Metro
Food for Living: The Power of Words
“You can change the course of your life with your words.” Anonymous
Every one of us has the power to shape not only our life but the life of the people around us. As a parent, you have the power to speak life into your unborn and living child. Nobody has the power to influence their life more than you. As a spouse, you have the power to speak life into your spouse’s life regardless of what they are hearing outside, what you say to them matters more. That’s why as a married man/woman, it’s always better to mind the words you use against your partner when you are angry. The same is applicable to anyone who is angry. When you utter such words, even though you may reconcile with your partner/friend, the words will still create a hole or wound in the heart of your partner/friend. That’s why it is advisable not to mix your words with your mood when you are angry, you can change your mood, but you can’t take back your words.
Even if you have a misunderstanding with anyone, raise your word, not your voice. Uninformed minds don’t realize that the tongue has no bones but is capable to break a heart. According to Pearl Strachan Hurd “Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs.” Can you see how powerful and dangerous words can be? Each and every one of us is already going through stress and don’t need more stress, so it’s always good to leave one kind word on anyone you see. This is because one kind word can change someone’s entire day.
Do you know there’s power in words? Yes, this is because one of the most powerful force in the world is words. Even the Book of life made use to understand that, it is not what enters the mouth of a man that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth of a man. Do you know that the right words of words have a way of evoking emotions when used at the right time and right place?
The power of words cannot be overemphasized. As a man trying to woo a lady, you must have the right words to soften her heart. That’s why Gary Chapman stated “Words Affirmation” in his book “The Five Love languages as one of the love languages. Furthermore, when communicating with anyone, you need to know how to approach the conversation be it friendship, business, academic, spiritual, association, mentor/mentee, or even family. Your inability to use the right words can either make or mar your relationship.
Just to let you know how powerful words are, do you know when you speak, the walls hear your utterance, the ground stamps it and the air carries it. According to Lao Tzo, “watch your thoughts they become your words, watch your words they become your actions, watch your actions, they become your habit and watch your habit, they become your character, and watch your character, they become your destiny”. There are many instances of people who understood the power of words and used it to their advantage. It’s quite unfortunate, some uninformed, minds have attracted negative force into their life without knowing. These sets of people use words like I’m ugly, I’m broke, I’m not smart, I can’t make it, life is against me, etc on themselves. Even if you feel a certain way, quit uttering such words, don’t spit them out, let them die inside of you. The universe has a way of bringing them back to you later in life without you knowing. That’s why it’s always good to choose your words wisely.
To utilize the right words of words, always speak from your heart. When you speak from your heart, words can have great force. Words are deep and can carry deep emotions. Words are used to express how we feel emotionally. For instance, most ladies speak with emotions, while the majority of men are logical with their words. Words can be used to describe our thought process, our experience in life at the events we attend, and the people we meet.
As a way of advice, it’s always better to choose your words carefully before you utter them to others because you can’t take them back when it goes out. So, before you speak, chew your words by listening to yourself. I can vividly remember words that were used on me by my “supposed mentors” during my formative years in America, each time I reminiscence those words, I always smile because the biggest revenge is success. Due to my bad and horrible writing skills, one of my “supposed mentors told me “she has to be hard on me” another once told me “I will go back to Nigeria” because according to her, she doubt if I will be able to compete with the system in America. Guess, what, by the special grace of God, I have now an acclaimed author, but more than that, I’m a creative writer whose works have been published in my international and print media.
I’m not trying to boast about my accomplishment, rather, what I’m trying to say is that nobody, and I repeat nobody knows tomorrow. That’s life for you. The child of a certified pauper can become a man of means tomorrow if properly educated. That life is unstable for you now does not mean that’s how it will be forever, provided you are doing your best to improve, trust me, the universe has a way of connecting you to the right people if you have the right attitude and do what you are supposed to do.
Nobody has the power to make your life better more than you. That’s why it’s very important you speak life into your life. Even though your parents, friends, spouse, mentors, etc. speak life into you, the words you speak to yourself matter most and if they speak negativity into your life, you still have the power to change it by not listening to their words. Affirm to yourself what you want to become.
In conclusion, I will leave you with great quotes to inspire you on the power of words.
“Words can inspire and words can destroy”. Robin Sharma
“Your words have power use them wisely.” Anonymous
“The meaning behind the words, the feeling is more significant than the words themselves, so listen.” Anonymous
“Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.” Blaise Pascal
“Your words become your world.” Nadeem Kazi
“The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Anonymous
“May every word that is ever spoken by our mouths be words that lift up, and never words that tear down.” Anonymous
“Never underestimate the power of words to heal and reconcile relationships.”
Jackson Brown
“Beautifully crafted words have the power to captivate the mind of anybody.”
Sam Veda
“Your words carry amazing power. So when you speak make sure you uplift someone and never put them down.” Anonymous
“There is power in words. What you say is what you get.” Zig Ziglar
“Be sure to taste your words before you spit them out.” Anonymous
“Words have the power to make things happen.” Frederick Buechner
“A few nice words can help a person a lot more than you think.” Anonymous
“Our words have creative power. With our words, we can speak blessings over our future.” Joel Osteen
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He’s a Human Capacity & mindset coach. He’s also a public speaker. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the author of the acclaimed book Design Your Destiny – Actualizing Your Birthright To Success and President of gloemi.com. He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
A prominent Lagos hotelier, Otunba Kunle Akinyele, tragically passed away on Saturday after collapsing during a church thanksgiving service held in honour of his wife’s 60th birthday.
