by Tolulope Osasona

”When these programs get the better part of us, it becomes difficult to advance beyond status quo; joy goes away, bitterness and negative emotions creep in.”

It is said that a child’s character is already formed by age 6, and I guess that’s why it is pretty difficult for one to embrace change, even when the change is for our good. This could be because we are so used to a particular behavioral pattern, that we don’t even know it has permanently become a part of us.

For instance, is there a particular food you don’t eat anymore because you didn’t like it the first time you tasted it? I know someone who doesn’t eat oats because the first time he tried to prepare it, he did it just like corn flakes (Imagine the horror). I also happen to know a girl who hates to hear the words “trust me” because the first person that told her those exact words hurt her real bad, and trust me she believes anyone who says the same is out to hurt her again. Basically, we have all failed at one thing or the other, say an exam, and we have refused to try again. These are examples of different ‘programs’ that we run both consciously and unconsciously.

The ‘program’ you run may not have been mentioned, but I am pretty sure that you can relate to what I’m saying. These ‘programs’ stay in our heads, develop into strongholds, keep us far away from reality and lock us up in invisible prisons. They are just past experiences that prevent us from enjoying great opportunities in the present and future. When these programs get the better part of us, it becomes difficult to advance beyond status quo; joy goes away, bitterness and negative emotions creep in.

We need to take off these masks so that we can be seen just as we are and start enjoying the tremendous opportunities that we deserve. The sense of freedom we end up getting would be amazing. So, what ‘program’ are you running? Think about it and be determined to not allow fear keep you from being the best you can be.

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Tolulope Osasona is a passionate writer who clearly and concisely expresses her views and thoughts, and creatively makes real the characters in her imaginative world. She has voluntarily written in certain school magazines like Microcosm and Da Viseur magazines, for secondary and tertiary institutions respectively. She believes that with patience, hard work, and unlimited imagination, one can be the best in any chosen field. When she is not busy trying to finish up a write up, she learns new dance steps to stay healthy.

30 Days 30 Voices series is an opportunity for young Nigerians from across the world to share their stories and experiences – creating a meeting point where our common humanity is explored.

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija