often than not, we come into contact with different people and they all do not have the same attitude. It could be that people for the fear of others taking advantage of their "niceness" tend to always keep a straight face. Open communication is to avail yourself so that people can approach you when the need arises.
Then comes listening. As a human being, we are advised to talk less and listen more. If you are to be in charge of anything, it does not warrant you to always be shouting orders at people that your utterances go unquestioned. It can't be like that always. Should you live a life like that people will not be willing to go the extra mile for you and in order to get things done and done properly, some people have to take it upon themselves to sacrifice for the well being of whatever is at hand.
Then comes tolerance and respect. As said early on, humans​ vary  when it comes to attitude but in order to ensure a healthy interaction, there must be tolerance and respect. Should someone even offend you, there should be a nice way to go about it. Everyone has a rainy day but how we handle it a long way to affect our interactions with others
Getting personal with people is yet another way to enhance healthy interactions. Getting personal in this sense does not mean to get too intimate with each other. There should be free will or oneness. People happen to be in places where for a long time, they barely speak any words to each other let alone get together for some good time or even to know how each other is faring. Work to be done does not always mean that one should have a stern look or always be in a business mood. Studies in psychology have shown that being all strict or stern creates intimidation and work cannot go on smoothly. There is the need to lighten the mood once in a while, shake off some stress so people can feel at ease to do what is expected of them.

Should one find oneself in any organization, it might be that you won't be there forever. Even if things happen to be bad, speak no evil of it because you never know when things will change. Inasmuch as it might be "bad", work out what you have to do, carve a niche for yourself then of any opportunity comes up to better yourself move ahead with it. It is far better than always speaking evil and then come some time, you are discovered and sacked! That will be too much of embarrassment for yourself. Everywhere one finds oneself will at a later time be a reference point come sometime. Egos are boosted or deflated based on how we interact with others. Everybody loves attention hence interaction with people will definitely go a long way to affect you.
Someone might ask, so what is the way forward then? Well we all have got roles to play and amidst it all, we should try to be conscious about working in teams, try getting to know each other better, hangout with others, celebrate people openly but rebuke in private and then be free or open but mindful of boundaries.

Every human being has a personal dignity and it has to be taken seriously. You don't have to compromise all in the name of getting a favour but then also you need to know just how to interact with people so you get thinks done at the right time and the right place. Just as a local adage puts it, " Famine does not warrant you eating just anything or everything".

THE DANGERS OF SHORTCUTS

THE DANGERS OF SHORTCUTS

"Driver, stop the car"!, she ordered. "You, pointing to one passenger at the other end of the seat step out of the car!". The look on the guy's face was priceless as he was wondering what wrong he had done.

Being four (4) in the cab, there had been an odd smell in the car throughout the journey. I was soon to alight, however, so I wasn't going to comment about it. Unknown to us, there was a police woman on board who was fortunately or unfortunately was not in uniform, that's to say was in mufti. Having reached her destination, she pointed at one passenger to step out of the car with her. I was curious as to what was happening because the young man being asked to step out of the car had a confused look.

After the two stepped out, the driver as if reading my thoughts, started telling us what was amiss. According to the driver, the guy who was asked to step out with the woman was carrying "weed" in his bag and since the smell couldn't be suppressed in the bag he was carrying, the police woman caught the smell and had to arrest him. Interestingly, that explained the odd smell in the car.

As I tried a quick flashback to recall the young man's actions throughout the journey,I remembered noticing that his eyes were really red. While in the car, he was singing something so off tune as compared to what was being played on the radio in the car. That even though not  much information, made me realize the guy was high on something. The car sped away and I couldn't help but ask myself why on earth that should happen. Why would a young man decide to endanger his life by carrying "weed" around. Inasmuch as it pays financially ,as I hear, is it worth the risk of a life? I doubt it.

What on earth could have made this guy muster courage to carry weed around? Could it be that he is having a really tough time in life? Well, one could never know. But then again, come what may, is carrying of weed around for quick money the best you could ever settle for? Again, I doubt not.

Often than not, people resort to different things to make ends meet. When I say different things, it ranges from everything and anything one may ever know. Selling all kinds of things which means encountering different levels of risk don't go unnoticed.

Life has it that some are born into wealthy families whereas others need to struggle and worm their way through life. There are also others who exploit others to keep on accumulating wealth at the expense of others.

When things take a different turn,some people reluctantly take on highly-risked opportunities in order to keep their head " above water". Amidst these, there is the tendency of trading in illegal drugs like Indian hemp, cocaine, caffeine or even tobacco. All these are not to be traded but due to some difficulties in life,  some people would prefer a short cut to wealth and hence trade in them.

Research has it  shown that these drugs when taken into the human body tends to be harmful to. They are so bad that they can end you in a mental institution when you become addicted to them because  some will destroy some cells in your body. Then when you think you've done enough harm to yourself and wish to stop, it is usually difficult to refrain from it and this could result one being locked away somewhere for rehabilitation.

