Everyone who knows me, knows that I am quick to put pen to paper, when I’m hungry, when I’m angry, when something moves me, when I want to make a difference… but what can I say, “life happened” and with life, you pick up some and drop some as priorities change, etc., so forgive me! … But I couldn’t sit quietly and not write my thoughts after the loss of two major African icons (including one of my role models), old and new, and particularly with the latest shocking death of Komla Dumor, a hero of our generation – an absolutely brilliant and all-round cool person!
I hesitated writing because in doing so, I find myself accepting the reality, whereas I have been holding to some element of hope that a very very bad joke has been played on all of us, and that the horrible jokester will realize how horrible their trick was and share the truth, and we will all be happy again… but alas, like most things that happen in life that we don’t like and cannot understand, I find myself here writing and accepting…
So what should I do, vent about the fact that since KD passed away, I feel like I have lost my own brother, and I feel like I’ve lost a peace of myself, because I really don’t want to keep doing good, if I’ll just drop dead, just like that?
Or should I vent about how angry I was (and am) about why someone who has given so much, but was just about to reap the fruits of his hard work with bigger and better exposure, had to just drop dead, again just like that??!
I mean HOW?!!
Or should I say out loud how for the first time in a long time, I questioned God’s presence and I’m completely pissed off by the Christians who are saying this is God’s will?
These are all things that I could let out in my outrage, and write so eloquently about how I really feel… but I do not think Komla and/or Mandela would be proud if I went that route… so instead, let me do what is right and choose positivity in this very difficult moment – let me pay tribute and share their charge to put positive Action back in Africa!
So… to sum it all up, my friends, STAND FOR SOMETHING (and ensure that something is positive and impactful)!
Think about this…
Why did 90 presidents show up at Mandela’s funeral, and global icons continue to share glowing tributes about Komla?
It’s pretty simple… because they STOOD FOR SOMETHING! With completely different paths, Mandela started off from a small village in South Africa, educated himself, and joined a movement because of his deep conviction for justice – this movement led to 27 years in prison, several years of negotiation, a bad liver, 4 years as president, and many more as an international change maker? Why? Because Mandela STOOD FOR SOMETHING!
Komla hailed from a family of patriots, went to Medical School, failed and tried journalism.
He could have been disappointed in his failed attempt at being Dr. Dumor and hang out in a corner feeling sorry for himself, or keep trying to do the same things over and curse his stars for what was not working out, but instead he searched within himself for his other expertise, went to journalism school, a Harvard Kennedy School graduate, a presenter, journalist of the year, and at the very end a BBC presenter and representative of Africa –
Komla did not let his failure get the most of him, instead he STOOD FOR SOMETHING! And plunged ahead to ensure that he was continually impactful, telling the African story in a way that no other has…
Both men had struggles, tons of them, personal and professional, but pressed on because they realized that in standing for something, there was no time to feel sorry for themselves, but to press on to the very end – the end being South Africa’s independence of Apartheid for one, and the end being life’s journey for another (lesson: you don’t know what your end is, so don’t rest on your laurels)…
So today, I ask myself, what will I (am I) stand for? What will make my life worth living, what will cause the future generation to say, this girl, who could have settled for less, who could have stopped pressing on when things got tough, who could have remained in her corner when pressures were high, time was not on her side, failure popped up, disappointments occurred, friends betrayed her, etc. etc. instead STOOD FOR SOMETHING and pursued that stance to make an impact in her world??…
My journey as I see it today has only begun, but KD’s passing reminds me that not all of us will have the opportunity to live a full life like Mandela; and so I cannot wait in my pursuit to stand for something until after I have finished dealing with my own personal struggles… it’s time today, for me, and for you, my friend, to STAND FOR SOMETHING!
Every one of us has a role to play in this life – you may not see it as a large one, but your positive impact can be larger than life for one person, and that is what is most important…
You don’t have to look far to realize that you can make a positive impact right where you are – consider the child with the torn school uniform or the little girl that just needs $50 to pay her school fees; think about the smelly gutters that you pass by every day; remember how angry you were when you heard about the corrupt Parliamentarian, or the schools that had delayed re-openings because of lack of funds, or how you felt sick to your stomach when you visited Korlebu and saw how dirty it was, etc. etc…
They say you can identify your passion by knowing what makes you most angry!
