DAY TWELVE: QUOWETRY AND ITS ELUCIDATING STORY WORD FOR THE DAY: BELIEFS Our long-held beliefs affect our scarcity or abundance mentality. But an abundant life abounds when change becomes consistent. A humble shoemaker named Tariq lived in the heart of a bustling city called Prospera. Prospera was renowned for its wealth and opportunities, but despite his skilful craftsmanship, Tariq could not find his share of abundance. The reason was his profoundly ingrained belief that he was destined to live a life of scarcity and hardship, just as his parents had before him. As the years went by, Tariq's business struggled to stay afloat. He never invested in new tools or materials, fearing that it would be a waste of resources. His scarcity mindset prevented him from taking the risks and chances necessary for his business to grow. One day, a travelling sage named Hakim arrived in Prospera. He had an exceptional understanding of human psychology and had helped countless people overcome their limiting beliefs. Upon hearing Tariq's story, Hakim decided to visit the struggling shoemaker. Hakim found Tariq hunched over his workbench, crafting a pair of shoes with worn-out tools. The wise sage observed the shoemaker for a while and then spoke, ‘Tariq, your work is exceptional, but your beliefs are holding you back. You must understand that our long-held beliefs affect our scarcity or abundance mentality. But an abundant life abounds when change becomes consistent.’ Tariq was sceptical but decided to give Hakim's advice a chance. He began to work on changing his mindset by reading books, attending workshops, and seeking the guidance of those who had achieved abundance in their lives. Little by little, Tariq's beliefs started to shift, and he realised that he held the power to create a life of abundance for himself. As his mindset changed, Tariq made small, consistent improvements in his life and business. He invested in new tools, experimented with innovative designs, and sought out new markets for his shoes. His once modest shop transformed into a thriving business that attracted customers from afar. Tariq's confidence grew with each success, and his abundance mentality expanded. He started giving back to his community, supporting local charities, and mentoring young entrepreneurs. The ripple effect of his actions was felt throughout the city of Prospera, inspiring others to embrace the power of change and create abundance in their lives.... |
DAY ELEVEN: QUOWETRY AND ITS ELUCIDATING STORY WORD FOR THE DAY: ATTITUDE Your change mantra will mean nothing if it does not adjust your attitude and character. Once upon a time, in a small village named Trasformia, there was a young man named Samuel. He was known for his stubbornness and unwillingness to change his ways. No matter what happened, he remained the same. The villagers often commented on his reluctance to adapt and grow, but Samuel did not heed their words. One day, an old wise man named Guru Adapto arrived at the village. Hearing about Samuel's unyielding nature, he challenged the young man. ‘Samuel,’ he said, ‘I have a powerful mantra that, when recited every day for a month, will bring about immense change in one's life. If you accept my challenge and chant this mantra, I guarantee your life will improve.’ Intrigued by the prospect of change without effort, Samuel eagerly accepted the challenge. Guru Adapto handed him a small piece of parchment with the mantra inscribed. Samuel began chanting the mantra every day, as instructed. As the days went by, Samuel noticed nothing had changed. He continued to act in the same stubborn and closed-minded ways as before. People in the village began to gossip about the efficacy of the mantra, and some even doubted the wisdom of Guru Adapto. As the month drew to a close, Samuel confronted Guru Adapto, furious that the mantra had not changed his life. ‘I have chanted your mantra daily, yet nothing has changed. My life remains the same, and I am still the same person I was before,’ Samuel complained. Guru Adapto smiled gently and asked, ‘Samuel, have you considered that the mantra was not meant to change you by itself? It was merely a tool to remind you of the power of change. Real change comes from within - it requires adjusting your attitude and character.’ Samuel, feeling foolish, realised that he had been waiting for the mantra to change him magically without putting in any effort to change himself. He was not open to new experiences or willing to learn from others. The mantra was supposed to inspire him to make those adjustments within himself. From that day on, Samuel began consciously trying to change his attitude and character. He listened to the advice of others and embraced new ideas with an open mind. Slowly, he became a more compassionate and open-hearted person, and his life began to change for the better.... |