Inasmuch as times have proven hard and you need to struck the metal harder than usual to make ends meet, drugs are definitely not something one should resort to. As the famous saying goes, you only live once. Lauren Oliver once said," maybe you can afford to wait, maybe for you, there's tomorrow. Maybe for you, there's one thousand tomorrows or even three thousand, maybe ten thousand. So much time you can bath in it, roll around it, let it slide like coins through your fingers. So much time you can waste it. But some of us, there's only today and the truth is, you never really know". Stay safe and make sure to make all the right choices and am certain you won't regret it.

BEADS, A NATURAL BEAUTY

BEADS, A NATURAL BEAUTY

A lover of beads is one of the few things I could be described as. Whereas some would say bracelets or necklaces made with metals (with some being personalized) is the "ish", I also say beads make me feel like a rockstar. Should our paths cross, you would realize this truth. Meet me on my way to church and you'd see different beads (hardly one in number)in it's beautiful colours on my wrist and around my neck.
Sometimes, I wonder how I came to love beads and hardly wanting to step out without at least one being on my wrist. Get for me a gift of anything bead-like or a purely African made bead and I will be indebted to you as compared to the metal stuff.
Once when I found myself in a town where beads were like an everyday routine some people made as a handiwork, I just couldn't help but just stare. I lost track of time due to how beautiful I found the art with the blend of the bed colours till someone tapped me on the shoulder. "Young lady, I've been watching you from a distance and you've not moved from where you've been standing. Is everything alright?" That came from an old woman and I just couldn't help but feel a mixture of shyness and joy. Grandma, it's nothing really but I just love beads and having chanced on how it's being done has made me glued to my spot. Come with me, she said and we started walking with her doing much of the talking.
Beads have been in existence thousands of years and they are locally produced by indigenous people of the African continent and trade beads that have travelled from other parts of the world. Some beads are arts which is a family tradition where tools and techniques are passed on from one generation to the other. Being a handmade art, it is labour intensive but it is rewarding as it comes in different varieties of beauty.

Beads are made from different things which includes stones, clay, plant materials like palm nuts and bamboo stems, animal materials such as bones and marine shells and amazingly currently with glass.

Beads in our part of the world are worn at ceremonies such as coming of age, circumcision, marriage, burial and local festivities. But on any normal day, you will find for yourself people who have some on their wrists or necks.

Beads I interestingly found out had meanings and they ranged from pride, beauty, culture and power.
As if by coincidence, we chanced on a ceremony in the town. As observing as I am, I noticed beads almost everywhere. But I realized some were very different from others. Some came in big forms and was worn by a man I thought for myself as being really important. I asked the woman how come my beads are smaller as compared to his. She then told me there are beads means for both sexes; the males have theirs bigger and females a bit smaller.
She continued to say beads worn have different meanings. Should an ignorant person wear just any bead, someone who has knowledge about it will find it out of place. Before we could part ways, she realized aside the beads I had on, there was a particular one I wore alone on my wrist. She asked why and I said that was a gift from my mum. Interesting, she said and then tasked me to take very good care of it because unlike the others, this particular one is an ancient but really good bead which is very scarce to find currently. I couldn't feel anymore happy because I was just basking in my mum's praise.

Come what the meaning may be, I would always prefer a blend of it all because what I would love to always portray is the beauty of beads.

A MOTHER'S LOVE, IRREPLACEABLE

A MOTHER'S LOVE, IRREPLACEABLE.

"My dear, my child, please, don't go, come back, he's your father and just wants what's best for you, don't walk out on me". These are words I unknowingly eavesdropped when I happened to pass behind someone's window one evening. These words, I thought to myself are filled with a mixture of pain and love. Words which doesn't come out of just anyone's mouth. Words spoken by a female and I thought, if not a mother, who else would speak such words.

Growing up, I was and I still am a witness to several homes where parents exist and each has a way of bringing up their children. Should there be the absence of one parent, the other takes it upon him or herself to see to it that the children hardly lack anything.

In the course of bringing up a child, since one is never perfect, mistakes are sure to be made but in it all, it is just for the good of the children.
Everyone on earth has a woman in his or her life. Not just any woman but one woman who inspite of everything, will just want to see her children smile. Should there be instances where one feels ill-treated , the mere fact of having carried you for nine solid months and seen to it that you come on earth in one piece is enough proof that someone has more than just "mouth-love" for you.

There are instances where in a family, a particular child brings much headache but even amidst all these, a mother decides to show much love. Not to spoil the child more as some might say,but to try correcting the child with love.

Being privy to a happening of a couple, I choose to share their story.
Married at a young age, both man and woman found it difficult to make ends meet but with hope that everything will be fine, they stuck together. Then came instances where their first two children were taken ill. Sickness hardly known to anyone and they had to resort to going to different hospitals and prayer camps. Much resources were lost, fights came as a result of frustration but the mother stood firm saying " it will all end good" . Life still goes on and things begin to turn well, the children became well and they were even added on with two other siblings. Amidst all these, the mother will just do anything to see that her children are comfortable and this she did inspite of all hardships that were encountered and she still is encountering them. Prayer is what she resorts to and bit by bit she still holds in to "it will all end good".

I chanced on a video which talks of several things mothers will do just to see that their children don't suffer same fate as theirs. Things people will normally not do is what they find themselves doing all to see their children feel comfortable.  Should there be instances where an issue comes up, some fathers out of frustration might give up on the children but it is never so with mothers. The hustle and tussle of pregnancy alone is enough to always give a standing novation to mothers but that alone, is even an  infinitesimal display as to what they go through afterwards.

