The HUBU Journals (Book): Why You need them (Teenage edition)

Description

The HUBU Journals; Why you need them is a free book from the HUBU Team addressing contemporary issues facing teenagers today.

 

Extract from the book – Chapter 1

 

There is an age long question which still begs for an answer, “What is life”?

 

I’m uncertain if there is a universally accepted response to this question because it varies depending on individuals, countries, religious beliefs, and historical backgrounds. Other intriguing questions, such as “Who am I and why am I here on Earth? Why am I reading this book? Why did I do what I did yesterday, last week, or last year?” presents significant challenges in finding a correct answer. However, there are unique answers to these thought-provoking questions – they cannot be found within the pages of a book. Instead, they are answers that one must discover for themselves through intentional engagement with the world around them.

 

Consider having two unfamiliar plant seeds in your hand. How can you determine the type of fruit they will produce, how tall they will grow, or how useful they will be? While a mustard seed and a spinach seed may appear similar in size, they grow in distinct ways. The spinach seed matures quickly, develops leaves in a matter of weeks, and withers soon after. It cannot withstand drought and doesn’t possess any known commercial use in making furniture. On the other hand, the mustard seed grows into a mighty tree with commercial uses, providing shelter to birds and other wildlife.

 

You cannot truly comprehend the potential of these seeds until they are planted and subjected to the same conditions. It is through their resilience and adaptation that their inherent qualities, no matter how small, are revealed. From the seed’s perspective, its growth process, from sprouting leaves to bearing fruit until its eventual demise or removal, is called “life.” Additionally, no two seeds from the same tree are identical.

 

The same is true for human beings. No two individuals have the same life experiences and perspectives. However, the ability to connect, understand, and engage with the world and others reveals one’s true self, creates the opportunity for personal growth and a fulfilling life. The outcome of your life is determined by your own decisions/actions, based on the knowledge acquired, your understanding, and your ability to apply the acquired knowledge (wisdom).

 

Although some circumstances and events may be beyond our control, every human being is blessed with resilience and the capacity to overcome challenges if they so desire. We have witnessed trees grow through rocks or sprout amidst tar on the road to survive. Humans are capable of far more than that.

 

The world is inundated with distractions and an overwhelming amount of information that diverts our attention from the most important person in the universe—ourselves. We have become too preoccupied with keeping up with events, especially on social media, that we neglect our personal development and fail to reach our full potential. Consequently, feelings of inadequacy and frustration arise, opening the door to various vices and mental health challenges.

 

Lack of proper self-awareness, if left unaddressed, can lead to numerous complications in adulthood. That is why even very wealthy individuals may experience depression, multiple divorces, substance abuse, violence, and other difficulties.

 

The teenage years are an ideal time to reflect and discover oneself since it is during this period that one seeks self-expression, explores the world, and searches for identity. Unfortunately, teenagers are grossly misunderstood. This book is dedicated to you, hoping that you will find it valuable as a guide to a great life.

 

Our objective is to guide you through age-old practices that have been forgotten by many. These practices can help you achieve success and fulfillment through self-discovery, as you navigate the complexities of life avoiding the mistakes that have plagued many adults. We aspire for you to make better life choices, build a successful career, create a wonderful family, and become influential in society.”