Instead of dwelling on your anger, make it more productive and STAND FOR SOMETHING!
Don’t wait for the next big thing, don’t say I cannot, and don’t think you have to be as “big” or as popular as someone else before you can do something, don’t waste time doubting your abilities… Be sure to leave this world, putting your stamp on something because you stood for it –
Always remember, IF YOU CAN’T WRITE THE ENTIRE BOOK, YOU CAN AT LEAST CONTRIBUTE TO A CHAPTER – the opportunities are endless!
We will not all be Mandelas or Komla Dumors, but we can be Christabel Dadzies, Kofi Tawiahs, Mercy Oppongs, writing our own story and making an impact in small and large patches.
The road won’t be easy; the path won’t be straight; the failures will come, but we must press on – We can ALL live a fulfilled life as we STAND FOR SOMETHING; which is really what set these great men apart; In standing for something, you will act on it, push for it, and make a difference in your world.
Think on these words today, as we remember our heroes of the past generation and present. Don’t wait another day, STAND FOR SOMETHING and act on this STANCE. Tomorrow is not promised to us, the PRESENT is all we have.
About the Author: Christabel E. Dadzie
Christabel is an ardent voice for social change and institutional reform. She is a proponent of the synergy of effort to make the Ghanaian have a productive and enriched existence. Christabel is a co-founder of the Ahaspora Young Professionals, a Ghanaian initiative focused on Ghanians returning home from the diaspora, whose goal is to transfer into Ghana the invaluable skills they obtained while living and working abroad. Ahaspora believes that it is possible for every Ghanaian to effect change as we collectively strengthen the nation’s framework for development. They are also committed to the spirit of volunteering and mentoring young Ghanaians to reach their full potential.
Follow Ahaspora young professionals on twitter as @ahaspora
Follow Ahaspora Young Professionals at Ahaspora Young Professionals
For more about Ahaspora to engage with their social change movement please visit Ahaspora Young Professionals
Everyone who knows me, knows that I am quick to put pen to paper, when I’m hungry, when I’m angry, when something moves me, when I want to make a difference… but what can I say, “life happened” and with life, you pick up some and drop some as priorities change, etc., so forgive me! … But I couldn’t sit quietly and not write my thoughts after the loss of two major African icons (including one of my role models), old and new, and particularly with the latest shocking death of Komla Dumor, a hero of our generation – an absolutely brilliant and all-round cool person!
I hesitated writing because in doing so, I find myself accepting the reality, whereas I have been holding to some element of hope that a very very bad joke has been played on all of us, and that the horrible jokester will realize how horrible their trick was and share the truth, and we will all be happy again… but alas, like most things that happen in life that we don’t like and cannot understand, I find myself here writing and accepting…
So what should I do, vent about the fact that since KD passed away, I feel like I have lost my own brother, and I feel like I’ve lost a peace of myself, because I really don’t want to keep doing good, if I’ll just drop dead, just like that?
Or should I vent about how angry I was (and am) about why someone who has given so much, but was just about to reap the fruits of his hard work with bigger and better exposure, had to just drop dead, again just like that??!
I mean HOW?!!
Or should I say out loud how for the first time in a long time, I questioned God’s presence and I’m completely pissed off by the Christians who are saying this is God’s will?
These are all things that I could let out in my outrage, and write so eloquently about how I really feel… but I do not think Komla and/or Mandela would be proud if I went that route… so instead, let me do what is right and choose positivity in this very difficult moment – let me pay tribute and share their charge to put positive Action back in Africa!
So… to sum it all up, my friends, STAND FOR SOMETHING (and ensure that something is positive and impactful)!
Think about this…
Why did 90 presidents show up at Mandela’s funeral, and global icons continue to share glowing tributes about Komla?
It’s pretty simple… because they STOOD FOR SOMETHING! With completely different paths, Mandela started off from a small village in South Africa, educated himself, and joined a movement because of his deep conviction for justice – this movement led to 27 years in prison, several years of negotiation, a bad liver, 4 years as president, and many more as an international change maker? Why? Because Mandela STOOD FOR SOMETHING!