One could go on and on about what a mother will do but it just is unending. Words are never enough to express a mother's love. Some might have lost their mothers but memories alone are good enough to hold on to. Never for once think a mother is comfortable to see her children suffer. Some may act strong-willed in the presence of their children but accidentally budge into their rooms or sneak in on them and you'd realize they are always lost in thoughts just on how to provide much more for their children. A mother's love is and will always be irreplaceable, never for once think vile about a mother. Should there be instances where out of anger or frustration something painful has been uttered, words spoken are hardly retrieved but an apology and a genuine changeover is good enough to get back into a mother's good braces.
To all mothers, a grenade can't be caught for you, planes cannot just be jumped off for you but in subtle ways, you will be forever cherished.

CHILDREN, SOME MYSTERY ON THEIR OWN

CHILDREN, SOME MYSTERY ON THEIR OWN

Walking back from work exhausted one day, I spotted some children walking towards me. I noticed they had been staring at me from a distance and I wondered if there was something on me which shouldn't be there. Getting nearer, I was contemplating if I should say a word to them or not. Then I was "pulled" out of my thought by a simple question. "Aunty, please did you slip or something"? I was taken aback but decided to ignore him politely with a simple smile. But the question came again, louder this time, and the children together with the one who asked the question stood Infront of me waiting for an answer. Honestly, I was lost and suddenly became tight-lipped but they were waiting for an answer so I just nodded and left them.

I get stares everytime and everyday when I step out and it will be very silly to admit that I don't get shaken most of the time. But most often, I just brace myself with the simple words "it is well" or "I am the motivation some seek". Getting these stares, makes one very uncomfortable but to the curious and bold ones who muster the courage to ask, I give an abridged version of the story. The pain with which is it said lessens most often.

Not to say there is something wrong with me or something but I noticed as human as we are, people naturally stare just that some do it more than others. Back to the children, I was still deep in thoughts about them when I reached home and I didn't know what made the child so bold to approach me to ask his question. Then it dawned on me that maybe, or for a fact, the environment people find themselves in, either makes one bold or timid.

Being at a totally new environment for some months, I daresay this is very true and it is a habit people find comfortable putting on as an attitude. During my early times as a "stranger", as soon as I pass by, people start whispering and sometimes it is very loud for me to hear that what is being said is all about me. And honestly speaking, they don't care if you happen to hear them or not.Things asked mostly centers on "who is she" and "what's her motive of coming here".

Inasmuch as it irks me when these are being asked either right Infront of me or behind me with the simple notion that their being rude and nosy, I came to a conclusion that they (the people) are worried about their security. I say this because once they get answers to their questions and make you out, they automatically relax around you and become very welcoming.

In other places, due to the hustle people go through, people are barely noticed. It takes something as much as a mishap before would be "paused" out of their busy schedule to ask, "what happened" and "how come?" This makes no room for personal security. People are sure to say security gadgets are all in place to check strangers or anything strange within the vicinity, their houses and their rooms. Things which do not happen within one's house are almost always ignored because a popular saying "di wu lane mu" (which literally means,mind your own business) will be said to you. But with all these, where tends to be the role of neighbours acting like "actual" watchdogs, if I may say, for you?

Still about the children, I again came up with another realization that their upbringing is also a factor to the bold attitude they possess. Mind you, being bold is very different from being rude. With some, their parents who serve as their first role models in life, confront issues in a bold manner and hence, they pick up this trait. When there is a problem at hand, people are made to cool off and then afterwards it is addressed to the hearing of all. This makes it such that views are expressed and "unfamiliar feelings" are done away with.

But for some others, timidity is what they are exposed to. Things go wrong but they are never addressed properly and "mixed feelings" is what they move about with. Instead of trashing things out, the mere sound of the elderly ones, if harsh tend to make the little ones scurry off. Then an impression is created. An impression that, things whether good or bad are to be left as they are for peace to prevail. Whether is yields pain or not, it is meant to be endured till some "breakthrough" comes.

This results in children shielding so much that it causes some psychological issues for them. Depression, inferiority complex or low self esteem are but the few I will mention. These might start without them knowing but when it gets out of hand, it might just be a miracle that will be needed

Children are a gift from God and as admonished, we are to train them in a way so that they may not depart from it. Be it the right or wrong teaching, it will always come back to hit you. As guardians, help them open up to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.

AFTER MARRIAGE, WHAT ELSE?

AFTER MARRIAGE, WHAT ELSE?

A lover of cool music is what I could be described as when I sometimes find myself idle . Coupled with the gentle notes from a keyboard, or whatever instrument is being used which makes goosebumps appear on the skin is more than enough to switch my mind to another level. Here I was, in a church, not where I am not  rooted to worship though, and the leader of the church amidst soothing strings which got the atmosphere "charged" started speaking with much vim. Then he asked this question, not to one particular person but everyone. " What do you need"? Amidst the several mumblings, I unknowingly held on to a particular response; " I NEED MARRIAGE". Don't blame me, but instantly, there was a mental note to check the person out later and when I did, I was awed.

