Seven critical lessons I learned from the book "Rich Dad Poor Dad"

1. The single most powerful asset we all have is our mind. If it is trained well, it can create enormous wealth.

2. Rich people acquire assets. The poor and middle class acquire liabilities that they think are assets.

3. So many people say, ‘Oh, I’m not interested in money.’ Yet they’ll work at a job for eight hours a day.

4. The philosophy of the rich and the poor is this: the rich invest their money and spend what is left. The poor spend their money and invest what is left.

5. Success is a poor teacher. We learn the most about ourselves when we fail, so don’t be afraid of failing. Failing is part of the process of success. You cannot have success without failure.

6. To be a successful business owner and investor, you have to be emotionally neutral to winning and losing. Winning and losing are just part of the game.

7. Don’t be addicted to money. Work to learn, don’t work for money. Work for knowledge.

The Lion and the Mouse:

One day, a mighty lion was sleeping in his den when a small mouse accidentally ran over his nose. The lion woke up in a rage and grabbed the mouse with his paw, ready to crush it.

The mouse begged the lion for mercy, promising that it would do anything in return for its life. The lion, amused at the thought of a tiny mouse doing anything for him, decided to spare its life and let it go.

Some time later, the lion was caught in a hunter's trap. He roared and struggled, but he couldn't break free. The mouse heard the lion's cries and remembered the favor it owed the lion. The mouse quickly scurried over and gnawed on the ropes until they broke, freeing the lion from the trap.

The lion was amazed and grateful to the tiny mouse. He realized that even the smallest creature can be of great help in times of need.

The moral of the story:

No matter how small or insignificant we may seem, we all have the ability to make a difference. We should never underestimate the power of kindness and helping others, even if they are much larger or more powerful than we are.

It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.
Andre Gide, Autumn Leaves

AGING....
You grow old, they told me, you are no longer you, you become distant, sad and lonely.
I didn't answer...
I don't get old, I get wise.
I stopped being what others like me to become, but what I like to be.
I stopped seeking the acceptance of others and accepted myself.
I have left behind the lying mirrors that deceive mercilessly.
- No, I'm not getting old.
I just become more selective with places, people, customs and ideologies.
I have let go of attachments, unnecessary pain, toxic people, sick souls and rotten hearts... bitterness and unhappiness are not for me, I release them for my health.
I'm ditching party nights for learning and embracing insomnia.
I stopped living stories and started writing them, I threw aside the imposed stereotypes.
I no longer carry eyeshadow in my bag, now I have a book that beautifies my mind.
I exchanged wine glasses for coffee cups, forgot to idealize life and started living it.
- No, I'm not getting old.
I carry freshness in my soul, innocence in my heart, and it discovers me daily.
I have in my hands the tenderness of a cocoon that, when opened, will spread its wings to other places unreachable for those who seek only the frivolity of the material.
I have that charming smile on my face when I observe the simplicity of nature.
I carry in my ears the chirping of the birds that delight me and accompany the walk.
- No, I'm not getting old.
I become selective, betting my time on the intangible, rewriting the story I've been told, rediscovering worlds, saving those old books I've forgotten half open.
I'm becoming more cautious, I've stopped the outbursts that teach me nothing, I'm learning to talk about transcendent things, I'm learning to cultivate knowledge, plant ideals and falsify my destiny.
- No, I'm not getting old.
I begin to live who I really am.~
~Bianka Luz

"Influence is not about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about climbing into the hearts of those around you. When you earn the right to be heard, you'll be amazed at the influence you can have from wherever you are."

7 lessons from the book "How to Lead When You're Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority" by Clay Scroggins and Andy Stanley:

1. Cultivate Self-Leadership
The book emphasizes the importance of developing strong self-leadership skills, as this forms the foundation for effectively leading others. Scroggins explains that by mastering self-leadership, you can build credibility and influence, even when you lack formal authority.

2. Choose Positivity
The authors stress the power of choosing a positive mindset, even in challenging circumstances. They suggest that by maintaining a constructive and optimistic outlook, you can positively influence the energy and morale of your team.

3. Think Critically
The book encourages readers to develop critical thinking skills, which allow them to analyze problems, challenge assumptions, and make well-informed decisions. Scroggins explains that this ability to think critically can help you gain the trust and respect of those around you.

4. Reject Passivity
The authors caution against falling into a passive mindset, where you feel powerless to make a difference. Instead, they urge readers to take an active, proactive approach to leadership, leveraging their influence to drive positive change.,

5. Cultivate Influence Through Relationships
The book highlights the importance of building strong relationships and networks, as these connections can be leveraged to increase your influence, even without formal authority. Scroggins provides strategies for developing trust, rapport, and collaborative partnerships.,

6. Communicate Effectively
The authors emphasize the need for clear, compelling communication, as this can help you inspire and motivate others, even when you're not in a leadership position.They offer guidance on crafting persuasive messages and engaging your audience.

7. Embrace a Servant Leadership Mindset
The book encourages readers to adopt a servant leadership mindset, where the focus is on empowering and supporting others, rather than seeking personal gain. Scroggins explains that this approach can help you build trust, credibility, and a lasting positive impact, even without formal authority.

