Whether you're single, married, or divorced, be happy. Find a way to live in the moment. Don't defer living. Happiness is not defined by relationship status, it is a function of your personal decision. There are happy singles, married and divorced people as there are equally unhappy ones. Happiness is a personal responsibility. I am a happy bachelor and I will be a happy married man. No! Marriage will not make me happy, it will only multiply it because my spouse will bring her happiness too.

Whether you own a car, bike or you have none, be happy. Many jet owners are unhappy. Generally available statistics have shown higher rates of depression amongst the haves. I mean, it is a miserable existence when one's happiness is anchored on such material things. Oh yes, material things, money being the fountainhead provide comfort and conveniences but many are unhappily comfortable. Use money and material things for what they are: means and tools. No more, no less. Don't let what you don't have YET ruin the many beautiful things you already have; and trust me, they're many if you can reflect. Your health alone makes you one of the most blessed humans.

Now, be wary of those 'prophetic' declarations that put you under unhealthy pressure to acquire this or become that to signify that you are 'blessed'; leading you into unnecessary depression. You will buy a car and own a house when you need to and have the means. Not having one now or yet doesn't mean you aren't blessed. If owning cars and houses were the yardstick of measuring being blessed, just imagine how blessed so many Nigerians are but still miserable. Life is in stages just like that of a tree. You plant, you water, maturity comes and it starts fruiting....the tree still has to wait for cycles of fruiting even when it is mature. Waiting is both virtue and strategy. It is easier to exercise patience when the objective of what you're waiting for isn't to 'pepper' someone or prove something to someone. Waiting is usually hard when our motives are wrong

Religion has taught many to feel cursed when they go through normal life challenges in varied forms and to feel blessed only when there is money in their pockets. What a sordid way to live. If people you know buy cars or build houses, genuinely be happy for them. If they make any progress that makes them happy, be happy for them. Rejoice with them with sincerity but STOP using them to measure your life. Use the facts to measure your progress.

There is no specific year designated for you to buy a car, own a house or become financially rich. These things happen as your move through stages of growth. So, don't let any prayer or prophecy put unnecessary pressure on you. Many challenges you will face are meant to strengthen, enrich and bless you. Stop running away from them or binding and casting them. Though many of them too can be a result of stupidity, folly, pride, greed, or procrastination.

You will be fine, but first, be happy and be at peace. Peace is especially the reward of doing the right thing and it all begins when your words and actions are mostly in harmony.

Watch, listen, meditate, buy wisdom and sell it not. Apply wisdom. Send out positive thoughts and energy into the world and towards others. Conspire against no one. Live in the moment. This moment was once the tomorrow and future you postponed your happiness too.

Now it is here. Drink, eat, and merry in it, for it is good and a blessing to be able to enjoy what one has labored for.

Oya! Now go and LIVE life. Don't postpone life to some distant time when everything is 'ideal' or 'perfect'.

Nothing like that exists.


Happy New Year!



 Elekwachi is the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Executive Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Abia State

He is also a Preacher, Writer, and a businessman with an interest in Telecommunications and FinTech.