There is one thing I do not want you to forget, neglect, or compromise: never neglect your soul, your spirit, and your body. Love yourself first and take good care of yourself so that you may be strong enough to face the challenges of life and extend that same love to your loved ones and to all beings in creation.

You cannot give what you do not possess. If you desire to love others, first cultivate love within yourself. If you seek to support others, first become strong enough to stand on your own foundation.

Remember that life is governed by the principle of preparation. All things are prepaid and preplanned. Nothing can be harvested unless it has first been sown. Nature teaches us that we must give before we receive. No one earns wages without first performing meaningful work.

If you desire good health, longevity, peace, happiness, harmony, wealth, and fulfillment, begin today to cultivate your spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, and intellectual capacities. These are the pillars upon which a successful and meaningful life is built.

The act of loving yourself, knowing yourself, and continually developing yourself must become one of your highest priorities. Let this purpose be written upon your heart and become part of your life’s vision. Your discipline, your mental strength, your physical well-being, and your spiritual growth should become your Isese—your sacred tradition and way of life.

Never compromise these lofty principles. At the same time, never fail to share your wisdom, your love, your discipline, and your strength with others. A life that uplifts others becomes a blessing to generations yet unborn.

According to Odu Osa-Ika (Osaka), running from one place to another without clear purpose or meaningful objectives adds little value to life. A life without direction often leads to weakness, frustration, disease, and untimely decline. Sinister habits and destructive behaviors ultimately produce destructive results.

Therefore, begin wherever you are. Add value to your life today.

Transform your thoughts. Make them positive. Refine your habits. Improve your character. Speak words of encouragement to yourself and blessings to creation.

Affirm within yourself:

“No one will make me angry, for the power and love of Olódùmarè and His numerous divinities dwell within me and radiate through my life like the light of the sun. I will work on myself. I will perform my duties diligently. I will care for my body through exercise, prayer, and natural nourishment. I will refrain from complaining, condemning, criticizing, gossiping, hatred, and idleness. The power, vibration, light, divine love, and wisdom of Olódùmarè and His numerous divinities abide with me and within me forever. I am blessed, and so are the generations that come after me.”

May your life become an expression of discipline, wisdom, love, service, and divine purpose. May your character become your greatest offering, and may your actions leave a legacy of blessings for your family, your community, and future generations.

Aboru Aboye.