The ManicaPost
We are now in the festive period; many companies are going to close early so that the employees get an opportunity to travel to various destinations of their choice. This is also a time where some people go to their rural homes to spend the holidays there.
Believe it or not this is a time when many people are generally in an excitement mode, whether they believe in Christmas or not. Sadly, this is also a period when many people lose their lives on the roads, some due to cold blooded murders, and some people even lose their valued property, and other assets to burglary and criminals. A lot of things do happen during this period.
This week I want to share some thoughts which can guide us during this period.
Do not be too excited
It is very good to celebrate and to be excited, but avoid the temptation of over-excitement. This is where many people miss it during this period. Many people over-drink during this period over excitement, and some cross several boundaries as well.
There are people who have never consumed any alcohol all their lives, but for one reason or another will do just because it’s “Christmas”. Do not be overexcited stay true to yourself. Do not change just because of the season we are in.
Do not compromise your values
This is a period many people make a lot of compromises. There are people who are going to cheat on their spouses for the first time during this festive period. Ask them what would have happened, “I was carried away”. Be clear on what your values are. Be clear that you will not sacrifice these values on the altar of convenience. Never compromise on your core values, as these go to the root of who you are.
Christmas comes and goes
This is a point many people always forget, Christmas comes and goes, but the wounds of bad decisions may not go. Do not make permanent decisions for temporary situations. Do not be overexcited and forget that in 24 hours, the day will not be 25th December 2017. This is true of any other holiday.
Stay responsible
Truth be told, it’s very easy to lose your life despite the fact that you have lived it well all along. If you are going to be driving, please ensure that you drive responsibly. The car presents one of the most convenient ways of moving from one place to another, but it can present a weapon if not properly handled, which can give you a cruel and horrible way of dying. Drive roadworthy vehicles.
I recall seeing one picture which was circulating on social media, “There are no air-bags in this car, we die like real man”. This might be a joke, but the state of the car was really a source of worry for me. Why risk your life by driving unroadworthy vehicles.
Do not take rides from road unworthy vehicles. I do not why people sometimes get to desperation levels where they no longer care about what happens to them. Several public transport vehicles will be on the road sometimes with patent defects.
Do not risk your life. Even if you do not get the transport, you can always apologise for failing to turn rather than to insist on a trip which may commit you to the morgue, and coffin. It’s always better to be seen than to be viewed.
The Traffic Safety Council has repeated that people should not drink and drive. This is always ignored, yet many accidents are often caused by drivers driving under the influence of alcohol. I have lost several colleagues this year alone due to driving under the influence of alcohol. What a waste of life?
Do not drive when it is dark Drive when the visibility is enhanced. There are some people who boast that they are good at night driving. Do not risk your life unnecessarily. A lot of things happen on the roads at night. I deliberately took a position that I will not drive at night, I will rather drive when I can see clearly. My life is more important than whatever business that I am driving to attend do.
Stay disciplined
You remember I once said that, Christmas comes and goes. There is another part as well, discipline. Be disciplined in everything that you do. Do not overspend over the holidays. Schools will be opening in January you know it. Uniforms will be needed yet you spend money on a braai stand without even paying school fees. Pay your school fees, rent, and any other fixed obligations before you go for the holiday.
Do not seek to impress visitors by spending what you do not have. Do not borrow for the holiday. Eat what is there. The most important thing is to be thankful with what you have. You will not have any stress or pressure thereafter.
Stay secure
Stop posting about all your whereabouts. Nowadays it’s easy for people to be robbed. We cannot afford to keep quiet. If you buy a watch you want the whole world to know. You buy a handkerchief you want the whole world to know, and when you travel you also want everyone to know that you are not at your home for the whole holiday.
What you are doing is simply exposing your home to criminal elements. There are people who follow your posts not because they like you, but because they want to find a way to you and to your home and property. Sometimes it is good to have a shut mouth. You will not have any problems. If you travelling have security in place to secure your home, and your priced possessions.
Have insurance in place
A lot of things happen. Have your insurance in place. Do not travel with vehicle without full cover. What if you are accidentally bumped into? What if your car is a total write off? Get your funeral cover in place. I do not wish you, or even myself death, but death is real. Have your property insurance as well in place in case anything happens to your pro- perty.
Let me take this opportunity to wish all the Manica Post readers a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. Many thanks to the editor for this column. Asante Sana! (Thank you so much!)
Arthur Marara is a corporate law attorney, keynote speaker, corporate and personal branding speaker commanding the stage with his delightful humor, raw energy, and wealth of life experiences. He is a financial wellness expert and is passionate about addressing the issues of wellness, strategy and personal development. Visit his website www.arthurmarara.org or contact him on +263772467255 for bookings.
