Tijan Sanutee Kabbah Jr.

WRIST WATCHES

Yesterday, the clock ticked towards 1:00 PM as I made my way to the Orange Liberia store situated at the bustling Center & Broad Streets intersection. My mission? To retrieve my Orange SIM Card, which had mysteriously vanished during my most recent trip to Freetown, Sierra Leone back in December 2023 (but that's a story for another day).

Entering the store, a guy, whom I could tell was an Orange agent from the T-shirt he wore, approached and inquired about my reasons for being there. I explained my quest to retrieve my SIM Card, the registration details of which were lost in the labyrinth of my memory. When he pressed me on who registered it the first time it was bought, I confessed my ignorance, stating that I had been using the SIM card seemingly forever. Hearing this, a hint of shock flickered across his face as he directed me to the queue of fellow customers.

Time slipped away as I stood in line for what felt like an eternity. Aware of my looming appointment and the urgency that accompanied it, I mustered the courage to interrupt the lady who stood right before me - by this time, seven people now stood before me - two men and five women.

Me: Excuse me, Ma’am. Hi, could you please tell me the time?

Her: Hmmm, don’t tell me a young man like you doesn’t carry a wristwatch.

Me: Yes, you are right. I don’t; that's why I am asking you.

Her: Well, as a man, you should carry a wristwatch all the time, especially the way you are smartly dressed.

Hearing this, I turned around and looked at the wrists of men in the store. To my amazement, none of them wore a wristwatch. So, I turned back to her and said:

Me: I don’t think there is anything manly about wristwatches.

Her: 1:33 PM

Me: Thank you, Ma’am!

As the queue inched forward, I mulled over her words. What, indeed, is masculine about wristwatches? The ticking hands of time seemed to be counting not just the minutes but also my musings on this unexpected statement. So now I ask: Is there anything masculine about wristwatches? What are your thoughts on her assertion that men should always wear wristwatches? I am curious. Enlighten me, please.

As the curtain falls on 2023, may 2024 unfold with joy, hope, and endless possibilities. Wishing you a year filled with moments that inspire, challenges that strengthen, and dreams that soar.

Happy New Year, my friends!

It is very important to go out alone, to sit under a tree—not with a book, not with a companion, but by yourself—and observe the falling of a leaf, hear the lapping of the water, the fishermen’s song, watch the flight of a bird, and of your own thoughts as they chase each other across the space of your mind. If you are able to be alone and watch these things, then you will discover extraordinary riches which no government can tax, no human agency can corrupt, and which can never be destroyed.

- Jiddu Krishnamurti
Book: Think on These Things

Take a moment to think about the context in which your next decision will occur: You did not pick your parents or the time and place of your birth. You didn't choose your gender or most of your life experiences. You had no control whatsoever over your genome or the development of your brain. And now your brain is making choices on the basis of preferences and beliefs that have been hammered into it over a lifetime - by your genes, your physical development since the moment you were conceived, and the interactions you have had with other people, events, and ideas. Where is the freedom in this? Yes, you are free to do what you want even now. But where did your desires come from?

- Sam Harris
Book: Free Will

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

Make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt. So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservation, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. If you want to get more out of life, you must lose your inclination for monotonous security and adopt a helter-skelter style of life that will at first appear to you to be crazy. But once you become accustomed to such a life you will see its full meaning and its incredible beauty.

- Jon Krakauer
Book: Into the Wild

One of the risks of being quiet is that the other people can fill your silence with their own interpretation: You’re bored. You’re depressed. You’re shy. You’re stuck up. You’re judgemental. When others can’t read us, they write their own story—not always one we choose or that’s true to who we are.

