Obaba Museum

Many of us think so little of ourselves, that if we were to, even for a second, realise how people perceive us, we would be dazed at how high they’ve placed us in their minds.

I remember a discussion I was having with a lady some time ago. I asked her, ‘do you ever feel intimidated?’ She looked up, surprised at my question, then sighed and said, ‘yes.’ I further asked, ‘about what?’ She answered and said, I’m fat, and each time I see slim and wonderfully shaped people, I feel downcast and inferior.’

Do you feel the same way too? Maybe not particularly about your physique, it may be about your performance in comparison with others, or your dressing, composure, or achievements.

Let me tell you this: hidden in you is a treasure you must bring out. If you keep looking at other people’s achievements, you’ll definitely neglect yours and keep it buried till eternity.

Watch out, there’s something people admire you for, if only you’d sit, meditate and reflect. They may not necessarily come out and say, ‘I like this about you.’ It may be in the way they prefer you over others to handle specific tasks and responsibilities. Some superiors, colleagues or even subordinates love committing things into your hands because they know you’ll handle it pretty well, even though there are tons of other qualified people. That, dear one, is your uniqueness, your ‘beauty.’

So, in a genuine response, I told her, ‘I actually admire you.’ Wide eyed, she asked, ‘for what?’ I smiled and honestly told her, ‘I love your eyelashes, they’re long and cute. I admire your self-confidence; the way you find it so easy to relate with people.’

She couldn’t find anything good about herself because she had this philosophy that her fatness had swallowed her real beauty. Yet, I was able to tell her some of the treasures she possessed, and I’m still sure she has some still hidden in her.

Don’t let anyone ride you. The new year is almost here, try as much as possible to believe in yourself no matter what. Bring out your hidden treasure, don’t compare, and very soon, you will announce yourself to the world. Just believe! Once you believe in yourself, you’ll influence others not only to believe in you, but also in themselves.

Find your treasure!