Komla hailed from a family of patriots, went to Medical School, failed and tried journalism.
He could have been disappointed in his failed attempt at being Dr. Dumor and hang out in a corner feeling sorry for himself, or keep trying to do the same things over and curse his stars for what was not working out, but instead he searched within himself for his other expertise, went to journalism school, a Harvard Kennedy School graduate, a presenter, journalist of the year, and at the very end a BBC presenter and representative of Africa –
Komla did not let his failure get the most of him, instead he STOOD FOR SOMETHING! And plunged ahead to ensure that he was continually impactful, telling the African story in a way that no other has…
Both men had struggles, tons of them, personal and professional, but pressed on because they realized that in standing for something, there was no time to feel sorry for themselves, but to press on to the very end – the end being South Africa’s independence of Apartheid for one, and the end being life’s journey for another (lesson: you don’t know what your end is, so don’t rest on your laurels)…
So today, I ask myself, what will I (am I) stand for? What will make my life worth living, what will cause the future generation to say, this girl, who could have settled for less, who could have stopped pressing on when things got tough, who could have remained in her corner when pressures were high, time was not on her side, failure popped up, disappointments occurred, friends betrayed her, etc. etc. instead STOOD FOR SOMETHING and pursued that stance to make an impact in her world??…
My journey as I see it today has only begun, but KD’s passing reminds me that not all of us will have the opportunity to live a full life like Mandela; and so I cannot wait in my pursuit to stand for something until after I have finished dealing with my own personal struggles… it’s time today, for me, and for you, my friend, to STAND FOR SOMETHING!
Every one of us has a role to play in this life – you may not see it as a large one, but your positive impact can be larger than life for one person, and that is what is most important…
You don’t have to look far to realize that you can make a positive impact right where you are – consider the child with the torn school uniform or the little girl that just needs $50 to pay her school fees; think about the smelly gutters that you pass by every day; remember how angry you were when you heard about the corrupt Parliamentarian, or the schools that had delayed re-openings because of lack of funds, or how you felt sick to your stomach when you visited Korlebu and saw how dirty it was, etc. etc…
They say you can identify your passion by knowing what makes you most angry!
Instead of dwelling on your anger, make it more productive and STAND FOR SOMETHING!
Don’t wait for the next big thing, don’t say I cannot, and don’t think you have to be as “big” or as popular as someone else before you can do something, don’t waste time doubting your abilities… Be sure to leave this world, putting your stamp on something because you stood for it –
Always remember, IF YOU CAN’T WRITE THE ENTIRE BOOK, YOU CAN AT LEAST CONTRIBUTE TO A CHAPTER – the opportunities are endless!
We will not all be Mandelas or Komla Dumors, but we can be Christabel Dadzies, Kofi Tawiahs, Mercy Oppongs, writing our own story and making an impact in small and large patches.
The road won’t be easy; the path won’t be straight; the failures will come, but we must press on – We can ALL live a fulfilled life as we STAND FOR SOMETHING; which is really what set these great men apart; In standing for something, you will act on it, push for it, and make a difference in your world.
Think on these words today, as we remember our heroes of the past generation and present. Don’t wait another day, STAND FOR SOMETHING and act on this STANCE. Tomorrow is not promised to us, the PRESENT is all we have.
About the Author: Christabel E. Dadzie
Christabel is an ardent voice for social change and institutional reform. She is a proponent of the synergy of effort to make the Ghanaian have a productive and enriched existence. Christabel is a co-founder of the Ahaspora Young Professionals, a Ghanaian initiative focused on Ghanians returning home from the diaspora, whose goal is to transfer into Ghana the invaluable skills they obtained while living and working abroad. Ahaspora believes that it is possible for every Ghanaian to effect change as we collectively strengthen the nation’s framework for development. They are also committed to the spirit of volunteering and mentoring young Ghanaians to reach their full potential.