- Sophia Dembling
Book: The Introvert's Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World

It is easy to mourn the lives we aren't living. Easy to wish we'd developed other talents, said yes to different offers. Easy to wish we'd worked harder, loved better, handled our finances more astutely, been more popular, stayed in the band, gone to Australia, said yes to the coffee or done more bloody yoga.
It takes no effort to miss the friends we didn't make and the work we didn't do the people we didn't do and the people we didn't marry and the children we didn't have. It is not difficult to see yourself through the lens of other people, and to wish you were all the different kaleidoscopic versions of you they wanted you to be. It is easy to regret, and keep regretting, ad infinitum, until our time runs out.
But it is not lives we regret not living that are the real problem. It is the regret itself. It's the regret that makes us shrivel and wither and feel like our own and other people's worst enemy.
We can't tell if any of those other versions would have been better or worse. Those lives are happening, it is true, but you are happening as well, and that is the happening we have to focus on.

- Matt Haig
Book: The Midnight Library

Yesterday, we didn't just commemorate the flag that symbolizes our unity, strength, and resilience as Liberians; we were also celebrating the dawn of a new era – an era where the voices of the youth, once relegated to the periphery, took center stage. Mr. Wantoe Teah Wantoe – an embodiment of youthful determination, an advocate for women’s and children’s rights, and now, a pioneer etched into the annals of history – shattered the glass ceiling of age-old norms, becoming the youngest National Flag Day Orator ever to serve this esteemed role.

For me, Wantoe's selection served as an unequivocal declaration – a declaration that the torchbearers of Liberia's future were not waiting in the wings but were boldly stepping forward to contribute, to lead, and to inspire. His presence there yesterday spoke volumes about our nation's commitment to inclusivity, about our recognition that true progress thrives when it draws from the wellspring of diverse perspectives.

As we listened to Mr. Wantoe's words resonating through that hallowed historic centennial pavilion hall, let us remember that his presence wasn't just a mere gesture; it was a resounding statement that the aspirations of us young people are the cornerstones upon which our nation's destiny rests. Let his story remind us that every Liberian, regardless of age, has a stake in shaping our shared narrative. Let's remember that it's not the years that define us, but the conviction in our hearts, the fire in our spirits, and the unity in our diversity that propels us forward.

May the Liberian flag, with its eleven stripes and a single star, forever guide us toward a brighter future – one where the voices of the past harmonize with the dreams of the present, where the vigor of youth intertwines with the wisdom of experience, and where Liberia's anthem resounds through the ages, reminding us that we are, and forever shall be, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Happy 176th National Flag Day, Mama Liberia – Africa’s First Independent Republic!

I am delighted to share that I will be serving as the Chairperson of the UNDP Committee at the upcoming Model United Nations Conference, set to take place from the 9th to the 13th of August 2023 at the AMEU University Campus in Liberia.

As you might be aware, the Model United Nations (MUN) is a domain where students immerse themselves in diplomatic simulations, delve into pressing global issues, and propose solutions that run parallel to actual United Nations deliberations. It is an immense honor to be entrusted with spearheading discussions within the UNDP Committee during this prestigious conference.

My anticipation is soaring as I eagerly look forward to guiding insightful debates, collaborating with brilliant minds, and working together with young people from across West Africa and beyond to create innovative solutions for some of the world's most pressing challenges. This conference is poised to offer an enriching experience for all participants, and I am excited to contribute to its success.

For those within my network attending the conference, I eagerly await our interactions and idea exchanges. For those unable to join, rest assured—I will ensure you are kept updated on the dynamic discussions and outcomes arising from our committee sessions.

Every time I hear a political speech or I read those of our leaders, I am horrified at having, for years, heard nothing which sounded human. It is always the same words telling the same lies. And the fact that men accept this, that the people’s anger has not destroyed these hollow clowns, strikes me as proof that men attribute no importance to the way they are governed; that they gamble – yes, gamble – with a whole part of their life and their so called 'vital interests'.

- Albert Camus
Book: Notebooks 1935-1942

Stop walking through the world looking for confirmation that you don’t belong. You will always find it because you’ve made that your mission. Stop scouring people’s faces for evidence that you’re not enough. You will always find it because you’ve made that your goal. True belonging and self-worth are not goods; we don’t negotiate their value with the world. The truth about who we are lives in our hearts. Our call to courage is to protect our wild heart against constant evaluation, especially our own. No one belongs here more than you.

- Brené Brown
Book: Braving the Wilderness

Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself, or from holding certain views which others find inadmissible. If a man knows more than others, he becomes lonely. But loneliness is not necessarily inimical to companionship, for no one is more sensitive to companionship than the lonely man, and companionship thrives only when each individual remembers his individuality and does not identify himself with others!

- Carl Jung
Book: Memories, Dreams, Reflections
Philo Thoughts

Perhaps the whole root of our trouble, the human trouble, is that we will sacrifice all the beauty of our lives, will imprison ourselves in totems, taboos, crosses, blood sacrifices, steeples, mosques, races, armies, flags, nations, in order to deny the fact of death, which is the only fact we have. It seems to me that one ought to rejoice in the fact of death—ought to decide, indeed, to earn one's death by confronting with passion the conundrum of life. One is responsible to life: It is the small beacon in that terrifying darkness from which we come and to which we shall return. One must negotiate this passage as nobly as possible, for the sake of those who are coming after us.

- James Baldwin
Book: The Fire Next Time
Philo Thoughts

Too many of us move through our lives with our true selves buried below layers of repressed emotion. With so much energy channeled toward sustaining the repression, there is little left over for the deeper questions. The consequences of our evasion are profound. Our stockpiles toxify into a cache of weapons that turn inward against the self: quick fix, long suffering. As Rumi said, “Most people guard against the fire, and so end up in it.” This is the power of then. If we don’t deal with our stuff, it deals with us.

- Jeff Brown
Book: Soulshaping: A Journey Of Self
Philo Thoughts

What we hunger for perhaps more than anything else is to be known in our full humanness, and yet that is often just what we also fear more than anything else. It is important to tell at least from time to time the secret of who we truly and fully are because otherwise we run the risk of losing track of who we truly and fully are and little by little come to accept instead the highly edited version which we put forth in hope that the world will find it more acceptable than the real thing. It is important to tell our secrets too because it makes it easier for other people to tell us a secret or two of their own.

- Frederick Buechner
Book: Telling Secrets
Philo Thoughts

A father saw that his 11-year-old son was crying silently. He asked him.

"What's the matter, son?"

The young boy replied.
"My rich classmates mocked, called me son of a gardener. They said that my father lives only on the money he earns from watering and feeding plants for people"

The father paused for a moment, then said.

"Come with me son, let's plant some flowers. It might cheer you up"

He held his hand and walked him to the garden, then he took out some flower seeds, and said.

"Let's carry out an experiment. We will plant two flowers seperately. I will care for one, and you will care for the other. I will water mine with clean water from the lake but you will water yours with dirty water from the pond. We shall see the outcome in the weeks to come"

The son was delighted as he joined his father in planting the flowers. It took them some days to finally germinate the flower seeds. They cared for them respectively and watched them grow.

Later on, the father brought his son to the garden, and said to him.

"Look at the two flowers and tell me your observation"

The boy responded.
"My flower looks better and healthier than yours. How is that even possible when your water is cleaner?"

The father smiled, then said.

"That's because dirty water doesn't stop a plant from growing, rather it serves as organic fertilizer to help it flourish. You see son, there are some people who put you down in life, mock your dreams, and throw dirt on you. Always remember that there's nothing wrong with you, it is their ego they have to satisfy.

Moral lesson: Don't let the harsh words from people affect you, instead, let it encourage you into being a better person. And doing so, you will be like the plant and will flourish even in the midst of dirt like negativity and harsh words.

(Author & Artist Unknown).

Follow Tijan Sanutee Kabbah Jr.

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's famous words, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," tomorrow, myself and other young Liberians will embark on a 10K solidarity walk. Our purpose is to send a resounding message to the Government of Liberia and its international partners that we have reached a tipping point. Enough is enough! We vehemently oppose the secret killings, the rampant r**e, and all other forms of injustice that have continuously eroded the people's trust in our country's judicial system.

