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change encounters encouragement life lessons

CHANGE THE NARRATIVE

                                               
     
Recently,
I boarded a tricycle (Keke) and had an interesting conversation with the rider.
Before the trip began, the rider, an amputee successful convinced me to be his
only passenger so he could drop me close to my destination, I obliged and we
negotiated on the best fare for the distance.

We
got stuck at a price and he tried unsuccessfully to convince me to accept his
proposed fare. So he decided to employ what I will call ‘the self pity’
approach and our conversation went like this –
Rider:
Madam pity me naa (dangling his amputed limb)
Me:
Oga nothing do you o! you get life and even dey hustle too. (Laughing)
He
slyly acknowledged this truth and ended up saying “ok just add small
change for me”.
As
the journey progressed, he told me he had a prosthetic limb but didn’t enjoy
using it.
He
believed the medical facility that handled his treatment after an accident had
done a poor job as the bones still ‘shocks’ (in his words) him. 

I
encouraged him to be grateful that his life was saved at the facility and that
any other abnormally can be corrected once he can afford it. Besides, during
emergencies, saving a live is top priority for any caregiver.
That
encounter was an opportunity to change his perspective of life from self pity
to an awareness of his abilities and capabilities. I am glad I didn’t let it
slip.
@Theiredfoundation
has taught me that the loss of a limb is not the loss of capacity, capability
or personality. More importantly is the fact that those living with limb loss
are not ‘disabled’. #changethenarrative
I
challenge you today to change the narrative around your sphere of influence,
consciously attempt to correct the negative mindset or perspective that comes
forth in conversations and other dealings with people.
When
we hear “I am broke”, deliberately correct that narrative to  –
‘I can’t afford this for now’.
Where
it is said – ‘this issue will kill me’, correct it to – ‘there must be a way
around this issue’. etc
Endeavor
to inject hope and life into everything  and everyone around you.
Deliberately pull people off the self dug pits of pity and despair, never fail
to point out the obvious arrays of choices that life always avail us.
Sow
seeds of kindness, don’t pass on any opportunity to show love, smile or ease
the burden others carry.
Live
intentionally, one day at a time and impact your sphere! 
Nothing
do us! 
We
win in life!
#proudlyNigerian






Image credit – Goggle

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