It's a new month and an Independence Day celebration for my country, Nigeria. For me, it's that time of the month for self-reflection.
Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
Do you believe that you were supposed to read this article right now?
Do you get that feeling that this message was probably meant for you?
I had that feeling too, hence this wonderful article.
If you haven't, do check out my wonderful sponsors I have been obsessed with Norse Mythology for as long as I can remember, I even wrote an article about Ragnarok - the doom of the gods. It was my obsession that led me to stumble upon the idea behind this article.
I came across a YouTube video that spoke about some lessons from the Vikings. You may have heard of Vikings before now (or not) but you can do your research.
24 Norse Life Rules (Lessons from the Vikings)
There are so many lessons to be learned especially from the wise men of old. One thing about the truth is it doesn't change. It's always the same.
Lesson 1:
Be a person of worldly intelligence if you desire to sit with kings. The man who only carries the limited scope of his village will be a laughing stock.
This means you should aspire to learn more, broaden your knowledge scope.
Knowledge is power
The world is filled with ideas to explore, find that which suits you, learn more about and build on that knowledge
Lesson 2:
Travel far and wide and you shall possess the secrets of men
The secret of success isn't just where you stand and traveling doesn't necessarily mean taking a bus or a train or a plane to a different country, it also means leaving your comfort zone to learn even more things about the world.
Lesson 3:
When fear leads the way the destination is never glorious
Fear is the major reason why a lot of people are unsuccessful today. We are scared of "what might be" that we prefer to hide in the shadows. You need to face those fears today if you want things to change for the better.
Take that leap of faith.
Lesson 4:
As one candle can light another, so too can the greatness of mind be transferred among men. To remain in solitude is to deprive oneself of this kindling.
This takes me back to a speech Nelson Mandela once said
"And as we let our lights shine, we unconsciously do the same to others"
We all have the power to shine and together we shine even brighter. I feel so glad to be a part of this community of great writers, each with their glows, we are the ones who make up read.cash, our articles, our stories, our ideas are capable of changing the world but alone, we do not have such power.
Lesson 5:
Take care with your speech, it can be the catalyst for many needless problems. You never know who could be lending an ear to your ramblings
So many wars began with a single speech and lending ears.
Sometimes do you find yourself in a mess and you wish you had just kept your mouth shut instead of getting involved?
Many people are dead today just because of what they have said in the past. Be mindful of what you say, always. Even the walls have ears these days.
Lesson 6:
If you desire to claim a place in the world, arise early. The slothful wolf starves and the sleeping man rarely sees victory
"There is no food for a lazy man"
Wake up! The race is on. Whatever you do just ensure you are moving.
Whatever plans you have made for this month, you won't be able to achieve it if you are just there lying down. As the wise men said
"The sleeping man rarely sees victory"
Lesson 7:
Understand that a storm can change its course without warning, always be prepared to brave a storm.
"Always be prepared" - the boy scouts code
Life has its challenges and most times they come even without a warning, you need to be ready to face life's adversities. Having a backup plan would be wise. You can also have some savings set aside in case of an emergency.
Lesson 8:
Defeat your enemies in the fields before they reach your house
The Vikings were always at war, but they were smart to ensure that these wars were fought on the field, not in their homes.
Your home is where you are most vulnerable, whatever troubles you are facing always ensure it doesn't reach your house.
This also applies to transferring aggression. Sometimes working in the office can be stressful and you might be tensed up, then you get home and start to release those negative tensions by making other people feel bad. It's wrong.
Lesson 9:
No matter how cautiously you live, there is no escaping the fatal clutches of old age. So then, better to join the fray and fight proudly for something worth obtaining.
Live while you can, we all grow old someday and we all die. I once read a saying that at our last moment, we do not regret what we have done but what we didn't do.
Confess your feelings to that girl, make that trip, eat that food, take that Job. Do what makes you happy. That is what living is about.
Lesson 10:
A good friend speaks truly and from the heart, the one whose speech is always pleasant can not be
We all have people we call friends, but not all your friends are actually your friends. True friends will always tell you the truth even if it hurts, the fake ones will only tell you what you want to hear. Be careful of the friends you keep
"Only your friend know your secret, so only he could reveal it" - Bob Marley
Lesson 11:
What will be etched into history about your life? What legend will be left long after you're gone? How have you made the world better?
Ponder these questions daily.
My friend, @HappyBoy wrote an article about leaving a legacy for future generations. We must ponder these questions every day.