Follow Ahaspora young professionals on twitter as @ahaspora
Follow Ahaspora Young Professionals at Ahaspora Young Professionals
For more about Ahaspora to engage with their social change movement please visit Ahaspora Young Professionals
Everyone who knows me, knows that I am quick to put pen to paper, when I’m hungry, when I’m angry, when something moves me, when I want to make a difference… but what can I say, “life happened” and with life, you pick up some and drop some as priorities change, etc., so forgive me! … But I couldn’t sit quietly and not write my thoughts after the loss of two major African icons (including one of my role models), old and new, and particularly with the latest shocking death of Komla Dumor, a hero of our generation – an absolutely brilliant and all-round cool person!
I hesitated writing because in doing so, I find myself accepting the reality, whereas I have been holding to some element of hope that a very very bad joke has been played on all of us, and that the horrible jokester will realize how horrible their trick was and share the truth, and we will all be happy again… but alas, like most things that happen in life that we don’t like and cannot understand, I find myself here writing and accepting…
So what should I do, vent about the fact that since KD passed away, I feel like I have lost my own brother, and I feel like I’ve lost a peace of myself, because I really don’t want to keep doing good, if I’ll just drop dead, just like that?
Or should I vent about how angry I was (and am) about why someone who has given so much, but was just about to reap the fruits of his hard work with bigger and better exposure, had to just drop dead, again just like that??!
I mean HOW?!!
Or should I say out loud how for the first time in a long time, I questioned God’s presence and I’m completely pissed off by the Christians who are saying this is God’s will?
These are all things that I could let out in my outrage, and write so eloquently about how I really feel… but I do not think Komla and/or Mandela would be proud if I went that route… so instead, let me do what is right and choose positivity in this very difficult moment – let me pay tribute and share their charge to put positive Action back in Africa!
So… to sum it all up, my friends, STAND FOR SOMETHING (and ensure that something is positive and impactful)!
Think about this…
Why did 90 presidents show up at Mandela’s funeral, and global icons continue to share glowing tributes about Komla?
It’s pretty simple… because they STOOD FOR SOMETHING! With completely different paths, Mandela started off from a small village in South Africa, educated himself, and joined a movement because of his deep conviction for justice – this movement led to 27 years in prison, several years of negotiation, a bad liver, 4 years as president, and many more as an international change maker? Why? Because Mandela STOOD FOR SOMETHING!
Komla hailed from a family of patriots, went to Medical School, failed and tried journalism.
He could have been disappointed in his failed attempt at being Dr. Dumor and hang out in a corner feeling sorry for himself, or keep trying to do the same things over and curse his stars for what was not working out, but instead he searched within himself for his other expertise, went to journalism school, a Harvard Kennedy School graduate, a presenter, journalist of the year, and at the very end a BBC presenter and representative of Africa –
Komla did not let his failure get the most of him, instead he STOOD FOR SOMETHING! And plunged ahead to ensure that he was continually impactful, telling the African story in a way that no other has…
Both men had struggles, tons of them, personal and professional, but pressed on because they realized that in standing for something, there was no time to feel sorry for themselves, but to press on to the very end – the end being South Africa’s independence of Apartheid for one, and the end being life’s journey for another (lesson: you don’t know what your end is, so don’t rest on your laurels)…
So today, I ask myself, what will I (am I) stand for? What will make my life worth living, what will cause the future generation to say, this girl, who could have settled for less, who could have stopped pressing on when things got tough, who could have remained in her corner when pressures were high, time was not on her side, failure popped up, disappointments occurred, friends betrayed her, etc. etc. instead STOOD FOR SOMETHING and pursued that stance to make an impact in her world??…
My journey as I see it today has only begun, but KD’s passing reminds me that not all of us will have the opportunity to live a full life like Mandela; and so I cannot wait in my pursuit to stand for something until after I have finished dealing with my own personal struggles… it’s time today, for me, and for you, my friend, to STAND FOR SOMETHING!
Every one of us has a role to play in this life – you may not see it as a large one, but your positive impact can be larger than life for one person, and that is what is most important…
You don’t have to look far to realize that you can make a positive impact right where you are – consider the child with the torn school uniform or the little girl that just needs $50 to pay her school fees; think about the smelly gutters that you pass by every day; remember how angry you were when you heard about the corrupt Parliamentarian, or the schools that had delayed re-openings because of lack of funds, or how you felt sick to your stomach when you visited Korlebu and saw how dirty it was, etc. etc…
They say you can identify your passion by knowing what makes you most angry!