Clay Scroggins and Andy Stanley provide a practical and empowering framework for developing the skills and mindset needed to lead effectively, even when you're not in charge.

BIMBO AND THE FAMILY BATTLES
Episode 2
Written by Dede of Africa

Madam Folake, the wise widow who had known both love and loss, shared her life lessons with a depth that left Bimbo speechless.

Looking out into the evening sky, Madam Folake spoke with a calm voice, carrying the weight of her experience.

“Patience teaches you to be your own anchor, to stand strong on your own,” she began.

“And when you find that strength, you won’t settle for just anyone.

You will be drawn to someone who truly values you, someone who sees that strength in you.”

Bimbo mumured. “But I’ve been patient all these years.”

Madam Folake smiled gently. “Let me share something important with you.

Many people misunderstand patience. But let me help you understand what it really is

Think of a farmer: he prepares the ground, plants the seed, does everything necessary, and then he waits for the harvest. That is patience.

But today, too many are waiting for a ‘harvest’ without preparing or planting anything meaningful within themselves. What they practice is not patience; it’s self-deceit.”

Bimbo nodded slowly, feeling a light shine on paths she hadn’t considered before.

Madam Folake continued, “You must sow into yourself, build yourself, and make yourself valuable.

Just as money holds value and draws people to it, when you develop your own worth, you will naturally attract the right person.

Remember, as you trust in God for the right partner, make yourself visible don’t hide away.”

Bimbo absorbed each word, as if they were unlocking something within her.

"In my time," Madam Folake added, "I’ve seen people rush into marriage because of pressure from family, friends, or society.

But for some, the journey turned out differently, leaving them wishing they hadn’t married.

You see, marriage isn’t just a cure for loneliness. It’s a commitment, a partnership that needs understanding, love, and a sense of peace within yourself."

Madam Folake’s smile softened as she continued, “If you feel empty or lonely, start by filling yourself with joy, purpose, and peace.

Find comfort in your own company, and don’t let anyone or anything disturb your inner peace.”

Bimbo nodded again, realizing how she had always thought marriage would fill all the gaps in her life.

Now, Madam Folake’s words hinted at a new path, one that started from within.

As Bimbo walked back to her apartment that night, Madam Folake’s words echoed in her mind, slowly shifting her perspective.

Maybe, just maybe, finding her own peace and building her self-worth could be the first step toward a fulfilling future.

As she lay in bed, Bimbo reached for her phone and decided to send Williams a message.

To be continued...

Find out more in Episode 3!
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Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
H. Jackson Brown Jr.,

MYSTERIOUS MARRIAGE

EPISODE ONE

"Stella James, this is the man that I am giving you to" my father said in his usual harsh tone as I was pushed towards the man I had gotten married to that afternoon.

It was no news that my father was selling me out since he had sold my three elder sisters out to old men but what was more news was that he was selling me off to a deaf, dumb and crippled incredibly handsome young man.

My father was selling me to a disabled man.

I watched the body guards of the disabled man carry him into his brand new SUV and they pulled me from behind towards the SUV.

No matter how I struggled to get off the hands of the two hefty men they were holding me, they were stronger than I was.

When I looked up, my father was not looking at me, he was grinning at the full cash in his hands.

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The full cash that the disabled man had given him.

I glared at our house.

The house that my father had built from selling my sisters.

My two brothers were still in the house but my father had used I and my sisters to feed himself and my brothers.

The last girl was the one left.

I looked sadly at my weeping last sister.

"Why are you making it look like I am selling you off? I am only marrying you off!". My father cried out after me.

...and I remembered that book I had read when I was in primary school...

Nwanyibuife

Because I and my sisters were females, we had to be f0rced out of our will.



I sat still in the dark room that they had kept me in that night and waited patiently for the disabled man to come into the room to disv!rgin me.

I trembled.

My father never took me to the university and he didn't just stop there, he had sold me to a disabled man.

I wished in my heart that there will be a time that I will be able to prove to my father, the saying... Nwanyibuife.

...but it was not possible.

I was going to be forever subdued under my disabled husband.

I suddenly heard a sound outside the door and I knew that it was my husband.

My heart was beating in my mouth and I trembled.

Instead of him to be coming into the room on a wheelchair, the man I had called crippled was walking towards me.

HE WAS WALKING!!!

Suddenly he said, "Welcome to my home, Stella James".

I fell off the bed in shock. He was not dumb!!!

My husband was not crippled and he was not dumb. "Y... you? Who are you?"

He smiled. "My name is Ricky Roland".

It was confusing.

The incredibly handsome rich man was not deaf and dumb or crippled. I couldn't help but wonder why he had feigned to be disabled and what he wanted from me.

The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.
Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

"Welcome to a brand new month!

A fresh start, a clean slate, and endless possibilities await you. Leave the past behind and embrace the present with open arms.

This month, focus on growth, renewal, and self-improvement. Set achievable goals and crush them.

Remember, every small step counts, and every accomplishment is a victory.

You are stronger than yesterday, and braver than ever. Believe in yourself and your abilities.

Go out there and make this month yours!

Happy New Month!"