It was a sunny day in Japuta, an island north of the fossil mountains. There goes a young hunter named Nick arriving from a five days sojourn in the forest. He lived beside the dark forest which leads to the greenest meadows and gargantuan fountain with the purest water you ever found. But no one dare go through the dark forest except you are on a suicide mission. The forest in recent times became the dwelling of wild life including cat family, reptiles and bears. In the time past, it was not so. Most residents where farmers, hunters, scavengers and adventurers. They were able to create a formidable network of fighters and artisans who designed and built a path through the dark forest that no wild life can penetrate.

Nick as a young hunter is a descendant of the first chief hunter in Japuta. He possesses accurate marksmanship, steel, rugged and able to dissolve threat easily. He survives by hunting game, nuts, berries and rummaging the forest for vintage treasures. He was being courted by many young women. He often tells them story of his different conquests and how beautiful the pasture and fountain beyond the dangerous dark forest of Japuta. He alone goes into the dark forest and hunt as civilization made residents to turn back on such venture and thus, redirected their wards to western education.

The game of life is open but those who win takes the greatest risk of all. Young Nick became a household name just as his predecessors. Interestingly to the bewilderment of all, he is blind. He only operates with his sense of smell, hearing, touch and taste but not sight. This makes him an unusual story of gallantry. Despite his physical frailty, he was censured by the rulers and many others who envy the wide admiration he commands in the town. He is often a target of evil conspirators but he has often maneuvered himself and escape their whims and caprices.

However, there comes a moment where time tells a story that fortune cannot recall. It was the feast of harvest in that spring and Nick was honored with an achievement award. As he was stepping with his mobility compass to the podium to receive his plaque, an arrow shot straight from the corner of the market square and drove through his pulmonary artery and he slumped. There was a pandemonium and everyone run to closest refuge while men of the uniform attends to Nick. Nick was bleeding heavily but he was all smiles. The paramedics were alerted and they rushed down to cart him away swiftly to the closest clinic.

On arriving at the clinic with the fired arrow still seating in his heart circle, the whole community went agog expecting a miracle for the hunter. He knew that he could resuscitate himself if it was just the arrow. He has traditional concoction to take as he often does when attacked by wild animal but then this arrow was laced with five flavors of eastern poison. Pitiful! He only had few hours to live. He could hardly mutter any words but muster strength and said his last word soonest ‘I celebrate myself’.

That was the last word of the greatest hero of Japuta. Then I asked myself ‘why do I wait for other people’s approval or honor’. It is a blessing to have others recognize us for accomplishments and useful efforts but remember to celebrate yourself, only you know your real worth. You are an audience of one; entertain yourself, indulge and celebrate yourself. Take your time to always congratulate yourself WELLDONE. And someday, just like Nick, go out with a smile and not with regret. Celebrate yourself one more time!