Wisdom from Okri

The truth hurts, sometimes.

But it hurts less than lies that people tell you wholeheartedly. No matter how much it hurts, the truth is still much preferable to lies and illusions.

There are days when I'm weary of trying my best, hoping for the best outcomes. Today, is one of those days.

At times like this, I always seek refuge in either one or both things: music and poetry. Sometimes, it narrates what you feel, better than any self-constructed monologue. It's more direct, apt and honest.

It lessens the pain of reality bites and it corrects perspectives, when it should be corrected. A stitch in time, saves nine.

Today, my best friends are some wise words from the amazing Ben Okri.

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"And because we have too much information,
And no clear direction;
Too many facts,
And not enough faith;
Too much confusion,
And crave clear vision;
Too many fears,
And not enough light -

I whisper to myself modest maxims
As thought-friends for a new age.

See clearly, think clearly.
Face pleasant and unpleasant truths;
Face reality.
Free the past.
Catch up with ourselves.
Never cease from upward striving.
We are better than we think.

Don't be afraid to love, or be loved.
As within, so without.
We owe life abundant happiness.

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Life has many points where it can be disappointing and not as you'd wish it to be. And we can't escape that.

We should always prepare for the worst. And work and pray for the best.

But I guess the new lesson I learned today, is that a key part of avoiding disappointments, is knowing when NOT to hope.

If it looks and sounds like the truth, it is reality. At least, for the moment. And that is the reality, that we must be prepared to live with.

I still believe, that one day, things will be alright.

But today, is not that day.

Time to turn the music up.