₦airaland Forum

I visited the Marriage Registry in Abuja last year to authenticate a client’s marriage certificate. The registrar who attended to me - a woman dressed in a brightly coloured gown - was all smiles and radiated warmth. You could immediately tell she was a jovial and caring mother.

Sensing the urgency of my request, she went all out to make sure I got everything closed out before the end of the day. And when I was done, I thanked her appropriately. We exchanged contacts, and I promised to update her on how the process of what I needed the document for went.

Less than two days later, I opened my WhatsApp to a new status update from her number: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. The owner of this phone number is dead. Please reach out if you have any unfinished business, or if she owes you any money. Thank you.”

At this point you’ll think I would simply say I was shocked, but I broke down into tears. I cannot explain it to you, but I sobbed for this stranger, because her death struck me. The frailty of the idea that life is assured is such that it lulls us into a dangerous forgetfulness.

We wake up each morning and assume that the rhythm of breath, the nearness of those we love will forever remain faithful to us, and that their memories will continue to occupy our tender hearts - but this is an illusion we hopelessly cling onto. …….and that their memories will continue to occupy our tender hearts - but this is an illusion we hopelessly cling onto.

We build our lives on the illusion that tomorrow is promised. And when someone’s death shatters that illusion - as it always does - the grief comes twice. One for the loss, and again for the realisation that we had been living life frantically in evasion of what life truly means.

If we do not face the fragility of our existence, we’re tempted into a shallow way of associating with one another. And this mistake breeds its own torment, because of course the human spirit cannot be nourished by lies. Better to look squarely at the fact that all things end.


And to allow that truth to carve our choices with urgency and tenderness. We speak to people carelessly without depth; we love and handle matters of the heart without the urgency or sanctity it deserves. We delay the things that matter because we think we have time. But we don’t.

To live constantly with the thoughts of death on our shoulders is not morbid. I think that it is, in fact, the only sane way to live. Because imagine waking up one day and realising you’ve wasted the very life you thought was guaranteed? We are all dying. Of course you know that.

What matters is how slowly or quickly we let this death happen - and how determined we are to do this life thing with meaning, now, while it still belongs to us. Because as far as I am concerned, many are letting their lives slip up before them without giving it valuable meaning.

#Damochan

The people who succeed in life are usually not the brightest but the ones who keep going.

- Vusi Thembekwayo

Tenacity, sometimes sheer stupidity, and unwavering resolve are staples for them.

They focus on one goal at a time, achieving them step by step.

They keep going, making adjustments where necessary, until the day of victory arrives.

I am one of these people and my name is Damochan

The people who succeed in life are usually not the brightest but the ones who keep going.

- Vusi Thembekwayo

Tenacity, sometimes sheer stupidity, and unwavering resolve are staples for them.

They focus on one goal at a time, achieving them step by step.

They keep going, making adjustments where necessary, until the day of victory arrives.

I am one of these people and my name is Damochan

Dear,

You're still here!

What a journey of many ups, downs,

Of knowing high mountains and deepest valleys in one breath,

Of giving much in your books,

But the result doesn't match.

I've been there all my life.

And I know it hurts.

With the scars that come along with it all, is the victory.

Like me, wait.

Wait for the one who can write it better.

Wait for the one who rewards when we don't give up.

Wait, and He'll show up.

While you wait, thank you for not giving it up when it's the easy choice.

Thank you for 2025.

I love you, and I'm so proud of you.

Pushing 40, this is for you.

Of the struggles of life that make every known man, now full.

Of the agony that comes with betrayal, so full.

Of sad life phases that alter life perceptions, full.

Of life's memories that one wishes to never have, full.

Of such times one would wish the hands of the clock were turned, full.

Of the understanding that there's nothing truly lasting in this world, full.

Of the wisdom that contentment is great gain, way full.

Of the tiring fights in choosing excellence over mediocrity, so full.

Of the turns of life that make a servant a king, full.

Of the peace found in realignments of goals, full.

Of the realization that time is the most valuable currency, full.

Of the comprehension that not all battles are worth fighting, full.

Of the understanding that growth often comes through pain, full.

Of the testimony that much healing comes with letting go, full.

Of the conviction that our circle shapes our future, full.

Of how our mindset shapes our reality, full.

Of why pleasing everyone is futile, full.

Of the love given and received that makes life meaningful, full.

Of the victories won not by speed, but by endurance, full.

Of the truth that not every end justifies its means, full.

Of the days when quitting seemed easier, yet pressing on proved greater, full.

Of the sacrifices that seemed painful but built monuments, full.

Of future-shaping choices that decide one's future beyond imagination, full.

Of the wisdom in looking ahead, even when the present seems uncertain, full.

Of the power of belief that turns the impossible into history, full.

Of the assurance of faith that God can do all things, full.

Of how much of God you’ve received? Full, even of His fullness from grace unto grace.