Behind me, where the response came from was a pretty girl,maybe not that matured in my sight and probably some elderly people will agree with me but that was exactly what I heard loud and clear from her. Curiosity took the better part of me and I did a bit of background check. Again, I sat by myself with mixed feelings. Revelations from my little digging brought to light that my "interesting" friend was, if I could say, not ready for marriage. But then again, who am I to judge? That's her topmost priority and should someone be bold enough to read my thoughts and come upfront to me, am certain to be told it's none of my business.

Having been a witness to quite a number of weddings, I'd say the rate at which people get married currently is very alarming. There's no single weekend without a marriage ceremony not being held in a vast number of Churches. Even though it is a sight to behold taking into consideration the decorations as well as how so much in "love" the couples look, what happens at the aftermath of it all?

Being on some platforms, I get to read varied posts from people. Ranging from all manner of happenings be it amusing or serious. Once while idly scrolling through posts by people on a platform, I got sight- locked on one particular post and I just kept going to and fro trying to get the reason for it being shared. As captioned, "AFTER MARRIAGE, WHAT NEXT?" To him, it has been something he has been pondering over for sometime and he sought to find answers and that was why he shared it on that platform.

Being by himself with this thought, he identified the legal right to have sexual intercourse with your partner and then should children come out of the deed, fair enough. But what actually can be the one sole reason for marriage. Sometime back in school when this topic was taught, we were made to understand that marriage centers around companionship and procreation. But then again, is that all there is to it?

Looking back to marriages by our elders, theirs have been one that stands for long. Even if it was instituted through arranged means, one can say for a fact that it stands for long come what may. A look around might make known some "poor" reasons as to why the "marriage calendar" needs to have a review. For some, it might be out of pregnancy and due the the shame that might come to the woman and the family, hasty preparations have to be made for a quick ceremony. Even if it was in the mind's eye of the couple to marry sometime, things have to be rushed. For others, it might be pressure from people around that you're aging, you've accumulated some wealth or maybe the supposed need for a grand child. But really, will the marriage be about you who is doing the pressurizing or the one who will be in the marriage?

As quickly as some wish to get married, the same way they wish to be out of it maybe because they are uncomfortable or that it wasn't done right. I am not an expert to speak on authority but as usual, it is just my thoughts at work once again. Divorce cases abound after a few months of being in a marriage and it is really heart breaking. Of what use is it after all the cost incurred and after vows have been said out loud in the sight of God and other witnesses? Since the marriage was held publicly, the divorce I suggest should be done publicly as well. After all, what could be the worst of it?

The "for better for worse" aspect of the vows during a marriage ceremony needs to be resounded to all. It is not a child's play when one can just jump in and when you are fed up, you shake the dust of your feet to go back to your old state. For the pains taking part, I know it to be a lifetime decision and journey so long as you draw the conclusion of wanting to get married.

I daresay something is just wrong somewhere but should pain be endured with a proper planning, it never promises to be all rosy but for it's worth, one can enjoy it while it lasts. It is not about how good one looks on the day of marriage, never about the number of bridesmaids or groomsmen, never about how the wedding becomes the talk of the town but rather how you can hold it all together and say I am never swallowing my vows or to retract them.

RELIGION ℅MORALS

MORALS, PAVING THE WAY FOR RELIGION

"Religion is not a repository of morality. Morality is learned from self actualization and empathy. You pick it up from childhood. One can have morals without necessarily being religious. Don't get me wrong. Religion in itself is arguably a man-made institution and as such is bagged up with flaws.
Christianity is about one's mentality"

Having been on a portal for some years, this typed by someone made me start to think deeper unknowingly. Then it hit me, how true can this be? Then again I said to myself it may or may not be true because unknown to you, someone's " assumption" held as a strong belief might be a fallacy to another.

In my quest to find my way around it, I decided to look out for the meanings of both "morals" and "religion".
Morals as defined by the English dictionary says  "is conforming to a standard of right behaviour; sanctioned by or operative on one's conscience or ethical judgement".
It then defines religion as "a particular system of faith and worship".
Having found these, I sighed and then again tried to get key words that was visible in these two words. For morals, I realized it could be likened to ethics, relation, noble, virtual just to mention a few. Then for religion, devotion and commitment could be said to be what it centers on.
One could go to and fro about this whole issue concerning morality and religion but for one to say both stand on its own is but a sham.

I dare say that one relies on the other or one is embedded in the other. That said, when a child is born, parents see to passing on several virtues to them. How to accord people respect, how to speak and so on. When all these are in place, then there is a way paved for religion.

Religion as seen might in a way put a fold over people's eyes. In the name of religion, people have misled others. In the name of religion, people have committed heartbreaking crimes and just because they preach the gospel, most go scot free.

It is not about speaking in tongues, it is not about making people whole from their ailments and it certainly is not about carving a niche for oneself but how you can make someone saved come the day of judgment.

Someone may say several books written by some people held high in esteem is enough to instill morals into someone but like an Akan adage says " obi nhyer3 akwaada Nyame". To be translated, no one shows who God is to a kid. Some years back,God spoke to people Himself and He still does. People off late are hiding behind the mercies of Him and doing several things. When caught, they claim the Spirit of the most high asked me to do it. But really, some " insane" things can never be from God.

