One of my favourite sayings, attributed to Chinua Achebe, resonates deeply with me: "The lizard that jumped from a high Iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did."
My upbringing was infused with this wisdom. My mother, like many Nigerian parents, instilled in me the belief that nobody is inherently better than me. She reminded me that humility is critical and that no one is born with two heads. But the most valuable lesson she imparted was the importance of self-praise.
She taught me that waiting for external validation is a futile pursuit. Why wait for someone else to acknowledge your worth when you can do it yourself? It's not arrogance, as society sometimes suggests, but rather self-awareness and self-love.
This morning, I found myself reflecting on the lizard's imagery. As it landed gracefully on the ground, it looked around for witnesses to its feat. Finding none, it nodded its head and proclaimed its own greatness. How empowering is that?
We cannot rely on others to validate us. We must take ownership of our accomplishments and celebrate ourselves. So, on this Good Friday morning, I invite you to share with our community what you're proud of. And remember, whether you choose to share or not, take a moment to acknowledge your own greatness. By sharing our self-praise, we not only inspire others but also create a supportive community that celebrates each other's achievements.
Whatever your plans for today, I wish you a fantastic Friday filled with self-appreciation and empowerment.
Yvonne