Ask yourself right now
"have you made the world better today?"
"What legacy will you be leaving behind once you are gone?"
"How do you want to be remembered?"
Lesson 12:
There is always a sage wiser and warrior bolder than yourself, be careful not to become too comfortable.
"Do not get too comfortable on your high horse" - I feel like I have heard this saying somewhere, a movie perhaps?
No matter where you are right now, know that there is always someone better, aspire to be the best you can be.
As Abraham Maslow would put it in his "Hierarchy of Needs"
"Self Actualization - Reaching one's full potential"
Lesson 13:
Boastful thinking and exclamation of one's brilliance attract misfortune into one's life. Live humbly, with quiet confidence and troubles will rarely beset you.
Humility is sacred
"Be humble, sit down" - Kendrick Lamar
Pride comes before a fall, do not let it overtake you. Control your pride and remain humble but remain confident.
Lesson 14:
Enemies often lurk in the shadows around corners, it would be wise to check them before venturing further on your path.
While this may not apply to everyone always be watchful. Always watch your back, the world can be a dangerous place especially when you do not know who to trust. These days, the person you believe to be your best friend can turn out to be your worst enemy.
Lesson 15:
Moderate yourself ruthlessly, allowing greed to consume you will bring nothing but sorrow
Greed has been known to be the cause of many great men's downfall. Greed for more power, for more wealth, for more and more. Control yourself, do things moderately. If you let greed consume you, expect trouble's knock on your door.
Lesson 16:
The critical man is quick to point the finger and causes much dismay amongst others. He is unknowing that he too shares in their faults.
I am guilty of this, always quick to point fingers, sometimes I'm right, other times are wrong. Pointing fingers creates disparities among friends based on pointless accusations with the main catalyst being the critical man. Do not be quick to point fingers less you create even more problems for yourself and those around you.
Lesson 17:
Lying awake in the night battling ill thoughts offers no solutions. You rise unrested and in no better position than before.
Why do you worry so much when worrying solves nothing?
This is a common behavior experienced by almost everyone. We often worry over things we have no control of. Instead of worrying so much, try finding a solution. Thinking about it all day and all night solves nothing.
Lesson 18
No matter if your dwelling is a fragile shack of sticks and mud it is valuable to have a home. Nothing crushes a man's spirit more than having to beg.
It takes a lot to have to beg someone for something but when you have no choice, you just do.
This lesson speaks on "Satisfaction". Be contented with what you have, however little.
Lesson 19:
Joyous is he who shares in his riches. The coward hoards and lives in fear, rarely delighting in the fortune that seldom comes his way.
There is joy in giving but do so wisely. Many of us fall under the category of the coward who continues to hide his share of riches in fear that he may never have them again. read.cash has allowed everyone to work on this aspect, showing that little support to another writer means a lot.
Lesson 20:
Do not be ashamed of having simple clothing, pay more attention to your hygiene and demeanor.
The way you carry yourself will determine the way people will address you.
You might not have much, maybe unable to purchase the best of trends in the fashion world or live the good life, but with whatever you have, maintain it.
Lesson 21:
Do not be fooled by money, it makes the most unreliable friend
Having money attracts a lot of friends but unfortunately, not all of them are real, when the money fades so will the lot of them. Do not be fooled.
Lesson 22:
Give praise for each day regardless of what fate brings.
Be thankful, always. Treat each day as a gift and be grateful for all life brings, good or bad, there is a reason for it even if it's not known to you.
"We thank thee"
Lesson 23:
When the winds are harsh one should chop wood, in fair weather row out to sea, in the romantic glow of candlelight passionately talk with a woman. Use a ship for travel, a shield for defense, and a sword for striking. Everything has its time and place.
"There is time for everything"
Ensure you are doing the right things at the right time. Time to buy, time to sell, time to hodl, time to swap, time to write articles, time to read them. Be productive with how you manage your time.
Lesson 24:
Common sense is your best friend
This has to be the most important lesson of all.
I'm guilty of trying to find complex ways to tackle problems when there are easy ways to deal with them.
I guess common sense isn't as common as one would think.
I learned a lot from writing this article, I'm sure you did too, at least one. Once again I'm convinced that the truth about life is all around us, we just have to keep our eyes open to see.
Happy New Month Family, many more blessings and accomplishments to come.
Lesson 18 though, I hate having to beg anyone for anything