Switch on a radio or a television set and you'd be a witness to what I am saying. Everyone is claiming to have been "called" by a deity of some sort and gradually are turning this whole issue into a business. But this is not to be so! Where will all these lead us to? Should you accumulate all the wealth and never wake up the next day which means you never had the chance to confess your sins, of what benefit will it be to you?

Truly, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks and by their fruits, ye shall know them. Religion shouldn't be confused as morals and vice versa. For some, they attend church to get a deeper insight of things they have heard or read somewhere but should it be that out of someone's selfishness they are further confused than they came, what good have you been to them?

Morals are virtues to be upheld and religion, a calling to be devoted to a particular faith.

PUNITION MISPLACED FOR PASSION

PUNITION MISPLACED FOR PASSION

The fear of people being poor or the mere fact of not getting one's basic needs is what keeps most people up and doing about getting a job.
Yes, it is very true that somewhere in the Bible, there is a quote which paraphrased says "lazy hands are not to eat".

Lazy hands are not to eat but then again, do people just purpose in their hearts and minds to be lazy?
Answers might vary from everyone's perspective.

When one is born, parents try as much as they can to get their children learn some form of education, be it in classrooms or homes. But then again, are these full of theories or they are practical one way or the other?

Meet a kid and ask him or her,dear, what do you wish to be in future, then you would hear professions you may not have ever thought of. Take it upon yourself to observe this kid for a while and you'd realize that someway somehow, their thoughts about their future is altered in a way.
It could be financial issues or some mishap you can't even fanthom.

Walk through any institution of work and you'd realize there are different characters employees portray. There are people I'd hardly say are there because they love what they do, another because a favour chanced them and some because they need to do something in order to keep moving in life.

If you've got a passion for what you do, kudos but should you be at a workplace with a grumpy attitude, what prevents you from quitting and get what you'd love to do? Is it the fear of starting all over or you just can't stand the pressure you might be given? Of what benefit will liabilities be to you when you've got to be gathering assets?

For one to be great, it does not come as an enchantment, a wish or something placed on a silver platter to be taken. It takes a gradual process. Someone might say should there be a quick way to get successful, why go through another full of excruciating pain? Least you've not realized, should pain be taken and endured to reach a level, it is valued more than one that just comes out of luck or favour.

A tutor once said to me, things given for free are hardly valued but pay a painful price for it and you'd know just how to go about your things. This transferred to our various workplaces is very similar. You chance upon someone in customer service for a firm and the person is just spitting not so soothing words at you knowing that your temper at the time is way above its highest. You interact with someone who claims to be a trained teacher or nurse and there is hardly anything like patience seen. Then again, you chance on people who are to just do what is expected of them as their job demands but they'd rather use crooked and dubious means to make more money.

What most people refuse to accept is that irrespective of how you go about your work, there is surely a day for accountability and if you are found wanting, you'd better pack silently than receive a massive embarrassment.

It is not about how quick you want to make it in life but what needs to be done and done appropriately.

PEDESTRIAN WAHALA

"Eeeeeiiiiii"
The sound was loud  to penetrate through the music from my earphones, and I stopped abruptly. I usually have earphones on to enjoy some tunes when I walk alone.

Quickly, I took the earphones off and turned to look around. Not only did people around have faces marked with concern, but some openly expressed their anger.
I wondered what was amiss so I took a quick look around and then my eyes finally settled on what seemed to be the problem.

To my left, across the street was a minivan with people gathering around it. Curiosity made me draw a bit nearer to inquire what the problem was. As I was getting closer, a woman yelled "as for these drivers, they are always on speed, only God knows where they are in a hurry to when life is just but one". Immediately, I realized it had almost been a tragedy, but the victim escaped by seconds.

As humans, our daily activities place us in various situations. You may be about crossing the road, and just when you think it is safe to cross, an "insane" driver just speeds past out of nowhere; or, you think you are safe where you are only for a driver to almost knock you and say you are in the way.

Drivers have all kinds of stickers or writings on the glasses of their cars. Some, inspirational quotes or maybe a niche carved due to one's experiences. Others are mostly stickers which come as a result of some form of "pledge" they have made.

There's this particular one I happen to come across mostly and paraphrased, it's just to say they will patiently wait for pedestrians to cross the road. But then again, I ask myself, do they really do this? Sometimes the speed a driver uses, not to exaggerate, but it's enough to make you develop an eye problem due to the dust he or she leaves behind.

It really baffles me to see that drivers cannot patiently wait for a maximum of 20 seconds for a pedestrian to cross the road. Should it be that the said pedestrian is handicapped, then, you'd have to exercise a bit more patience because after all, you never know what lies ahead of you.

I wonder what some make of the road signs with the time spent when learning to drive. Is it that they just memorize a few just for passing the exams? What then becomes the aftermath? Our side of the continent even has it that pedestrians have to rush to cross the road even when there is a road sign called "zebra crossing" and I find it quite interesting.