Instead of dwelling on your anger, make it more productive and STAND FOR SOMETHING!
Don’t wait for the next big thing, don’t say I cannot, and don’t think you have to be as “big” or as popular as someone else before you can do something, don’t waste time doubting your abilities… Be sure to leave this world, putting your stamp on something because you stood for it –
Always remember, IF YOU CAN’T WRITE THE ENTIRE BOOK, YOU CAN AT LEAST CONTRIBUTE TO A CHAPTER – the opportunities are endless!
We will not all be Mandelas or Komla Dumors, but we can be Christabel Dadzies, Kofi Tawiahs, Mercy Oppongs, writing our own story and making an impact in small and large patches.
The road won’t be easy; the path won’t be straight; the failures will come, but we must press on – We can ALL live a fulfilled life as we STAND FOR SOMETHING; which is really what set these great men apart; In standing for something, you will act on it, push for it, and make a difference in your world.
Think on these words today, as we remember our heroes of the past generation and present. Don’t wait another day, STAND FOR SOMETHING and act on this STANCE. Tomorrow is not promised to us, the PRESENT is all we have.
About the Author: Christabel E. Dadzie
Christabel is an ardent voice for social change and institutional reform. She is a proponent of the synergy of effort to make the Ghanaian have a productive and enriched existence. Christabel is a co-founder of the Ahaspora Young Professionals, a Ghanaian initiative focused on Ghanians returning home from the diaspora, whose goal is to transfer into Ghana the invaluable skills they obtained while living and working abroad. Ahaspora believes that it is possible for every Ghanaian to effect change as we collectively strengthen the nation’s framework for development. They are also committed to the spirit of volunteering and mentoring young Ghanaians to reach their full potential.
Follow Ahaspora young professionals on twitter as @ahaspora
Follow Ahaspora Young Professionals at Ahaspora Young Professionals
For more about Ahaspora to engage with their social change movement please visit Ahaspora Young Professionals
Everyone who knows me, knows that I am quick to put pen to paper, when I’m hungry, when I’m angry, when something moves me, when I want to make a difference… but what can I say, “life happened” and with life, you pick up some and drop some as priorities change, etc., so forgive me! … But I couldn’t sit quietly and not write my thoughts after the loss of two major African icons (including one of my role models), old and new, and particularly with the latest shocking death of Komla Dumor, a hero of our generation – an absolutely brilliant and all-round cool person!
I hesitated writing because in doing so, I find myself accepting the reality, whereas I have been holding to some element of hope that a very very bad joke has been played on all of us, and that the horrible jokester will realize how horrible their trick was and share the truth, and we will all be happy again… but alas, like most things that happen in life that we don’t like and cannot understand, I find myself here writing and accepting…
So what should I do, vent about the fact that since KD passed away, I feel like I have lost my own brother, and I feel like I’ve lost a peace of myself, because I really don’t want to keep doing good, if I’ll just drop dead, just like that?
Or should I vent about how angry I was (and am) about why someone who has given so much, but was just about to reap the fruits of his hard work with bigger and better exposure, had to just drop dead, again just like that??!
I mean HOW?!!
Or should I say out loud how for the first time in a long time, I questioned God’s presence and I’m completely pissed off by the Christians who are saying this is God’s will?
These are all things that I could let out in my outrage, and write so eloquently about how I really feel… but I do not think Komla and/or Mandela would be proud if I went that route… so instead, let me do what is right and choose positivity in this very difficult moment – let me pay tribute and share their charge to put positive Action back in Africa!
So… to sum it all up, my friends, STAND FOR SOMETHING (and ensure that something is positive and impactful)!
Think about this…
Why did 90 presidents show up at Mandela’s funeral, and global icons continue to share glowing tributes about Komla?
It’s pretty simple… because they STOOD FOR SOMETHING! With completely different paths, Mandela started off from a small village in South Africa, educated himself, and joined a movement because of his deep conviction for justice – this movement led to 27 years in prison, several years of negotiation, a bad liver, 4 years as president, and many more as an international change maker? Why? Because Mandela STOOD FOR SOMETHING!