If you come across this message and reside in Monrovia, I invite you to join me in this important endeavor. The meeting point is Crown Hill, YMCA, at 9:00 AM. Together, we will walk in solidarity, raising our voices for change. The culmination of our walk will be at the US Embassy near Monrovia, where we will present a petition, urging the US government to take notice and support our cause.

Dr. King reminds us that the absence of justice anywhere jeopardizes justice everywhere.

Yesterday, I co-led the One Liberia Peace Parade, an incredible event aimed at promoting peace and unity in our nation as we approach the 2023 general and presidential elections. Thanks to my dear friend Tarpeh for inviting me to co-lead this impactful parade.

The One Liberia Peace Parade brought together a passionate group of young Liberians from diverse backgrounds who shared a common vision of fostering harmony within our beloved country. With colorful banners, lively music, and enthusiastic participants, the parade created an optimistic atmosphere and a strong commitment to a peaceful democratic process. This parade was particularly significant as it provided a platform for young Liberians to express their aspirations and advocate for a peaceful election season. Our goal was to inspire fellow citizens to engage in constructive dialogue, embrace tolerance, and reject violence or hostility in any form. Under the banner of One Liberia, we emphasized our shared responsibility in preserving the hard-earned peace of our nation.

As co-leaders, we worked to ensure that the parade resonated with all Liberians, transcending barriers of ethnicity, religion, and political affiliation. Participants carried placards with messages promoting love, unity, and respect for one another, symbolizing our commitment to a democratic society where every voice is valued.

Throughout the parade, we engaged with onlookers, distributing educational materials on peaceful election practices, encouraging voter registration, and stressing the importance of responsibly exercising our democratic rights. We also invited notable speakers, including community leaders, activists, and public figures, who shared their insights on the significance of peaceful elections and their lasting impact on our nation's progress.

The One Liberia Peace Parade concluded with a powerful ceremony where we released a statement of peace, symbolizing our hopes for a peaceful and prosperous future. The overwhelming support from the crowd, including Kehkeh riders, bike riders, taxi drivers, market vendors, street hawkers, and passersby, reaffirmed the collective commitment to our cause. The event was not just a celebration but a call to action for all Liberians to actively contribute to a peaceful electoral process and ensure the continued success of our democracy.

Dear fellow young changemakers,

In just a few months, our nation will be heading into general and presidential elections, a crucial time that holds the power to shape the trajectory of our future. As young and passionate individuals, it is our responsibility to actively participate and pave the way for positive change.

To kickstart our collective effort, I invite you all to join me in the "One Liberia Peace Parade" scheduled for the 1st of July, 2023. This march is not merely an event; it is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to unity, peace, and progress. It presents an extraordinary opportunity for us to stand together, side by side, as a powerful force that can reshape the narrative of our nation.

Why should you join? Let me share a few compelling reasons:

1. Amplify Our Voices: As young changemakers, we possess the energy, vision, and determination needed to bring about meaningful transformation. By uniting in the "One Liberia Peace Parade," we demonstrate that our generation is engaged, vocal, and ready to play an active role in shaping the future we want to see.

2. Peaceful Expression: This parade is an opportunity for us to express ourselves peacefully and constructively. It is a platform to showcase our ideas, values, and aspirations for Liberia, reminding everyone that progress is best achieved through open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

3. Promote Unity: Liberia's strength lies in its diversity. By coming together in this parade, we bridge gaps, break down barriers, and foster a spirit of inclusivity. Let us show the world that we are a united front, committed to building a society that values every individual, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or political affiliation.

4. Inspire Others: Our participation in the "One Liberia Peace Parade" will inspire countless others, both young and old, to become active participants in a peaceful democratic process. Together, we can ignite a wave of civic engagement, encouraging fellow citizens to maintain peace while exercising their right to vote and have a say in shaping Liberia's future.