This brings the police who stand by the roadside to mind. Being an ardent user of public transport, there's been countless times when vehicles are stopped by the police only for God knows what. It's just about let me have a look at your license. If there's a denomination of our currency in it, you're made to drive off safely. But if there isn't, wahala for you. I dare say little or nothing is done about the over-speeding issue and it's really not safe for us. Whereas some people in the police service do their best per what is expected of them, some just stain the profession with corrupt deeds.

Someone might say he or she is in a hurry to get to his or her destination on time. Or to cut matters short, " I want to beat time".But let me ask again, can we ever beat time? What were you lazying about doing when the clock was ticking or is it that you lost track of time? Should a bit of reflection be done, one would realize that just when you think you want to "beat time", certain things just cross you and if care is not taken, you would mess up your day entirely.

There might be another "defense phrase" that it is an emergency. But then again, I ask, should you speed up and something unfortunate happens, would you be there to address the issue like you'd wish to?

There is this funny statement I hear people make that " when you're ready to learn how to drive, you should be ready to learn a few insults as well". Even though it is hilarious to an extent, that is what is being seen mostly. The human senses as heard from someone has to be on full display when one is behind the steering will.

A little patience for a pedestrian to cross the road won't hurt any nerve, I believe. But over-speeding or one's quest to rush to get to a destination does not guarantee your safety.

Sanity and Insanity

SANITY AGAINST INSANITY
Some routes we find ourselves using on daily basis makes us sometimes wonder what this whole world revolves around. The distance from the house to the workplace is not long so when I can, I choose to walk.

When in a car going to work, I prefer to look out of the windows of the car because I love the breeze that comes when the wind hits my face. Then again, I make mental notes of things I see along the road.

Amidst several things, one thing that strikes me as troubling to an extent is the presence of mentally retarded people on the streets. Sometimes, I just wonder what could possibly make them be on the streets. Is it that they have no family, or their place of solace is in the streets?

Sometimes, one could make assumptions but till you hear the side of the story from the victim, it's best not to make any conclusions.
But in this case, I get shaken when I bypass these manner of people so how do I approach them to ask them what the problem really is.

To satisfy my curiosity, I took to asking around and searching for seemingly likely answers to this.

To my dismay, I found out that mental illness as a thing, no exact cause or an agreed upon factor that breeds it. Conditions  however come about as a mixture of biological, physiological and environmental factors.

Some mental illnesses have been linked to an abnormal balance of special chemicals in the brain called Neurotransmitters. These help the nerve cells in the brain to communicate with each other and so when an interruption or balance fails, there comes a defect. To talk about this further, genetics, infections, brain defects, prenatal damages, poor nutrition and exposure to toxic substances make up the biological factors.
Moving to psychological,trauma(emotional, physical or social abuse), early loss, negligence and poor ability to relate well with others constitutes this.
Environmental has it that almost everything to do with one's location can alter one's way of thinking. And these range from social or cultural expectations right to family life.

Having found these, I find iy very disturbing when I some of these mentally retarded people acting sane sometimes. Aside the"jibbering words" which sometimes makes some sense, their way of life has a interesting turn out.

Inspite of they being mentally retarded, some, adhere to the "cleanliness ...." issue. They try to gather rubbish as they go along. Aside their appearance being questionable, they try to clean their surroundings and that I find very interesting.
When the women get pregnant, they tend to be very protective and this makes me realize that even though there is a hitch in their brains, they still go an extra mile just to protect their kids.

I decided to ask a psychiatric health worker as to why there seem to be too many mentally retarded people on the streets and not in the institutions? As said by her, people come in everyday with issues of the brain. When it's subtle, medicine is given to correct it and the person is asked to go home. However, if it's serious, the person has to be treated and observed for sometime in the health institutions.

Due to inadequate facilities, when a patient is seen as improving, a discharge has to be made to pave way for others with a caution being sounded to the guardians should administer the medicines as well as bring them back for constant check ups. This however is hardly done and so there is a zero work done making the patients take to the streets.

Inasmuch as it is burdensome to treat or care for someone with a mental disorder, it depends on the guardians to assist to make things better. The feeling of embarrassment is already noticed but will it lessen any bit when they take to the streets? If  a simple care can't be extended, will it be wrong to say the guardians to some extent are also mentally retarded?
Mishaps do happen but the way we go about it can make it look infinitesimal or enormous.

Hospital Wahala

The persistent calls from mum got me pissed off as well as wipe the sleep from my eyes. Having had a fully-packed week, I had it in mind to just take Saturday off to treat myself to some good rest, without any interference whatsoever.

On the phone, mum's voice expressed great worry. "Sis Milli, where are you? Your kid brother called a while ago saying he's left school for the hospital. Kindly stop everything you're doing and attend to him. You know I'm  nowhere close to you guys".

After the call, I blinked several times to hold back the tears that had welled up in my eyes because my plans had been altered. Inasmuch as I was very furious, I just threw on some clothes and headed out.

I stopped a taxi and headed straight to the location of my kid brother.Thinking it was one of his "pampering attitudes" he wore once in a while, I braced myself to straighten him once and for all.
Upon arrival and seeing him, all my anger evaporated at his state. "Weak" will be an okay word to use since I couldn't describe his state. He just lay on the floor finding it difficult to breath or move about. Helping him up, I stopped another taxi and off we went to the nearest hospital.

