The Toppy Way

Send a message to learn more

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU A SECOND CHANCE?

In our lives, second chances are not uncommon. Oftentimes, they come when we are unprepared, ill-prepared or totally unaware. In any case, most who have made a better use of their second chances are those who never forgot their own contributions in blowing up their first opportunities, learnt their lessons and looked ahead with positivity without casting any blame.

Have you had your own share of ever missing, misusing, or practically blowing up one or more opportunities in life? I'm sure, many have. It could have been out of carelessness, naivety or sheer overconfidence! How did you feel then? How do you feel now? Do you blame others or feel you could have done better? Are you hopeless or hopeful? Whayever feeling might be unsettling your mind does not make you less human. Actually, it does prove what you really are - a fallible human.

Meanwhile, how will you handle the next chance that is on the horizon or one that suddenly presents itself? Take your time to reflect on the story of a woman who truly had a second chance at life!

Essie Williams Dunbar was born in 1892 in Blackville, South Carolina, USA. Life was normal until she started having bouts of epileptic seizures which eventually took a tragic turn in the summer of 1915. After being unconscious as a result of yet another attack, Dr. D.K. Briggs was summoned to resuscitate her, only to be pronounced dead afterward!

Her sister, who lived in nearby Allendale, could not make it early to her funeral. The priests had ordered her coffin be lowered into the 6-foot grave with about one and half foot of earth already poured when the distraught sister hastily arrived. She pleaded for a chance to set her eyes on her sister for the last time. Reluctantly, her wish was granted and the wooden coffin was brought up. As the coffin was unscrewed, the next sight bewildered all in attendance. Essie sat up alive! It was a complete pandemonium. All in attendance took to their heels, including the sister who believed they had seen a ghost. In the rush to escape, the three officiating priests fell into the pit and one of them sustained serious rib fractures after being stepped upon by the other two who frantically were struggling to make it out of the grave. Essie, not knowing she was even the cause of the confusion also joined them to run. 'Oro buruku, toun terin!' It was not funny at all.

Eventually, Essie lived a normal and productive life for another 47 years! When she finally died on May 22, 1962, the Augusta Chronicle newspaper which published her obituary wrote: "2nd funeral for S.C. woman."

Her story impresses on me to appreciate and carefully treat all opportunities life throws at me with all the seroiusness they deserve. I also learn to reflect on all those I have missed to retrospectively pick the lessons from them.

Would you like to share your own lessons? Someone out there might be helped by them.

Photo credit: www.findagrave.com

DAWN OF A NEW DAY

Like the dawn of a new day, so is my path to the greatness I daily attract.
I am capable of achieving greatness, and every step I take leads me closer to my goals.
The challenges on my path are my opportunities to grow, learn, and excel.
I am resilient, focused, and determined to create the success I deserve.
I know the endless possibilities that surround me, and I attract opportunities that align with my vision.
My hard work and dedication are paving the way for extraordinary achievements.
I trust in my God-given abilities to overcome obstacles and turn them into stepping stones for success.
Every day, I take intentional actions that move me closer to my dreams.
I am worthy of success, abundance, and fulfillment in my career, business and life.
Fear and doubt have no hold on me, and I welcome courage and confidence into my life.
I believe in my vision, and I am building the life I’ve always dreamed of.
I am creative, innovative, and resourceful. Solutions come naturally to me.
I am aligned with my purpose, and my work makes a positive impact in the world.
Success flows to me effortlessly because I am open to receiving all that I desire.
I am patient with my progress, knowing that every small effort contributes to my greater goal.
I've been given the power to transform my dreams into reality, one step at a time.
I attract like-minded individuals who support and uplift my journey to success.
I honor my uniqueness and understand that it is my greatest strength.
I trust the process and remain focused on my path, knowing my efforts will be rewarded.
I am grateful for the progress I’ve made and excited about the future I am creating.
I am unstoppable, and I am built for greatness.

TEACHING MORALS WITH YORUBA FOLKLORE

'Babalawo mo wa bebe, alugbinrin...' That's the tune of the song accompanying the popular Yoruba fable of the tortoise and the pot of soup. Many would have doubted that this set of Kindergarten students could learn the lyrics within a short time. Alas, they did and excitedly sang along with me!

It may look small, but it means a whole lot to these kids. To me? A great opportunity to share part of my culture with them while also teaching them morals.

How many of our folklore do you know and can easily narrate? Share yours in the comment section.

WHO DO YOUR CRITICS MAKE OF YOU?

'Be careful of what you say to yourself when no one is listening'. How important this statement is! What we say to ourselves shapes who we become. But, have you given any conscious thought to what others say to you in the form of criticisms, jokes, or passive comments? Consider this from an event that happened in France in 1874.

A group of young artists, led by Claude Monet, who felt inspired to move away from the established style of historical or mythological scenes and depict everyday life of the people had come together to exhibit their works at the photographer, Nadar's studio on April 15, 1874. Unfortunately, their experience during the exhibition was the direct opposite of their expectations! Instead of acceptance, they were greeted with harsh criticisms from the public. Heightening their disappointment, the art critic Louis Leroy wrote in a newspaper article about their paintings as 'nothing more than insults to the intelligence and taste of the public; nothing more than impressions.' What dragging could be more than that?

How did these artists take it? Instead of rolling in such mud of public embarrassment, they used Leroy's criticism as the basis for choosing the name of their new art movement - Impressionism. This movement grew beyond the boarders of France to all parts of Europe and, eventually, to all parts of the world! Its influence extended to both music and literature. Today, Impressionism is not just an art movement but a major course of study in art history. So what do you make of the criticisms of others?

Photo credits:

Painting: 'Impression, sunrise' by Claude Monet - monetpaintings.org

Exhibition catalogue - Wikipedia

WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK?

Today, as I was taking some of my students on reading intervention, something caught my attention from the text I was using with them that I feel compelled to share with you. It was the story of a man named Francesco Lentini.

He was born with a rare Siamese birth condition known as 'parasitic twin'. As a result, he had three legs, which doctors at the time considered too dangerous to be surgically removed. His parents, who felt disgraced, gave him away to be taken care of by a distant relative. As he himself grew up, he felt embarrassed that he didn't look like other kids.

However, a visit to a hospital where he saw children with very serious health conditions and disabilities who couldn't even do half of what he could do with his three legs changed his mindset forever. He shared up, and his new life began!

Before his death in 1966, at the age of 77, Francesco had become one of the most respected figures in the circus show industry! He performed in popular circus shows around the world. At age 30, he gained US citizenship. He was married with four children. He earned the respect of his peers so much that they called him 'The King'.

Are you hesitant to take an important action in your life because you feel inadequate in one way or the other? Let the life of Francesco Lentini speak to you that what you consider inadequate could just be the advantage you have over others.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

A GRAND REUNION

On a chance encounter at a private gathering in Houston, Texas, look at these gentlemen I ran into. Bayo, Kola, and I last saw one another 31 years ago when we dropped our pens after our final high school exams.

As we dined and wined, the duo reminded me of how I popularized letterwriting to pen pals abroad who would sometimes, in exchange, send us gifts like books, bibles, cameras, and more. Among such gifts was the book: 'Special English Word Book' from the Voice of America. That book made me a walking encyclopedia of American history, life, and politics! I could name all the past presidents, the 50 states and capitals, and major monuments. Undoubtedly, a dream of one day setting my feet on American soil to experience all I read in the book was birthed.

That dream came true last year when I landed at the O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, en route to Phoenix, Arizona, where I was offered a position as an international teacher. I believe dreams do come true, and I hope yours do, too.

Congratulations to Dr. Dee! The newest PHD holder in our fold.