DAY TEN: QUOWETRY AND ITS ELUCIDATING STORY WORD FOR THE DAY: EXCELLENCE ‘Excellence’ speaks: I am a spirit. I attract the spirit of envy. Still, seek to be possessed by me and miss not the goal. Beautiful Louisa excelled in her studies, earning high grades effortfully. Alongside her stunning beauty, she was a dedicated student, which left men in awe and admiration. Her determination to succeed, inspired by the remarkable achievements of Dzidzor Amoah, an African beauty queen who dominated in law school, fuelled her desire to become a respected achiever with a vision. Nevertheless, rumours began to circulate, insinuating a connection between her academic success and her appearance. Although no one dared to acknowledge her brilliance openly, whispers persisted that certain processors played a role in Louisa’s achievements, tarnishing her hard-earned accomplishments. To such low minds, the academic success of ladies was hard to accept without the social tag of immorality. Louisa was shocked when the rumours reached her. Some claimed they had seen her entering a hotel with a lecturer. It was wicked of them, she cried. Very wicked to create and spread such lies. She guarded her pride and dignity resolutely. Whatever she did, she strove to excel at it through genuine and earnest means. How would she achieve her future goals if she was not intellectually honest with herself? She was learning with and for a purpose. Why would she sleep with a lecturer for a grade when she had all the confidence in her ability to receive such grades through her hard work and effort? She reported the situation to her parents. Her father told her, ‘My daughter, if you can’t stand jealousy, then don’t chase success. If you can’t handle envy, then flee excellence. If you don’t want to attract bitterness, do not seek to be an achiever.’ Her mom continued, ‘My daughter, concentrate and continue to excel and let’s celebrate. ‘Excellence’ speaks: I am a spirit. I attract the spirit of envy. Still, seek to be possessed by me and miss not the goal.’ |
DAY NINE: QUOWETRY AND ITS ELUCIDATING STORY WORD FOR THE DAY: EXEMPLIFICATION Outgrow and improve micromanagement and exercise your reign. Exemplify the likeness of the Divine in you. In the ancient land of Quowetry, a powerful kingdom was ruled by a wise and just king named Arden. King Arden possessed great wisdom and a deep understanding of his people's needs. However, he had a flaw that hindered the full potential of his reign—he was a notorious micromanager. Every aspect of the kingdom was subject to his meticulous scrutiny and control. Under King Arden's rule, the kingdom thrived, for he had a keen eye for detail and an unparalleled work ethic. Yet, the people of Quowetry felt stifled, unable to exercise their creativity and contribute to the growth of their land. They yearned for freedom and autonomy. One day, a wanderer named Lyra arrived in the kingdom. Lyra possessed a captivating aura and spoke of the Divine residing within each individual. Intrigued, the people flocked to her, seeking her wisdom and guidance. Lyra understood the struggles they faced and their desire for independence. She decided to help them liberate themselves from the grip of micromanagement. Lyra approached King Arden with utmost respect and humility, acknowledging his profound abilities as a ruler. She gently spoke to him about the importance of trust and empowerment. She explained that by allowing his subjects to exercise their judgment and creativity, he could unlock the untapped potential of his kingdom. She invited him to recognise the Divine within himself and others and to see his subjects as partners rather than pawns in his grand design. King Arden, initially sceptical, pondered Lyra's words. He realised that his micromanagement had inadvertently limited his kingdom's growth and hindered his people's blossoming. The seed of change was sown in his heart, and he resolved to transform his reign. King Arden began by delegating responsibilities to his trusted advisors and officials. He encouraged them to exercise judgment and make decisions aligned with the kingdom's values. Slowly but steadily, he loosened his grip on the day-to-day affairs, allowing his subjects to demonstrate their skills and talents. He started to see the brilliance that lay dormant within his people. As the people of Quowetry gained confidence, they flourished in their newfound autonomy. The kingdom became a vibrant tapestry of innovation and collaboration.... |
DAY EIGHT: QUOWETRY AND ITS ELUCIDATING STORY WORD FOR THE DAY: DELIVERABILITY Rock not the chair and stagnate. Like the turtle, stick out your neck. Rock an action and be a rock star. Pamela Edwards was only called to meet the crew, as were the other five: Tamara, Argon, Stella, Livingstone and Dominic. No money was sent. All were called abruptly and asked to report to the hotel on time. The nature of their work gave no room for excuses or explanations. Everyone understood this. They all arrived in Niyamay, the capital, waiting for the mission debriefing and funds. They hadn’t been on a mission for some time; thus, they were all hard-pressed for cash. Theirs was a contract affair. Each mission had its charges, depending on the risk level. For three days, however, they waited. No word came from the boss, nothing beyond calls from administration, giving words of assurance. Meanwhile, they were starving. The food-deprived team wandered around the food stalls. Their growling stomachs protested as they stared hungrily at the freshly made food laid out in full display for passersby. Not one of them dared ask the vendors for food. Who would give them food for nothing? The team had no leader. They were all professional operatives, trained individually, who had embarked on several missions together. Pamela was definitely not responsible for anyone, yet she made a swift decision and promised to return shortly. On the way to the food market, she whispered to Jesus, ‘Do it as usual, Lord. Feed your children.’ Nobody knows what she said to the owner of the restaurant. All they saw was Pamela returning with six generous portions of fried rice and bottles of water, accompanied by waitstaff. Her method remained a mystery, and when questioned, she simply replied, ‘Just trust Jesus.’ Pamela provided food for the next two days, morning, afternoon, and evening, always escorted by servers. Finally, their instructions arrived, but still without money. A bus was dispatched to transport them to the headquarters to receive their funds. They could, therefore, not settle the food bill as Pamela had promised. Pamela shook her head. This one was a tough, tough situation. But undeterred, she said, ‘Let’s go, Jesus.’ Within minutes, she was back, arms laden with food. This time, the kind Muslim restaurant owner waved them off cheerfully as they departed. When the team inquired how Pamela had managed it yet again, she repeated, ‘Just trust Jesus.’.... |
DAY SEVEN: QUOWETRY AND ITS ELUCIDATING STORY WORD FOR THE DAY: CHOICE Guilt and Shame argue. Guilt claims: I show up when you act against your values. Shame claims: I show up when you develop a deeply-held belief of your unworthiness. Choose your emotions! Jim Price glanced at the road twice, and seeing no car approaching, crossed with his load and descended the steps to the railway tracks. After crossing the rails, he found himself walking down the alley where boys bought papers. Although he worked at a printing press, sometimes he resorted to selling the papers he pilfered from work to make ends meet. Soon, he spotted a familiar face - his regular customer. These customers typically resold the papers to those who needed them as wrapping material. For instance, the tsitsinga boys, who sold skewered fried meat, often purchased them. With his pocket full, Jim hurried back to his workplace. The security guard received his cut, and their secret was safe. Guilt gnawed at him each time he took the papers, but he justified his actions by convincing himself that their boss was the real cheat. The rest of the crew hadn't arrived yet. They planned to print overnight, but work couldn't start until everyone was present. So, Jim settled onto the long table, where they usually folded newspapers and drifted to sleep. A commotion woke him. The other workers had discovered a significant shortage in the paper stock meant for printing. They urgently called their boss to report the shortfall. Jim feigned shock and dismay. Accusations were thrown around, and a particular worker, Issa, was singled out. Issa was summoned immediately. Upon arrival, a nervous Issa vehemently denied any wrongdoing. His boss, red with anger, issued an ultimatum: either produce the missing supplies or consider his job terminated. As Issa packed his belongings from a job he had held for six years, Jim grappled with his own conscience. Confessing seemed impossible; the damage was done. Two weeks later, Jim unexpectedly ran into Issa, who was proudly driving a new car—a gift from his uncle meant to be paid off over time. Despite Jim's initial reluctance, Issa insisted on giving him a lift, continuously echoing, ‘We are all brothers.’ As they reached Jim's destination, Issa generously handed him some money before driving away. Overwhelmed with guilt, Jim realised he didn't deserve such kindness.... |
DAY SIX: QUOWETRY AND ITS ELUCIDATING STORY WORD FOR THE DAY: INCITEMENT If an evil man can incite a good-doing man against a fellow good-doing man, why not see your blackmail as usual and ignorable? The triumvirate of Mark Antony, Augustine Caesar and Lepidus embattled Dennis Brutus, the noblest of all the men that killed Julius Caesar. His henchman and architect of the whole plot, Caius Cassius, had been killed that day in battle, and there seemed no way they could win this war. He was so trapped that he no longer saw life worth living. Even Portia, his dear wife, had been so sorrowed over this Caesar assassination issue that she had swallowed hot coal and killed herself. What a wicked way to die! He was traumatized by this news alone and could sense that the spirit of Caesar was on revenge but…. Was he not seeing clearly? Of course, it was dim at night, so the vision was not trustworthy, but wait a minute, who was this coming towards him? Was this not the figure of Julius Caesar himself approaching from the shadows? Was he getting demented as well? Here was the ghost of Caesar indeed. The figure came and stood by his bed, with his deep eyes peering into his, nodding as he said, “We shall meet on the battlefield today.” Then it vanished. It came about, therefore, that when Brutus went to battle that day against the historic triumvirate, he did not survive. Instead, the nobleman fell on his sword. Now, when he died, his spirit had to meet Caesar willy-nilly. That was when he told Caesar that Caius Cassius convinced him that he, Caesar, was too ambitious and may become king, which nobody wanted in Rome anymore. So, his motive was not hatred but his love for Rome as a responsible soldier. The ghost of Caesar then shook his head as he pulled out his lower lips and said, “Brutus, yours was the worst of all the stabs. If you can let a wicked person cause you to do evil to a fellow good person, then let it be taken as a normal thing for a friend like you to betray. Why do we seek to be good if we easily allow bad people to influence us? If an evil man can be incited by a good-doing man against a fellow good-doing man, then why not see your blackmail as usual and ignorable? You were corrupted into killing your friend. Why are you not so proud of it now? Anyway, I am still Caesar, your friend! .... |