With some level of patience, we were attended to and the nurse at the OPD said we would be on admission because his condition was rather severe. Arrangements were made and we were ushered into the ward.

Describing our temporary stay at the hospital for a week , it was somewhat appalling. A popular saying, "there is no place like home" was all that kept ringing in my mind. It is no one's desire to be "helpless" when it comes to being sick, but then again, the title of a song came to my mind, Yare3 y3 ya! This, translated, is to say that sickness hurts.

Hospitals or health facilities, if not for anything, should be a place where human relations should be at its best. Someone may ask, why? Because it's humans you're dealing with and some might actually agree with me that the issue about humans is but a delicate one.

People walk in and out of a health facility with different kinds of ailments and if I dare say, the communication between a health worker and a patient is more than enough to either worsen the situation or help one get better.

While in the ward, I just sat by myself quietly praying and observing because I had obviously taken the place of my parents for my brother and had to help in every manner or way. Being the silent observer that I am, I looked on as the nurses went about their schedules.I mentally took note of the kinds of patients in the ward. I realized that some found a way to help themselves whereas some were just helpless. I can't go into details with that because I am not sure some readers will have an appetite. But to make things comprehensive, they had to rely on someone for virtually everything.

Then again, I realized there were times guardians of these patients had to excuse them so they could get some rest.

What irked me was the attitude some of these nurses had. It ranged from shouting at a patient, sleeping off while on duty and wearing a "not-friendly" face to the relatives. This realization compelled me, as inquisitive as I could be, sometimes, to get access to the etiquettes and ethics they had to go by.

Having been informed a bit about a friend who happened to be a nurse, she explained to me that their  etiquette centers on courteousness. Then I was like, really? And she responded in the affirmative. Then I went on to the ethics which talks about conducts of health personnel.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN), code of ethics guides nurses in everyday choices and it supports their refusal to participate in activities that conflict with caring and healing. If this is for nurses worldwide, I searched further for that of nurses in Ghana. Having read through, some peculiar ones made me wonder if that's what is being done.
*All service personnel shall be competent, dedicated, honest, client-focused and operate within the laws of the land.
*All service personnel shall respect the rights of patients/clients, colleagues and other persons and shall safeguard patients/clients confidence.
*Team work to ensure excellent delivery
* Cooperation with patients/clients and their families at all times
*All service personnel should refrain from all acts of indiscipline.

There I was, with a blank mind, as my kid brother's situation worsened by day. As if it wasn't enough, I had to pretend attitudes from some of the nurses weren't indiscipline.
If it's already been stipulated that they cooperate with families of patients/clients at all times, why on earth will a nurse yell at both patients and their family members when the former is mostly about negligence?

As if sleeping off while at post isn't enough, they allowed infusions to get finished and the tubes draw  blood from the veins of  patients.

I further went ahead to search for the rights of patients which I'd say centers on safety, information and quality health care. Responsibilities of patients also made me know that there had to be cooperation at all times and health workers be reported if it turned out otherwise.

Even though I realized that student nurses were around for clinicals, most of the nurses, took on the "I don't care" attitude, thereby burdening the student nurses. Should matters be more than they could handle be reported to them, (nurses) they tend to shuffle their feet to do what is expected of them.

Then again I asked myself, whether oaths or pledges are not taken by these people. I found again that there was and even a prayer which in summary talks about they saving and not hurting people. But what is made out of these? Is it that people for the reason that for want of jobs, people quickly venture into a profession that will ensure employment and income, without actually having a passion or "calling" for it?

There sure is something called mood swings but so long as it's human beings you find yourself working around on a daily basis, much effort must be made to address issues which won't do one any good at his or her place of work.

Still, Lost in Thoughts

LOST IN THOUGHTS
Some of the routes we find drivers using when there is bumper to bumper traffic are quite interesting. They employ different tactics with the hope of getting to their destination on time and meeting their sales target for the day. At such times,  a dual carriageway instantly quadruples to yield to the demands of lawless drivers. As much as some passengers complain, others are enthused because left to them, they'd rather get to their destinations in time.

As an ardent trotro(public transport) user, I have keenly observed the irony whenever there is a traffic jam and  vehicles are either coughing out fumes from their exhaust pipes or grinding to a halt.
The irony is that while the red traffic lights give an indication for drivers to stop,  the same red beacons all manner of people to begin "business".
One of such 'business' groups is those who beg for alms.

These beggars often approach vehicles amidst small talks to get some few coins from passengers.

Some passengers on the other hand, act generously and hand them some coin or note, whereas others turn to a different direction, maybe, with the excuse that human beings are not  trust worthy. Truthfully, some people have harbored the fear that giving alms to beggars may rather cause misfortunes on the path of the giver,  as some may be cultists in the guise of beggars.
This fear, may have emerged from overexposure to African movies which portray beggars as witches or wizards.
Granted, some people may have had negative encounters with beggars or people who act as such, that they have taught them to turn a deaf ear rather that show "mercy".

This is in nobody's defense, but with the current situation being faced in our economy, people will resort to anything and I mean anything,  including posing as buggers, to make ends meet.

