Annang Wisdom for June 9, 2014 Eto ama achio mfure aqwök aaka (When a tree blooms the bees go uninvited) Blooming flowers are part of the African landscape and give the African rain forest its paradise look. The early Annang noticed that such blooms attract insects and as the aroma of the blooming plants spread through the village, the insects invite themselves to the beauty of the land. It does not matter how long the tree may exist in the forest, the bee only notices it when it blooms. The occasion for using this saying among the Annang was for encouragement and as an inspiration for those struggling with disappointments and. self-doubts. It is a fact of nature that we can only give to others what we have. It is when we feel positive about ourselves that the world notices that we have something to share. Douglas Bloch, the American inspirational writer and speaker reminds us that all love begins with self-love and that it is when we have filled our cups that others can drink from us. Just as the bee only visits the plant when it is in bloom, the world comes to us when we exude self-confidence, maturity and a positive attitude. Mental health clinicians and counselors are very familiar with clients who like to play the victim. These men and women enjoy telling stories of past bad relationships while looking for new ones. Their stories consist of tales of woe of how they were taken advantage of or how they suffered in the hands of former partners. Since no one wants to join a sinking ship, these victims find themselves alone and friendless. Accepting the self and letting go of the past allow us to bloom, thereby attracting others to ourselves. Throughout all of life’s ways we can find the paths to accept ourselves just as we are. If you do not condemn yourself, nobody will, but if you feel poorly about yourself and refuse to accept that you have the right like others, it will show in your attitude. You will wear your mind on your face and feel unworthy. Our people say that if you do not say here I am, no one will say there you are. Bloom where you are planted and the world will look for you. Use what you have to get what you need. Stand up and do not let others tell you otherwise. You have a right to be on this earth, claim that right. As you walk the roads of life today, on to the hills and through the valley, may you find ways to meet your own needs and love yourself so you can extend such love to others. Ituum Ibonno Adede (Dr.) Ezekiel Ette For Annang Writers Association (A division of Annang Heritage Preservation Inc.) Annang Wisdom is an inspirational piece developed from Annang proverbs and produced daily as a free service of the Annang Heritage Preservation Project, an independent, non political and non sectarian organization that seeks to document Annang culture. No part of this publication may be copied, stored or recorded without the permission of the author except to share with others without charge. Please send all comments and requests to Prof. Ette at [email protected]. More inspirational pieces can be found in the book: Annang Wisdom: Tools for Post Modern Living Available at Amazon and at bookstores worldwide. Look for two new books from Dr Ette coming soon: Colonialism and Acculturative Stress the case of the Annang of Nigeria and The Shadows of the Dawn: A Story of War and Redemption. Visit us at community.annangheritage.org To receive Annang Wisdom in your mailbox join the discussion on the web at the Annang newsgroup Annang-forum-subscribe@yahoogroups Like us on Facebook: facebook/Annangheritage Follow us on Twitter: twitter/#!/Annangheritage DISCLAIMER: Views expressed here are solely that of the author and do not represent the official position of Annang Heritage Preservation Inc. or any of its affiliate.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 05:23:42 +0000
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