Let every action be fruitful

Charles Mungoshi Jnr Versatile Fufu
The perception they had of him as they passed him by was different from the understanding he had of himself as he stood by the corner. Welcome to “Versatile Fufu” — a weekly column in which I will take you through a journey on inspiration like no other; succinct and packed to the rafters. Let’s get

right into this week’s bite titled “The Habit”

It was not a well thought action, it was never meditated. James just stood by the street corner, watching the world pass him by. The perception they had of him as they passed him by was different from the understanding he had of himself as he stood by the corner.

He saw them — men, women and children, dressed in their different attires going to their different destinations — definition of the world. The hour glass was being turned up and down without a description of change in James’ life.

The first morning wasn’t a deliberate move, but it revealed a new sight to the experience of his existence. I mean, hey James — you have gone past this corner on your way to school over the years. There definitely isn’t anything new in it or is it that you have out grown your past knowledge of that spot?

Now, without checking his watch to measure activity — James woke up daily to sit by that bridge. It was a subconscious action — the “zombie-ghetto” life hooked him without noticing. The first morning blended into many mornings of the same thing, yes, routine.

The routine got so much attention it grew to be a habit — was it bad? That thing you do without paying direct attention to can become that part of your life that will take all your attention. Have a purpose for all you do, and let it be meaningful — I don’t know what made James sit by the corner daily but I know it was not profiting in my view.

James’ head turned grey but he never left the corner — learn to judge what you are doing, don’t get lost in the moment. You have to be accountable for where you are now — do not let the hour glass determine your steps because you can break it.

It is easy to have a bad habit or a good habit, just bite your nails today, do the same the rest of the week and next week your nails will find themselves chewed by your teeth without your consent.

If the habit of taking alcohol or laziness is draining you, dragging you to the pit of in-existence do, something new but first you need to be in charge.

There is no one holding a gun to your head ready to shoot you down if you don’t act like you always do. No — you are the one holding the gun to your head.

You are aware of that habit, accept it, and then meditate on a way to change it by substitution. Be diligent, follow through and see that transformation.

There is no way change can be effected before acceptance of the need for change.

I surely will not judge James’ habit because I have no idea what his reason for being by the street corner was — but let your reason be fruitful. Don’t let a bad habit sink you — you can surely change it.