Turning 40 will teach you a great deal, be thankful for the journey so far. Stay grateful for every breath you take, for the abundance of gifts you’ve received, and for every opportunity to share them. Forget not to cherish the gift of family and friends, the little you’ve been able to give from so much you received, and God’s grace and mercy in your continued journey to finish well.

May the stars align in your favor. Selah mi amigo

Damochan ❤️

Nothing wild just where I’ll be updating my intrusive thoughts and feelings.


1. A dead person can't be without clothes while alive and still be disallowed from using sand as clothing.

2. Those who seek INTENTIONAL partners, must themselves be RETENTIONAL.


3. Knowing her/his weaknesses and still choosing to cheat, exploit, or take advantage of the person spells reprehensibility on all fronts.

4. When you harbor mistrust, doubt, or suspicion towards your partner or others, you'd expect reciprocal treatment. Trust begets trust!

5. When you harbor mistrust, doubt, or suspicion towards your partner or others, you'd expect reciprocal treatment. Trust begets trust!

6. Kò sí ya'go fún ẹlẹṣin àna.

A one time horse rider no longer enjoys the privilege of, 'make way.'

7. The rag suddenly becomes valuable when the floor requires immediate water cleanup.

8. No VENERABLE being should dehumanize a VULNERABLE person and still remain HONOURABLE.

9. Mind has different sizes!

It is why some people will be stoical and say nothing in the face of highest provocation. An ELASTIC MIND is a mind that possesses MENTAL ADAPTABILITY, EMOTIONAL FLEXIBILITY & CREATIVE RESILIENCE. A man's TOLERANCE LIMIT readily defines his mind's elasticity.

10. You make your own luck and miracles. After all, if you don't tap the palm tree, you shouldn't expect palm wine.

11. Many people tend to become PHILOSOPHERS or MOTIVATIONAL WRITERS once they're dead broke or are in grave problems.

12. Many people seem to have something to say when the story isn't about them.

13. Good advice is good advice no matter who gave it.

14. When an ANGEL is appointed by NON-ANGELS, the former might soon lose his ANGELIC qualities. Time will vindicate the just!

15. Be remembered for the darkness and the crisis you refused to cause

16. If lying and manipulation were investable, a significant number of people would have set up branches across the nation.

17. Many of those you see laughing outwardly go about with sore hearts!

18. If you wish to incur the world's wrath, tell them the truth! Truth often unsettles because it challenges comfort, habit and interests. That discomfort, is the price of honesty.

19. You’ve seen it worked with others. It was a noble risk. You went headlong and failed. Thank you for trying anyways.

20. The fear of taking a risk is greater than the risk itself. Take that step, the world will align itself.

21. They didn’t deserve your help but you showed up anyways. Learn and do not let it repeat itself.

22. Dear new girlfriend,

I know you fancy a lot of good stuff.

The big goals that can be announced on the banner,

The big collaborations,

The covetable achievement that keeps you awake all night

I know it can be tiring,

But I'll clap for you ahead.

I'll wait till all the boxes are ticked, and the world can behold the wonder when they say...

*Owunmi* náà o, to that which the Lord will do.

All the best of the new year ahead.

23. If a 10-year-old victory still counts for your football club, then let your old wins count for you too, dear.

You have tried, and that still counts.

Typing………


24. Sometimes it's tempting to want to go back and remodel our future from scratch. As fascinating as this idea may be, resolve to accept that the past is the past. Work with what you have for a greater future. Limited resources? Keep at it, and your abundance will come. #lifelesson #purposefulliving

25. Just when you think you have an unfair advantage, life sometimes strikes.

Rise up, don't lose to the the "new low". Hard? Get up. There are more wins on the way.

#lifelesson

25. Beware of those who make testaments out of the personal experiences that didn't swing in their favour.
They say all x are y, because they have had it worse.

26. You believe all men/women are the same but still carry specs in your head?
I thought you would just pick anyone from the debasedness of your thoughts?

It tells me the devil is plotting a fall for you but you're not discerning. And no matter how hard you try with such mindset that rates good and evil together, you're likely going to fail.

My advice? Believe in the best of people to can attract good.

27. All quitters aren't losers.
If it's not worth your investment, drop it and you win!

28. I just know you'll be fine if you won't live to compete with others.
I just know.

29. One of the STEPS to FAILURE is the right step you FAIL to take per OPPORTUNITY.

30. Focus more on your life and what you can do with the little you have.

Successful people do this all the time.

31. Wealth isn't what you do but who you are, first of all. The moment you become wealthy within, financial success comes at a breeze.

32. Those who invest so much in getting an 'error-free' life get defeated the most.

There's so much to be celebrated in your future success than try to write off your past mistake.

33. A quick way to know you're failing ahead in life is to set your life goals on social media trends.

34. Life's issues. A shoe fit for all. Fix yours wherever it pinches.

35. When I turned 30, I decided against proving any truth to anybody. If it’s true and I say it and you don’t believe, that’s your business. If a random stranger says “Picture or it doesn’t exist”, fine. It doesn’t exist.😀