CONTEST : Your two greatest flaws and your two greatest virtues | By @ukpono

...If laws were made for the good of man then they need a great custodian like myself to implement them. I make the rules, protect them and ensure that society's codes of conduct are abided by. Like a schoolmarm with keen eagle eyes, I watch the actions of the people in my care and would not hesitate to carry out disciplinary actions against any erring child. I have never had any regrets since I assumed the self-imposed responsibility to keep my siblings, friends and almost anyone around me away from moral laxity except some few tongue-lashing here and there....

I look back at my younger self and I see an innocent child who upheld every moral code and would not tolerate any unethical act. I was fit to be tagged as “Miss Prim and Proper” a. k. a “madam no-nonsense” since I held high expectations for everyone. At a point, I had assumed the position of a judge in my make-believe “court of law” thus enacting the following laws:

• Thou shalt not be too playful
• Thou shalt NEVER be late for school
• Thou shalt NEVER miss the school bus
• Thou shalt be neat at all times
• Thou does not have an excuse to not be intelligent
• Thou shalt love Maths, English and all your subjects
• Thou shalt do what thou art asked to do
• Thou shalt NEVER act in any way that suggests that you are an undisciplined child
• Thou shalt be at your best behaviour always
• Thou shalt not make my food late
• On no occasion shalt your socks, lunchbox or book go missing especially in the morning before school runs
• No whimpering is allowed especially from crybabies.
• Thou shalt not grumble or complain when thou art asked to help with the chores.
• Thou shalt do your homework on time and submit it promptly.
• Thou shalt not give me a headache because managing you is enough headache.

The rules started growing bigger and bigger as I grew. I wasn't a proud arrogant dictator who led my subjects with an iron hand, I was only affected by two great flaws — Being a control freak and a perfectionist.

On the brighter side, it is believed that there is a sense in every nonsense. My excessive desire for perfection led to possessing these two unique qualities — better leadership/management skills and proactiveness. My flaws were prompted by the love and care I had for others. Thus, the higher expectations I had for them. In the coming years of my life, I used this to better advantage by working toward the betterment of society. There will always be something to fix and this is where my excessive desire to make things straight pushes me to profer solutions. I find myself trying to maintain order by taking up pet projects and joining NGOs and offering free community services in areas I feel are deficient. I look back at what I considered a flaw and I'm pleased that how it has helped me serve humanity.

MORAL LESSON

It can be quite embarrassing to accept flaws for fear of being judged but I've learnt to find strength in every weakness. Everything wouldn't always be the way it should be. Rather than cajoling people to stick to the rules why not offer solutions to their problems instead.

My friends @edidiongeffiong @whakee @emyekanem should join this contest.
Have a great week, friends!

MY INTRODUCTION POST