DAY FIVE: QUOWETRY AND ITS ELUCIDATING STORY WORD FOR THE DAY: EXCUSES Excuses are the lethal breakfast of those who avoid responsibilities—poison not the lunch and dinner. Therefore, extinguish the excuses and distinguish. Everybody could see the talent in Andriana. She ran faster than any girl of her age, nay even those far older than her. Right from primary school, her teachers saw in her the potential of a great sprinter who could beat the world. That required lots of really tough training, her physical education master informed her parents. If only they would allow her to take the training sessions early in the morning and evenings, they would be helping her a lot. Mr and Mrs Carssberg were willing to encourage their daughter to become an achiever. Therefore, the understanding was that she was to join the team in their jogging exercise every morning as a prelude. She was to be able to wake up by 4 a.m. and get ready for the rest. They would pass by in a group, and she would join. Andriana was fourteen years old then. The physical educator expatiated that she had already been dormant for too long at her age. She was a world-class material at her age, and severe training should have begun long ago as a child. It was imperative. The following day, Andriana woke up by 4 a.m. and got ready. By 4:30 a.m., the rest of the school’s jogging sporting group had reached their gate, and she joined them. It was not easy for Andriana anyway. Waking up so early was not part of her regular regime. But she was willing to try. She was just a talented sprinter, not a devoted sports girl. Andriana decided she would no longer punish herself when she was home. Therefore, that evening, she made a big show of her aches and pains by limping home and groaning clearly so her parents could be prepared for the excuse she had already begun to incite in her mind against training at dawn the next day. She laid on her back in her room and could hardly roll over when her mother entered to see her. Finally, she told her mother that the session was too hard. She could not bear it anymore. The educator would have to be told that she was not feeling well. She would break down if she went jogging with them the next day. Her mum pleaded with her in vain. The following dawn, when the team came, she excused herself under the guise of sickness, and no matter what anyone said, she never went jogging again. Later, she became pregnant and dropped out of school.... |
DAY FOUR: QUOWETRY AND ITS ELUCIDATING STORY WORD FOR THE DAY: EXCUSES Excuses are the lethal breakfast of those who avoid responsibilities—poison not the lunch and dinner. Therefore, extinguish the excuses and distinguish. Everybody could see the talent in Andriana. She ran faster than any girl of her age, nay even those far older than her. Right from primary school, her teachers saw in her the potential of a great sprinter who could beat the world. That required lots of really tough training, her physical education master informed her parents. If only they would allow her to take the training sessions early in the morning and evenings, they would be helping her a lot. Mr and Mrs Carssberg were willing to encourage their daughter to become an achiever. Therefore, the understanding was that she was to join the team in their jogging exercise every morning as a prelude. She was to be able to wake up by 4 a.m. and get ready for the rest. They would pass by in a group, and she would join. Andriana was fourteen years old then. The physical educator expatiated that she had already been dormant for too long at her age. She was a world-class material at her age, and severe training should have begun long ago as a child. It was imperative. The following day, Andriana woke up by 4 a.m. and got ready. By 4:30 a.m., the rest of the school’s jogging sporting group had reached their gate, and she joined them. It was not easy for Andriana anyway. Waking up so early was not part of her regular regime. But she was willing to try. She was just a talented sprinter, not a devoted sports girl. Andriana decided she would no longer punish herself when she was home. Therefore, that evening, she made a big show of her aches and pains by limping home and groaning clearly so her parents could be prepared for the excuse she had already begun to incite in her mind against training at dawn the next day.... |
