BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE(A TRUE LIFE STORY)

Here you go sir; I heard the security man's voice as I stepped out of the lobby where I had just concluded a series of business meetings. His hands still on the car door knob as he politely beckoned at me to enter the newly acquired stretched limousine waiting to be driven to the next point of call. Thanks I answered returning the gesture with an handshake where five properly wrapped new notes of the highest currency was carefully hidden; a contended smile mixed with a happy face greeted back as the guy quickly pocketed the cash gift he had just received. I could see a fulfilled face which is seen at rare occasions of special moments such as jackpot winning periods or when an husband receives the good news of the safe delivery of his first child; I need no one to tell me that I had just made the man's day as he constantly splashed the words "thank you sir" at me just like a kid practicing his first words.


“Straight to the airport” I told the driver as my eyes glanced at the diamond coated Rolex on my hands. It was really a nice meeting sir, I heard my P.A soft voice beside me, "yes it was" I replied as we begin to notice a gradual build up of traffic ahead of us. How I wish I could call for a chopper right now I whispered to my gorgeous energetic personal assistant but remembered I hadn't renewed my contract with OAKS, my helicopter service provider. As we moved on, I was extremely sure that missing my flight was certain so I called my partners to call off my scheduled appointment. Can we just relax somewhere around I asked, at least all work and no play they say makes jack a dull boy. "There is a restaurant with a perfect Chinese delicacy just down the corner" my P.A responded with excitement, straight to the place I ordered the driver whom I also invited to join in the unplanned fun time. You guys should enjoy yourselves I compelled my staff with full confidence as the waiter beckoned to take our orders. It was indeed a sweet experience after an hour of a fun filled company with my staffs whose complete different character to what I see daily at official period kept wild laughs on my mouth. “What a way to end a delicious meal” I said to the guys, you are one hell of good persons every boss should have I reiterated with complete satisfaction. I think we should do this more often I said like a child would demand for lovely treats as we stepped out of the restaurant.


“The hotel of course” I replied the driver when he asked for the next point of call. I remember vividly the sweet ambience of the five star hotel, the captivating reception of the well trained staff, the charm of the lighting that surrounds the magnificent edifice and the innocence and beauty of the water falls situated in the heart of the hotel. Definitely the hotel is the right place to end such a wonderful day I concluded. Success achieved in the day strolled carelessly on my mind as I lay down on my bed in the hotel room. I stared at the art work on the wall continuously in appreciation of a well done job by the sculptor. I stood up, moved to take a glance from my skyscraper hotel window at the beauty of the wonderful structures that littered the street. Life is beautiful I reminded myself. Of course nothing is as sweet as being on the bright side of life. And as I was still romancing the moment, my eyes popped open and I discovered it was all but wishes. All this while I was lost in deep thought; a daylight fantasized fallacy.


Why should I smile I said to myself remembering I had just had an endurance trek home a few minutes before fantasizing, an exercise that wouldn’t have materialized if I hadn’t found myself in a tight corner where I wouldn’t be doing so much calculation and strategizing to be able to retain some cash in my purse. What’s there to be happy about as occurrences began to unfold like a slide show on a projected screen, I had scrolled my phone contact earlier in the day only God knows how many times trying to get who I could call to send me some cash. Still in my clueless state, I remember the debts that hanged on my neck and of course fresh in my memories is the pain acquired as a result of the lady I loved leaving me for her ex. I recalled numerous numbers of my friends living large, many of whose Camry had facilitate an unusual passion in me to own one as my first car plus the unending wait of four months’ salary being owed me at work; one I wished could drop straightaway into my account. To add insult to injury, my favorite football team whom I support to the bones had just lost a match to a minnow team. What more could bring a man such depression other than having no reason to smile?


This wasn’t the dream I had when I was a kid, while growing I had seen a picture of a nice job, a magnificent house, an adorable partner and wonderful children playing in the garden. I saw myself traveling abroad for meetings, visits and picnics in company of associates, families and friends. Where are these things I ask in anger as the still non living things in the house refused to answer my painful fabricated questions? I looked around and a silent thought of suicide flicked through my mind, what a calm way to just end things and have a lasting rest. The stillness of the mood without any form of available distractions helped by the absence of power (electricity) made it a perfect time to digest such a thought. What has life really got to offer as I allowed my distressed mind to dictate the mood tune? And just like the occurrence of an action part in a home video, reasons to hold on suddenly appeared on my heart’s template.


I remembered the lofty dreams I had written down some of which had begin to materialize; I remembered the event management outfit plus the magazine firm I intend to run. I recalled how many of my articles have inspired people; a confession many couldn’t hide but had to share. I remembered that I hadn’t even explored the photography world one which I had just entered. What of my graphics skills which hasn’t been exploited? What would happen to my talent on drums God forbid if something negative happens? Where would the faces that look up to the start of the day’s brightness via my smiles turn to? After all I still posses some essential non compulsory luxuries; isn’t a BB on my palm one which many hands are dying to touch. Of a truth my case isn’t the worst in the world and the temporal slimming of my purse and inflow doesn’t necessarily spell doom. Even if I had a lean account at present, my plans for getting future comfort are on the touchline getting set to be substituted like it happens in a match.


How did I forget that I had God with me the one who makes crooked ways straight? Who bewitched me into forgetting that He actually makes all things beautiful in his own time? What happened to my confidence which has great reward? Why has it bent in a short fraction of exposure to temporal lack? Am I not a light; one that darkness cannot comprehend? Am I not like the ungrateful prodigal son for not appreciating the good things I posses at present? I am a sulking giant I said to myself, one that has gotten soaked up in the face of challenges. I faced the wall whispering how sorry I am to God and a reassurance that the “fantadreams” would still find expression one day only if I keep believing and keep striving a glimpse of which I am beginning to see.


Friends & folks, Irrespective of what we face or feel, it’s important not to be weighed down or overwhelmed by the surrounded circumstance or difficulty as we have the efficient elastic limit to hold on to the pressures thrown at us. The vision is yet for an appointed time so whenever sorrow stops by for a night visit, one thing that must be remembered is joy peeps from the morrow to come; waiting to give a royal welcome. Often times the breakthrough moments are close to the greatest stretched point, hence we must never take our gaze off the bright side of life; always remember the more difficult the problem is, the closer the change of story. There is actually more to you than is presently evident to the physical eyes or expressed in the actual sense. So through patience and utmost diligence, we are most certain guaranteed to eat the fruit of the land. In a short while, there is going to be a manifestation of an improved situation.

Written by Olukokun Adedeji