No one pours from an empty cup. You cannot give what you do not have, which is why you must value yourself. The Bible teaches us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves, meaning that love begins from within. This raises the question of whether we love ourselves enough to embrace discipline and make better choices.
What, then, is discipline, and why is it important in our lives? As I have always maintained, discipline is not punishment. It is a self-imposed restriction, an decision to abstain from certain behaviours or ideas for the sake of a greater goal. Self-discipline is the surest proof of self-love. It is knowing that something may be good, but not right for you.
Recently, many people have been going through mental health challenges. Instead of offering them compassion, reassurance, and redirection, we encourage them to live with their struggles and use them as an excuse to attract pity. The proliferation and personalization of electronic gadgets and the internet have given everyone access to the public, with no means of verifying their sanity. This is why you should develop the habit of prioritizing yourself, your wellbeing, and your mental health. Without a standard you have set for yourself, you will end up either living someone else’s life or losing your identity entirely.
Today, people argue and debate about identity. Do you really need someone else to tell you who you are? Regardless of who or what you choose to be, I maintain that you should develop self-love and be willing to extend that love to others.
Do not fall for the fallacy that because someone failed in an endeavour, everyone will fail. Listen: a man or woman who lacks discipline is guaranteed to fail, and no wind blows in favour of a ship without a destination.
It is your responsibility to define the purpose of your existence and work to make it a reality. To achieve this, you must deprive yourself of certain good things that would keep you from reaching your potential. Note that you must not always do what you like; you must consider the impact of what you like on the journey you are on.
Overall, make life decisions based on the plans you have for yourself. Filter every piece of information through your own standards and principles, and imbue yourself with qualities worthy of emulation.
Behave every day as though your attitude were to become universal law, especially for young girls and boys. Learn from other people’s mistakes, but do not mistake their fear for wisdom.
Use your tongue and count your teeth, for it would be a shame to pass through life without leaving a footprint.
I remain your friend and brother,
Maazi Onuora Obodoechi.