I read something some time ago and if I could, I'd like to share it on here as well. I went to church after being away a while to attend to some pressing issues and as praises and worship was ongoing, I was tapped from behind and when I turned around, I was beckoned to come. When I did, I was asked to take the first scripture reading for the day. I was taken aback, not because I couldn't read or something but because I hadn't accurately prepared for a reading that day hence I got a bit disturbed. But since I had been given that task, I couldn't shake it off or turn down the request. I sat down for a while to brush through the reading. Quoting exactly, it was an extract from the book of Ecclesiastes and just so I don't bore you, it was basically about acquiring so much on earth and in the long run, you don't even live to spend every dime you worked hard for. It is either given to someone to enjoy and the question of the person handling it properly or even adding up to it is left unanswered.

I often wonder how much money they make and what "miracle" they are expecting in order to vacate the streets.

Some of these beggars have mastered the art so much that they really know how to appeal to one's conscience. And if for some reason they realize they aren't making enough money in a particular area , they move to another street.

What is more striking in all these is the various types of givers I have encountered in my trotro experience with beggars.
I notice that some passengers who finally decide to give after several pleas, songs, and Bible recitation sessions from these beggars, either do so with scorn, or reckless abandon. Others behave like the biblical Pharisee and as if to gain the admiration of other passengers, raise their "offering" in an apparent fashion before heading it to the destitute.

You see, giving as stated in the Bible is a good thing but how one goes about it also matters very much. When you give, it must be wholehearted. You must do it in such a way that people hardly notice, devoid of any malicious intent; to boost  your ego or raise your status.

I have this friend who is much more of a mentor and a big brother who always says "I give as my conscience directs me and not because I have and I want to show off".
Inasmuch as things are difficult and we are in trying moments, learn to extend a helping hand to someone not because you expect something in return but because you have this feeling to extend a helping hand.(Edited by YouGenia Kumi)

LOST in THOUGHTS

LOST IN THOUGHTS
Some of the routes we find drivers using when there is bumper to bumper traffic are quite interesting. They employ different tactics with the hope of getting to their destination on time and meeting their sales target for the day. At such times,  a dual carriageway instantly quadruples to yield to the demands of lawless drivers. As much as some passengers complain, others are enthused because left to them, they'd rather get to their destinations in time.

As an ardent trotro(public transport) user, I have keenly observed the irony whenever there is a traffic jam and  vehicles are either coughing out fumes from their exhaust pipes or grinding to a halt.
The irony is that while the red traffic lights give an indication for drivers to stop,  the same red beacons all manner of people to begin "business".
One of such 'business' groups is those who beg for alms.

These beggars often approach vehicles amidst small talks to get some few coins from passengers.

Some passengers on the other hand, act generously and hand them some coin or note, whereas others turn to a different direction, maybe, with the excuse that human beings are not  trust worthy. Truthfully, some people have harbored the fear that giving alms to beggars may rather cause misfortunes on the path of the giver,  as some may be cultists in the guise of beggars.
This fear, may have emerged from overexposure to African movies which portray beggars as witches or wizards.
Granted, some people may have had negative encounters with beggars or people who act as such, that they have taught them to turn a deaf ear rather that show "mercy".

This is in nobody's defense, but with the current situation being faced in our economy, people will resort to anything and I mean anything,  including posing as buggers, to make ends meet.

I read something some time ago and if I could, I'd like to share it on here as well. I went to church after being away a while to attend to some pressing issues and as praises and worship was ongoing, I was tapped from behind and when I turned around, I was beckoned to come. When I did, I was asked to take the first scripture reading for the day. I was taken aback, not because I couldn't read or something but because I hadn't accurately prepared for a reading that day hence I got a bit disturbed. But since I had been given that task, I couldn't shake it off or turn down the request. I sat down for a while to brush through the reading. Quoting exactly, it was an extract from the book of Ecclesiastes and just so I don't bore you, it was basically about acquiring so much on earth and in the long run, you don't even live to spend every dime you worked hard for. It is either given to someone to enjoy and the question of the person handling it properly or even adding up to it is left unanswered.

I often wonder how much money they make and what "miracle" they are expecting in order to vacate the streets.

Some of these beggars have mastered the art so much that they really know how to appeal to one's conscience. And if for some reason they realize they aren't making enough money in a particular area , they move to another street.

What is more striking in all these is the various types of givers I have encountered in my trotro experience with beggars.
I notice that some passengers who finally decide to give after several pleas, songs, and Bible recitation sessions from these beggars, either do so with scorn, or reckless abandon. Others behave like the biblical Pharisee and as if to gain the admiration of other passengers, raise their "offering" in an apparent fashion before heading it to the destitute.

You see, giving as stated in the Bible is a good thing but how one goes about it also matters very much. When you give, it must be wholehearted. You must do it in such a way that people hardly notice, devoid of any malicious intent; to boost  your ego or raise your status.

I have this friend who is much more of a mentor and a big brother who always says "I give as my conscience directs me and not because I have and I want to show off".
Inasmuch as things are difficult and we are in trying moments, learn to extend a helping hand to someone not because you expect something in return but because you have this feeling to extend a helping hand.(Edited by YouGenia Kumi)