DAY TWO: QUOWETRY AND ITS ELUCIDATING STORY WORD FOR THE DAY: DECISIVENESS If we consistently go to and fro, back and forth, on concerns, we will achieve no decisiveness. So, take a stance and stand, indeed! The president of Ashville, Mr Morse Quan, was in a severe dilemma. The rich government of Tarland had agreed to give his country the needed loan but on one condition—gay marriage should be permitted in his country. This was an abomination. His good friend, the then president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, had warned him never to make such a mistake. Mugabe counselled him that it was better to let hunger kill him and his people if this must be the condition attached to their survival. Yet the amount promised, if only he would agree, was quite huge. With such an amount in this critical election year, he could do much to restore life to his struggling economy and win the people’s confidence in him enough to be sure of victory. Six billion dollars was not the type of money one should ignore. He asked for her opinion as he lay in bed with his wife, Adiza. His wife laughed and asked, “Do you know the problem with you? It seems you do not know what it means to believe in a cause and be decisive. This is why the offer is still being made to you. The donors can see that you are shifty in mind, so they are still making the offer to you in particular. Would they go to Mugabe, for instance, with their nonsense? Zimbabwe was suffering economically alright, but when they approached him with this stupid suggestion, he did not even tell them that he would think about it and give them an answer later. He did not even say he was a constitutional leader and would have to take the matter up in parliament. He stood on his two feet as a man and told them he would not do it. Then he added some pieces of insults. Finished! He never was asked again to come and exchange his self-respect for money. And if I, Adiza, were the president of Tarland, this nonsense would have died long ago. Long ago! It would not even be discussed. In whose parliament? Who should have time to sit down and discuss this abomination?” ... |
DAY ONE: QUOWETRY AND ITS ELUCIDATING STORY WORD FOR THE DAY: ASPIRATION 1. Strive not to be a drop in the ocean but rather be the ocean in the drop. Frame your fame! Anytime Percy Mills came out with a song, it became a hit. That evening, therefore, the stadium was packed to the neck when the premiere of his new album Born to Be was announced. The media had been announcing it a month ahead, promising the night would be unforgettable. So, did it turn out to be that night, indeed? But, on the contrary, it proved a night worth the struggle for tickets as the German-British picked his mike and roared sweetly with his signature baritone. Madison Square was bursting as the cheers gyrated through its walls, song after song. But, when it came to beats, Percy Mills was the master. Sometimes the audience did not get the lyrics right away, but the very rhythms of Percy’s music moved even trees. Song after song, therefore, the crescendo only increased. Of course, nobody was seated anymore. Who could remain seated? Of all the songs on his album, however, one resonated with the audience so much that they asked for it repeatedly. It was, above all others, the explanation for the eventual fact that for this track alone, the album had been sold out long before it came out in commercial quantity. What was in the song? As its listeners said, besides the great beats, the lyrics were to rejuvenate and reactivate the dozing or sleeping spirits of lots who needed some form of motivation. This track entitled, DREAM HIGH, WORK HARD says, Am not on earth just to be One of the unnamed thousands/ Who fell with Saul that day, / Am here to be mentioned, especially Even in death/. Am not here just to pass by unremembered; Am here to leave my footprints in Time’s sand forever/ Am not on earth to build just a hut/ Am not on earth only to build estates, /Am here to build cities. / Yes, am not on earth just to be Just one of the unnamed thousands/ Who fell with Saul that day, Am not here just to be the lost drop in the ocean;/ /I contain God’s greatness/ So, am not a nobody/ And am not just someone/ I am somebody. / Once I work hard I may look frail But I’ll not fail;/ I know I shall not have to look for the grail; /I am the grail that shall be sought. |
I targeted ten volumes or books on 100 Quotes and Words of Wisdom – For the Enquiring Mind with Stories that Uplift the Soul. I am happy to announce that I have achieved the target. The remaining three volumes (8, 9 and 10) are now published on Amazon.com. I shall publish five excerpts from each of the three books, starting with an excerpt per day for the reading pleasure of my esteemed friends. |
Introduction
Neurogenesis is a developmental phenomenon defined as the generation and development of new functional neurons in the adult central nervous system (CNS). In the mammalian brain, neurogenesis is mainly limited to two regions: the subventricular zone (SVZ) lining the lateral ventricle and the subgranular zone (SGZ) in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. Based on recent findings, neurogenesis also occurs in some regions of the cerebral cortex under specific conditions (1–3).
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I have four questions concerning our own Neurogenesis.
1. Are we getting enough sleep (7hrs min) to allow this regeneration?
2. What are we eating? Because the body uses the nutrition from what we eat and drink to create these neurons.
3. Are we getting enough movement (exercise) to get the nutrition and oxygen to our brain?
4. What are we filling (learning/experiencing, thought-life) these new brain cells with each new day?