A healthy balance of nature and nurture!

“Shaki, why are you such a positive person?”
And I answer, “have you met my mother and other family members? Then you will understand why.

“Why are you always so bubbly? So full of energy?”
I answer, “have you met my mother Alhaja Abeke?” Then you’ll understand that I don’t even have energy compared to her.

“Shaki, why are you so assertive? You always look like you’ve got it covered.
To this, I smile to myself. Did you meet my father in his lifetime? Even if you didn’t, did you hear of him? The man who took life on fearlessly and lived wholesomely – who exemplified the joie de vivre persona?

Then you’ll understand why. I don’t have all the answers and I know I can never have all of them so why stress about the ones I cannot answer?

“Shaki, how did you learn to practice self love while still ensuring that you’re kind to others?”
And I respond, “Do you know the people I’m surrounded with? Do you not see the kind of environment I was raised in? Can’t you palpate the warmth and love in the atmosphere? Can you see the environment I am deliberately creating for myself? Can you see the spouse Allah has blessed me with?”

An individual is a combination of genetics (nature) and nurture. It would be a mutation if I don’t have all these attributes mentioned because of the nature and nurture that made me and the environment I am deliberately creating for myself- family and friends inclusive.

No matter how much the world keeps evolving, we would still need companionship and relationships. One of the most important decisions of your life is who you decide to partner with romantically. It is a decision that can have a ripple effect on your life down to your progeny.
It is a decision that can make or mar you. Make that decision carefully and pray for divine favor.