Remembering Michael Jackson

I was in Calabar, a city which is unarguably Nigeria's hub of tourism when I received a text message from my younger sister about Michael Jackson's death. It was a sad thing to hear and I was touched because MJ who is peharps the most popular individual on the face of the earth, who we also know had faced a lot of challenges, had nodded to death.

Birthday celebrations durring my childhood years were never complete if songs by Michael Jackson were not played. I marvelled at his record of the highest selling album till date. I am often excited that my name was Michael too; because of some achievers whom I call the great Michaels. Some of them include; Michael Jordan, Michael Tyson, Micheal Douglas, Michael Bolton, Michael Faraday, Michael West, Michael Owen, Michael Johnson, Michel(Michael)Schumacar, Michael Ballack. Interestingly even in the heavenly realm St. Michael the arch angel presides over the angels. Among all the moral Michaels, Michael Jackson towered above them all in terms of his influence and popularity.

A few days later, the news had it that some of his fans were commiting suicide because of the grief they had over his death, I was saddened by this fact. Also, many fans could not hold back tears whenever they remember their idol, Michael Jackson. I know Michael Jackson was immensely gifted but I was not so emotional about his demise.

However, on the day of Michael Jackson's memorial, when thousand s of fans gathered at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, 12 days after he died on June 25, 2009 to honour the musical legend. I was so moved as I listened to eulogies showerd on him. It was on that day that his death touched my heart the most. As I watched the event on CNN, I wondered how one man could have such an influence in the world. We will miss his display of his unique talents, creativity, stage craft and wits.

It was a moment of adrenaline flow for me. I had goose pimples all over my body. I believe, many viewers had a similar feeling. Michael Jackson was ahead of his time. He always thought about and conceived the impossible and the yet unattained. He broke new barriers. He left a legacy of hard work, dedication and persistence.

MJ, may have had his weak points but his successes far out classes them. While he lived, he built on his strenghts durring his prime. Michael was on top of his game. Who will forget the great lyrics of his songs or his moon walking and other dance steps?

You can rise to the highest point on your ladder. You can be on top of your game. Stand up, go for your dreams. One day, the world will celebrate you...but what matters most is when the angels in heaven blow trumpets saying 'well done, welcome...'

Do not get discouraged

Having experienced the broadband internet connection which is not very popular in a developing country like Nigeria; attaching picture files could be like hell.

Imagine! I have sat down for over an hour trying to attach a 7.00MB file. It could be discouraging.

Several times I felt like screaming on the staff in the internet cafe or banging the tables but experience has shown me that such actions could even make matters worst. I had left my home dial-up connection hoping that the internet cafe will give me a fast broadband connectivity to the cyber world but it was not so.

It clearly shows how backward some countries are. It also shows that having the kind of mind set one may have developed in the Western world or even in the Asian countries where technological growth is at par with the west in this part of the world could lead to frustration.

This observation comes on the heels of the current global economic melt down which has made a lot of people from the third world to opt for returning to their home countries because of the series of job losses.

There is no need to get discouraged, it will only make matters worse. What you have to do is to adapt to the circumstances around you. There are always alternatives to help you save costs, communicate with your loved ones and get work done. Imagine a situation where you cannot always write directly using your PC notebook (laptop computer) because of unsteady electric power supply; you may just have to revert to the paper and pen . It applies to various spheres of life and these are just my own personal suggestions.

Situations that could make you worried or lose your peace require creative thinking. Do not allow worry to crop into your mind. It could block creative ideas from flowing in. Also, find out facts from those "who have been there before you." Making researches also helps a great deal.

Oh well! the files finally attached to the email.Good radiance....

Life is game and we ought to play it. The best players win and get on top of their games.

Getting started...

I started today by taking a decision that I had been pondering over. Delaying it would only have still kept my mind on it. Interestingly, I found an inner joy as I took action. Having prayed earlier about it; what I know I have to do is to keep believing that the best things will come. I know things do go contrary to our expectations at certain times but experience has taught me that, cultivating an attitude of gratitude to the creator of the universe at all times, enables one to have peace of mind amidst the storms of life. It also enables us to see opportunities in situations or places that may look ordinary.

It has been raining here for over four hours and I am enjoying it. With a paper and a pen, I have set to make some plans as regards the days ahead. I believe I am doing the right thing. O yes! Our personal development coaches often advice their clients to plan. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

I have observed some dynamic people who have things going well for them and I have noticed that they are often conscious of how they spend their time. They seem focused and have a strong drive in all they do. There is a great sense of urgency flowing in my veins right now.

My advice... if you can do that thing you have always delayed now; do it. Always take some time out, to reflect and plan as well. It is my desire to get on top of my game and that is the desire I have for you reading this.

Getting in the Game

What do you love doing most? What are you most passionate about? What area of your life would you love to climb as high as possible in the ladder of success? Is there a kind of work you indulge in and it does not just seem like work because you enjoy it? Then, that endeavour, area of your life or work is your game. There is a common saying 'anything worth doing is worth doing well.'

Life will be most enjoyed and valued when we strive to be on top of our games. By doing what we love doing and doing it well, we cruise on in life fulfilled, happier and more appreciated.

Every one is unique and blessed with many abilities. As we read about and watch great stars in the area of entertainment, sports, politics, inventions and other spheres of life; we should realize that there are human beings like us too. They have mastered their games and have adopted lifestyles that reinforces their success.

At gametoppers, our emphasis will be on polling our knowledge, experiences and wisdom to help each other to excell in our various endeavours. This blog will not be all about me, the creator of the blog but about us who will share ideas that will sharpen our intellect and drive to be the best we can be.

Get in the game and let us keep this blog alive. We can drive our games to the next level..let's go! it's game time.