The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, Egbeda, Lagos State, leaving family, friends, and well-wishers in deep shock.
In a now-viral video shared on Facebook by Ayoade Ojeniyi on Sunday, the late businessman appeared visibly distressed, gesturing frantically—apparently requesting water or an inhaler—moments before slumping while delivering his testimony.
The thanksgiving service had been organised to celebrate his wife, Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele, with a grand reception scheduled to follow immediately after at Noble Castle Events Centre, Igando.
However, those plans were abruptly halted when news broke that Akinyele had collapsed in church. Despite frantic efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
One of the event vendors, who shared their experience via Facebook, said they had arrived at the reception venue as early as 10 am for the party, which was set to commence by 2pm.
The vendor wrote: “The celebrant, her husband, their children, and guests had all gone to church for the thanksgiving, intending to proceed to the reception afterwards. Varieties of foods were ready, decoration set, cocktails, emu oguro, and more. The live band had already mounted about 25 speakers. This is how people die? I can’t even think of asking for my balance for the job.”
The distinguished Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, His Excellency, Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, has extended warm congratulations to Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.
In a heartfelt message, Senator Daniel praised Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing for his outstanding dedication and immense contributions to the Nigerian housing sector. He described the celebrant as a shining example in the business community, whose passion and commitment have left an indelible mark on the real estate industry across Nigeria.
“You are indeed a source of inspiration to your generation and a shining example within the business environment. There is no doubt that you had written your name in an indelible ink across Nigeria and most especially among the real estate developers,” he wrote.
Senator Daniel also acknowledged Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing’s conferment as the ‘Otun-Asiwaju of Remo Christians’ by the Ogun State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as a reflection of his God-fearing nature, philanthropic spirit, and commitment to humanity.
The senator offered prayers for good health, greater accomplishments, and many more remarkable years ahead for the business mogul.
He concluded by affirming his highest regards and admiration for the celebrant.
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has directed Commanding Officers to ensure full deployment of staff for maximum visibility, prompt removal of obstructions and ease of movement on all highways across the country. This is in line with the operational guidelines of this year’s Easter special patrol scheduled to commence from 16th to 23 April, 2024.
According to the Operation Order, obtained by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the objectives of the special operations are reduction in road traffic crashes, road traffic fatalities and road traffic Injuries; prompt response to road traffic crash victims; unhindered in purposeful public education and speedy removal of obstructions from the highways, amongst others.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed assured members of the public that in achieving the objectives of the special operations, the Corps will combine the engagement of the motoring public through purposeful and impactful public education programmes, strengthening of surveillance activities to regulate unprofessional excesses, sustained effective patrol operations as well as adequate monitoring on the highways.
To this end, the Corps would carryout aggressive enforcement including conducting over 200 Mobile Courts operations, with the aim of checking the following offences:
Speeding and Dangerous Driving/Overtaking,
b. Lane indiscipline/Route violation,
c. Road Obstructions,
d. Use of Phone while Driving,
e. Overloading,
f. Seatbelt/Child restraint Use Violations,
g. Passenger’s Manifest Violation,
h. Operation of mechanical deficient and rickety vehicles,
i. Latching and Twist-Locks Violation,
To achieve the aforementioned, over 743 patrol vehicles, 184 administrative vehicles, 92 ambulances, 23 tow trucks and 144 motorbikes are being deployed as part of the patrol logistics.
Furthermore, reflective jackets, traffic cones, tyre pressure gauges, a number of extricating machines and digital breathalyzers are part of the tools set aside for the special operations.
Added to the above is, a total of 23 Help Areas mobilised to ensure prompt removal of obstructions, and rescue operations during the period. This, he said, is in addition to the 15 traffic control camps which would be dedicated solely to identifying traffic gridlock areas to be manned by our personnel on 24/7 basis.
For effective monitoring and prompt response, the Corps has put in place a Situation Room at the National Headquarters to monitor the activities across the country, collate and process information for dissemination to relevant commands and stakeholders as the case may be.
This is in addition to 28 Road Traffic Crash Clinics and 53 Zebra points located along the major routes. This would be covered by 92 ambulances to be fully utilized for prompt response to crashes and rescue of injured victims to hospitals for more professional attention.
He also directed the Commanding Officers to liaise with other strategic stakeholders within their operational areas to secure the needed moral and logistics as well as security support. The Corps Marshal identified some of the stakeholders as Military formations (enroute or resident); the Nigeria Police (enroute or resident); DSS (enroute or resident); the Nigeria Immigration Service; the NSCDC (enroute or resident).
Others are Federal Ministry of Works and Housing; National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); State Traffic Management Agencies; State owned NGO’s ambulance Services providers; National Network on Emergency Rescue Services (NNES);
Federal Road Maintenance Agencies and
Federal Fire Service.
On the overall preparedness of the Corps for the special operations, he expressed optimism that Nigerians would as usual, cooperate with members of the Corps and other security agencies as well as volunteers who would come out to assist the Corps in traffic management.
Expectedly, with the massive deployment of personnel and logistics and the envisaged public support, the Corps Marshal is confident that the celebration would be a huge success.
While reassuring the motoring public of FRSC’s renewed vigour towards entrenching sanity on the roads, the Corps Marshal also wishes all Nigerians safe and peaceful Easter celebrations.