Komla hailed from a family of patriots, went to Medical School, failed and tried journalism.
He could have been disappointed in his failed attempt at being Dr. Dumor and hang out in a corner feeling sorry for himself, or keep trying to do the same things over and curse his stars for what was not working out, but instead he searched within himself for his other expertise, went to journalism school, a Harvard Kennedy School graduate, a presenter, journalist of the year, and at the very end a BBC presenter and representative of Africa –
Komla did not let his failure get the most of him, instead he STOOD FOR SOMETHING! And plunged ahead to ensure that he was continually impactful, telling the African story in a way that no other has…
Both men had struggles, tons of them, personal and professional, but pressed on because they realized that in standing for something, there was no time to feel sorry for themselves, but to press on to the very end – the end being South Africa’s independence of Apartheid for one, and the end being life’s journey for another (lesson: you don’t know what your end is, so don’t rest on your laurels)…
So today, I ask myself, what will I (am I) stand for? What will make my life worth living, what will cause the future generation to say, this girl, who could have settled for less, who could have stopped pressing on when things got tough, who could have remained in her corner when pressures were high, time was not on her side, failure popped up, disappointments occurred, friends betrayed her, etc. etc. instead STOOD FOR SOMETHING and pursued that stance to make an impact in her world??…
My journey as I see it today has only begun, but KD’s passing reminds me that not all of us will have the opportunity to live a full life like Mandela; and so I cannot wait in my pursuit to stand for something until after I have finished dealing with my own personal struggles… it’s time today, for me, and for you, my friend, to STAND FOR SOMETHING!
Every one of us has a role to play in this life – you may not see it as a large one, but your positive impact can be larger than life for one person, and that is what is most important…
You don’t have to look far to realize that you can make a positive impact right where you are – consider the child with the torn school uniform or the little girl that just needs $50 to pay her school fees; think about the smelly gutters that you pass by every day; remember how angry you were when you heard about the corrupt Parliamentarian, or the schools that had delayed re-openings because of lack of funds, or how you felt sick to your stomach when you visited Korlebu and saw how dirty it was, etc. etc…
They say you can identify your passion by knowing what makes you most angry!
Instead of dwelling on your anger, make it more productive and STAND FOR SOMETHING!
Don’t wait for the next big thing, don’t say I cannot, and don’t think you have to be as “big” or as popular as someone else before you can do something, don’t waste time doubting your abilities… Be sure to leave this world, putting your stamp on something because you stood for it –
Always remember, IF YOU CAN’T WRITE THE ENTIRE BOOK, YOU CAN AT LEAST CONTRIBUTE TO A CHAPTER – the opportunities are endless!
We will not all be Mandelas or Komla Dumors, but we can be Christabel Dadzies, Kofi Tawiahs, Mercy Oppongs, writing our own story and making an impact in small and large patches.
The road won’t be easy; the path won’t be straight; the failures will come, but we must press on – We can ALL live a fulfilled life as we STAND FOR SOMETHING; which is really what set these great men apart; In standing for something, you will act on it, push for it, and make a difference in your world.
Think on these words today, as we remember our heroes of the past generation and present. Don’t wait another day, STAND FOR SOMETHING and act on this STANCE. Tomorrow is not promised to us, the PRESENT is all we have.
About the Author: Christabel E. Dadzie
Christabel is an ardent voice for social change and institutional reform. She is a proponent of the synergy of effort to make the Ghanaian have a productive and enriched existence. Christabel is a co-founder of the Ahaspora Young Professionals, a Ghanaian initiative focused on Ghanians returning home from the diaspora, whose goal is to transfer into Ghana the invaluable skills they obtained while living and working abroad. Ahaspora believes that it is possible for every Ghanaian to effect change as we collectively strengthen the nation’s framework for development. They are also committed to the spirit of volunteering and mentoring young Ghanaians to reach their full potential.
Follow Ahaspora young professionals on twitter as @ahaspora
Follow Ahaspora Young Professionals at Ahaspora Young Professionals
For more about Ahaspora to engage with their social change movement please visit Ahaspora Young Professionals