Until you have a child, you assume that toddlers and kids kicking up a storm in public spaces or on transportation are an indication of poor handling by their parents.

When you have a child, you realize that whatever they feel inside, they extend to the outside in spite of grooming and without seeking permission.

When you understand this, you realize that it is okay. You are enthralled by both their calm and their storm.

As I have grown older, I have realized this about adults too. The more you observe them, the less you judge them. You become enthralled by their calm and their storm, understanding that it is only an extension of what is happening within.

– Osasu Oviawe

Commit to a place.

Commit to a venture.

Commit to a partner.

If it works out, you win. If it does not, you learn.

Commitment compounds the good in you. Anything less erodes it.

– Osasu Oviawe

Peer pressure only works among peers.

You can choose your peers.

You cannot choose the pressure they exert.

Choose your peers wisely.

– Osasu Oviawe

Never give up agency over your own life.

Own it, love it, shape it.

– Osasu Oviawe

It is easier to prune branches than it is to prune roots.

So, branches get trimmed before they cause damage, and roots cause damage before they are uprooted.

It is easier to nurture roots than it is to nurture branches.

So, roots get watered and branches are left to the elements.

– Osasu Oviawe

Which is more beautiful, the breaking of the day or its setting?

It depends on who is judging.

Which is more renewing, the birthing of life or its passing?

It depends on who is judging.

Which is more liberating, the finding of self or its ignoring?

It depends on who is judging.

It is not the experience that defines its value, but where you stand or sit.

– Osasu Oviawe

Just be clear about what you want in life.

What you want from yourself. What you want from others.

And when you gain a better understanding, communicate your new clarity.

There should be no ambiguity in what you want.

And if someone asks if you are sure, just answer, “Right now, yes. If I change my mind, I will change my answer.”

Everything serves the one who is clear on what they want.

– Osasu Oviawe

Take a break from the life you are used to if you find yourself not appreciating it anymore.

Most of life’s struggles can be improved by the reset that a break offers.

Instead of digging in, walk away.

Wander through new mazes, and when you return, you will be truly grateful for what you have.

– Osasu Oviawe

One way to get humans to do stupid things is advise them not to do it.

From the forbidden fruit to cigarettes, ‘do not’ has been the most effective strategy to drive the opposite behaviour.

– Osasu Oviawe

Break your principles for something, and that something will break you.

Keep your principles toward everything, and everything will serve you.

You choose.

– Osasu Oviawe