5. Be the Change: We often hear the phrase "be the change you wish to see in the world." This parade is our chance to embody that sentiment and become the catalysts for positive transformation. It is our chance to set a peaceful path that we envisioned. It is an opportunity to showcase our determination to build a Liberia that is inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful for generations to come.

Let us march hand in hand, carrying banners of hope, peace, and progress. Our voices matter, and by joining forces, we can create a profound impact. Spread the word, invite your friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we will paint the streets with a powerful message of unity and ignite a spark of positive change in the hearts of all Liberians.

Save the date, mark your calendars, and let us gather on the 1st of July, 2023 for the "One Liberia Peace Parade." Together, we will march towards a brighter future for Liberia!

Ubuntu, for Liberia, and for peace!
Tijan Sanutee Jr. Kabbah

Wishing you and your family a very happy Eid-ul-Adha!

May this day bring you joy, happiness, and blessings. As we bask wholly into the things that make today's date exception, let us reflect on the teachings of sacrifice, compassion, and generosity that this holy day represents. May we continue to spread love, kindness, and peace in our communities and beyond.

Eid Mubarak!

This wasn't just a chapter, it was an entire book for me. With that being said, a book has ended and a new one has begun. Thank you for all the congratulatory messages. You made my graduation unforgettable.

Here's to a new beginning!

Oh, it is 06/06/2023. Time sure does fly. Here's to closing another chapter!

At a cross-country race in the Navarre region of northern Spain on Dec. 2, 2012, a Kenyan runner, Abel Mutai was a few meters from the finish line but got confused by the signals and stopped, thinking he had finished the race.

The Spanish runner, Ivan Fernandez, was right behind him and, realizing what was happening in front of him, began shouting for the Kenyan to keep running.

Motai did not know Spanish and did not understand.

Fernandez pushed Mutai to victory. One reporter asked Ivan, "Why did you do this?" Evan replied, "My dream is that one day we can have the kind of community life that pushes ourselves and others to win as well."

"But why did you let the Kenyan win?" the reporter insisted. Ivan replied, "I didn't let him win, he would win. It was his race."

The reporter insisted and asked again: "But you could have won!"

Ivan looked at him and replied, "But what is the merit of my victory? What is the honor of this medal? What will my mother think?"

Values ​​are passed on from generation to generation.

What values ​​do we teach our children and to what extent do they inspire others to earn them?

Most of us take advantage of people's weaknesses rather than helping to strengthen them.

Copied: Amara Konneh

In the course of the past two moons, I embarked upon an odyssey of political discourse alongside a few youthful souls who, in my naive hope, held dear the welfare of our beloved land, Liberia. One cannot ascertain with certainty their true intentions for Liberia's future, for that task lies beyond my purview. However, what has transpired from my encounters with the collective youth, and permit me to emphasize, almost without exception, is an alarming dearth of cogent ruminations concerning our political terrain. The consequences of this deficiency are indeed dire, as it gives rise to a misconstrued spectacle wherein a disagreement waged against the prevailing regime is fallaciously interpreted as an endorsement of the opposition, and an ideological battle fought against the opposition is erroneously labeled as favoring the prevailing regime - the current positions. This besmirched facet of our political landscape, my dear compatriots, represents a repugnant apparition that incessantly plagues the very essence of our generation.

Amidst the ebb and flow of time, whether the radiant sun graces us with President Weah's CDC presence or veils it behind the shadows of others like the enchanting former Vice President Boakai’s UP/CPP or the stalwart Cummings ANC/CPP, I, like a sturdy vessel, have braved the tumultuous currents of these political intrigues. Unwavering and resolute, my spirit remains tethered to the ideals that stir within me.

In this grand theater of power, where narratives clash and aspirations collide, I stand as a testament to unwavering conviction. Regardless of the prevailing winds, my purpose remains unyielding, transcending mere allegiance to any particular faction or personality. I navigate these treacherous waters armed with the compass of discernment, guided by a deeper understanding of the collective good.

