Long Walk to Independence

Are you an independent nation?

Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts.

— Albert Einstein

Our nation is celebrating its 62nd year of independence, and that's why students and the vast majority of working class people are home today.

It is great that we have an independent nation, collectively, however, as always, this newsletter isn't about a collective nation, but a singular, individual nation.

Are you, dear reader, an independent nation?

Take a seat and begin a self-assessment of all the things you believe today, all the things that rule your mind, all the mandates you stand upon today and ask, "how did I arrive at all of these?"

The lot of us hold on to beliefs and mental positions that have been been fed to us, without necessarily understanding why we believe so.

The truth is, if everything you believe today did not come as a result of ardent curiosity and questions, if they did not come as a result of a firm, unshaken conviction, but as a result of your laziness towards questioning the status quo and why traditions are the way they are, or as a result of simply avoiding conflict and following the herd, going with the flow, then you are truly not independent an nation, individually.

We believe we aren't good enough, just because someone we respect has told us that before.

We believe there's a God (or not) simply because we were born into a believing (or non-believing) family.

We believe that we have certain limitations, just because it's been peddled and passed down generations, and so many other strongholds in our minds that have kept us dependent on non-existent, unproductive traditions, rules, doctrines, and mindsets. Many times in the name of "ancient landmarks".

Again, ask yourself, are you truly independent? Have you questioned everything you've learned growing up, and arrived at your own convictions and conclusions? Selah.

Now, it is important that I balance this up. That you want an independent mind doesn't mean that everything you've learned, believed, and lived by is wrong. No. This newsletter isn't about "destroying or tearing down the law, but it is about fulfilling the law."

The message in this newsletter is not to debunk every single thing you've learned in the past, but to deeply, curiously question everything you have learned, are learning, and will learn, and arrive at your own conviction of it. This is the true independence of mind.

Believe that God exists, or He doesn't exist, or you're limited, or you have unlimited capacity; not because you were born into a believing family, or because your parents were never believers, or because you were told by your teacher of your limitations, or because you were told by your pastor or mentor that you can do all things, but because you have asked questions, tested these things, and come to the realization of it.

For what you are convicted about can never, ever be taken from you. If what you have inside of you is what people have told you, you will be easily swayed when someone you think is more credible comes and says something else. Does this sound like mental dependence? Are you getting the picture now? Exactly!

So, the end of all things is this; even as you celebrate the independence of Nigeria as a nation, make it your mission, from this point on, to achieve independence of your own person; soul, spirit, and body. For in this will you experience true personal growth.

To your growth,

Your Personal Development Coach,

Abiola Okunsanya,

Handzinspired.