For it is not the whims of fate or the machinations of politics that define my path, but a steadfast commitment to the values that elevate us as a people. I am an advocate of reason, an ambassador of unity, and a seeker of progress. Through the cacophony of discordant voices, I strive to lend an ear to the forgotten, to champion the causes of justice and equality that resonate within the soul of our nation.

Let the tides of change crash against the shores of our existence, for I shall remain unshaken, a beacon of hope in the tempest. Let the sirens of partisanship sing their seductive melodies, for I shall resist their enchantment, my heart steadfast in its pursuit of a brighter future.

Tijan Sanutee Kabbah Jr.
- A Realist.

PC: 02/07/2022

Get inspired!

Life is an ever-evolving mosaic, with each piece forming a unique pattern that reflects our journey through time. The hues we choose to incorporate, the shapes we mold, and the textures we create all contribute to the grand design of our existence. Yet, amid the chaos of life, we must not forget that this is our one and only masterpiece, a reflection of our very essence. So let us make each moment count.

It's easy to fall into the trap of routine, to let the daily grind obscure the true beauty of life. But time is an elusive mistress, and the seconds slip away with each passing day. We must seize the opportunity to chase our passions, to pursue our wildest dreams, for tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Every person is a unique thread in the tapestry of life, weaving their story into the fabric of existence. Embrace your individuality, and let your story be a testament to the human experience. Celebrate your triumphs, learn from your failures, and continue to grow, for there is always room for growth.

The fleeting nature of life should inspire us to invest our time and energy in things that truly matter. Surround yourself with positivity, and let it fuel your creativity. Share your gifts with the world, and let your light shine bright.

While it's essential to have a plan for the future, don't forget to live in the present. Savor each moment, revel in the beauty of life, and let your heart guide you towards your destiny. Take risks, dream big, and let your imagination run wild.

In the end, life is a masterpiece in progress, a never-ending work of art that reflects the depth of our souls. Let us make the most of the canvas we've been given and create a masterpiece that will inspire generations to come. After all, our time here is finite, but the possibilities are infinite. So make every moment count.

- Tijan Sanutee Kabbah Jr.

In a world of diverse opinions, disagreement is inevitable, but it is in our willingness to open our hearts to each other and co-exist with those who hold different views that we find the true measure of our humanity. - Tijan Sanutee Kabbah Jr.

In the stillness of the night, the truth speaks volumes with sound. Words may deceive and misguide, but silence can hold the answers found. ~ Tijan Sanutee Kabbah Jr.

Fellow Liberians,

I write to you today with a sense of urgency and a deep passion for the future of our beloved nation. As we strive to build a better Liberia, we all must take responsibility for shaping the direction of our country by ensuring that our voices are heard through our votes.

You might be wondering why I am emphasizing the importance of registering and obtaining your voter ID card. Simply put, your right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and it is a right that must be exercised to effect the meaningful change that we all so yearn for in our country. I speak from personal experience when I say that your vote can truly make a difference. I remember vividly my own experience during the 2020 Senatorial elections in Liberia. The sense of pride and responsibility I felt was overwhelming. As I cast my ballot, I knew that I was contributing to the democratic process and the future of Liberia. And I was not alone - I saw the same sense of determination and hope in the faces of my fellow Liberians waiting in line to vote.

I know that registering and obtaining a voter ID card can be a daunting and sometimes difficult task. But I also know that the journey is worth taking. Your vote can be a powerful tool for change, and it is one of the ways to hold those in power accountable for their actions. When we all come together and exercise our right to vote, we can shape the future of Liberia for the better.

So, I urge you to take action today. Register and obtain your voter ID card. Encourage your family, friends, and community to do the same. The journey to building a better Liberia starts with many things, and of course, the voter ID card is one of those things. Get your voter ID card. Your vote matters. Let us work together towards building a better Liberia, one vote at a time. I am confident that together, we can create a brighter future for our nation.

Shalom!!!