Gratitude: The Silver Bullet

By Perry Isa Brimah

Imagine a tool so potent that it transforms the very fabric of your reality. 'Gratitude: The Silver Bullet' isn't just another book; it's an exploration into the essence of gratitude. This isn't about fleeting moments of happiness; it's about creating a lasting legacy of triumphs. Instead of seeing gratitude as just an

• Language: English
• Publisher: BELIEVERS®
• Release date: Aug 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088286586

Book preview

Introduction

In these riveting times marked by rapid advancements, omnipresent algorithms, and the overwhelming deluge of digital content, many find themselves striving to chisel out their vital role amidst the modern overflow. Beyond the unrelenting hustle, non-stop notifications, and the incessant digital clamor, the definitive answer to today’s challenges does not lie in the next trending strategy or tech innovation. Instead, it may surprise us to discover it deeply rooted in an age-old, unparalleled attribute — gratitude.

Acknowledgments

I want to start by extending a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey. The impact each of you has made, in ways big or small, has shaped the course of my life and this work. Those mentioned here are not more important than those I have not mentioned.

To my esteemed teachers and mentors, including Dr. Joseph Morin, Dr. Marsh, Dr. Anjorin, Dr. Jean Louis, Freddy Zizi, Dr. Clinton Brown, Dr. Gbenga Ogedegbe, Dr. Conrad Fischer, and others: I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude for your invaluable guidance.

In the realm of academia, I am honored to have collaborated with fellow colleagues, co-researchers, and scholars such as Dr. Raphael Shaw, Dr. Felicia McKoy Otote, Dr. AbdulQadeer Khan, Dr. Abdullahi Khan, Dr. Andleeb Zameer, Dr. Ralph Alcendor, Dr. Sodeinde, Dr. Ishaq Afolayan-Oloye, Dr. Rotimi Adigun, and others. Your contributions and insights have been profoundly enriching.

In the business world, stalwarts like David Marx, Karen Yang, Dolores Imbriale, Michelle Christian, Hosea, Jiaul Noor, Scott Sheckels, Susan Gould, Jake Zahara, Chairman Leo-Stan Ekeh, Manjit Chada, Osa Peters, Bisi Osuntusa, Obinna, and many more. I cannot thank you enough for the loyalty, relentless love and support that has been invaluable in this journey. Special appreciation to Mike Mehran, Yisroel and Rabbi Mendy. My sincere appreciation to the entire VIP team. NVS and ENDS foundations, your invaluable support and contributions cannot be over appreciated.

Tayo Laditi, Dr. Kemi Kadiri, MoB — your inspiration birthed this book. Mohammed Mahdi, the Canadian social media influencer known also as Reach Mohammed, I have to send my appreciation and salutation. Your embodiment of gratitude as the pathway to success has been definitive.

This journey has been peppered with cherished indefatigable associations and friendships, nurtured by love and reciprocity: Daddy Freeze, Naomi Cheri, Kechia Currington, Anastasia Bullock, Dr. Delenya Allen, Edgar Thomas, Sharon Samuel, Christopher Odigie, Sydney Cephus, Aliko, Ahmed, Dayo Adedotun, Dr. Damages, Elizabeth Valdez, Bolaji Idowu, Sade Lopez, Kay Ojo, Kunle Akintayo Stewart, Edi Lawani, Logz and Arogz, Nona Robinson, Uchechi Chuta, Alexandria Jewell. You built this content. I really can’t thank you enough. Tatiana and Rai. Keep soaring! Georgia State Rep Segun Adeyina, I’m immensely grateful. Maryam Uwais, VP Yemi Osinbajo, Sincere appreciations to you. Cousin Gigi Deme, and the whole Knox clan. And everyone else not mentioned. Your presence, comments and critiques and unwavering support have been my building material.

Binyomin Schechter, expressing my appreciation to you feels almost inadequate. Our discussions have been illuminating and have left an indelible mark on all my works. Irving Block’s G-D, Rationality and Mysticism remains an invaluable resource in my library.

The introspective community of Wesley Chapel Masjid Al Madinah in Decatur, Atlanta. Brothers Henry, Nasir, Rashad, Omar, Bilal; Imam Abdoul Hamid. Special appreciation to Bishaarah Mustafaa. Continue to be a beacon and source of strength and mental stimulation, and truly living in gratitude, blessed and grateful. Kudos to Shareef Abdul-Malik and the dedicated team at We Buy Black. You build dreams and enrich lives. Raddy Rich. Much love. Fethudeen Ahmed Hassan. We can never forget you. The enlightening tales you shared with little me were fruitful and inspirational.

My deep appreciation goes out to the Brimah family all over the world. Keep being a force of good. I am truly blessed to be a part. My nephews and nieces, you guys are amazing! And to all those not directly named here: your influence, no matter how subtle, has deeply impacted my life and work. I appreciate you.

Finally, a humble acknowledgment to my Creator, and all the luminaries He has inspired throughout history who have been beacons of inspiration and bearers of the torch of gratitude.

CHAPTER 1

Lingering

The unexamined life is not worth living. — Socrates

My eyes resist opening as the sun peaks through the window. It’s a peaceful, quiet Sunday and I am in no hurry to start the day. Tomorrow is Monday! The missed goals. The to-do list. Problems and failures flood my mind as powerfully as that sun that disturbed my sleep. As I reach for my phone, I muse about how I could have done some things better.

Every once a while there are days like this filled with questions and introspection. Who am I? Am I right? What is right? What do I need to do to get better at this life? I wish I had it different. Why can’t I be like those successful folk? I wish I was more certain. Oh God! And yes, God. Who is God? Am I certain of His existence? If He exists, what does He want from me? Is there a right path? Am I on the right path? What do I need to do or change to be successful? Is there a certain assured pathway for me? I want to feel fulfilled… and happy. Swipe. I reach for my phone and the comfort of its distractions. It was laying there beside me like a naughty little baby, begging for my attention.

Some app notifications. No new messages. Swipe up. I smile as I watch that funny clip. More swipes. Swipe, swipe, and more swipes. I am smiling, entertained by these funny videos–people are so smart and hilarious. And some have such skills. Damn, see that defined, athletic build? Swipe. Chuckle. Remarkable! So many great clips. How do people even come up with this stuff? They are all viral. They all seem to be living the dream while I’m just… watching.

With an exciting tinge of hope bullied by the certainty of disappointment, I glance at my notifications. A few likes, no new followers. Sigh.

I toss the phone aside as frustration brews and lie back on the comforting pillows. It’s one of those days. Those rare reflective days.

Who am I? What’s my pathway? Will I ever become someone and feel lasting happiness? Through it all, while I feel or rather know I am not at my best potential, something tells me I am special. There’s that ray of hope and expectation deep inside. That feeling or sense that I am destined for greatness. But how?

Let’s do something different today. Self-develop? Start that new course? Watch those inspirational videos on how to make thousands of dollars in a week? Do I pick up that motivational book I’ve had in that dusty drawer?

Should I read the Bible? Qur’an? Or some other scripture? That Hindu Bhagavat Gita, perhaps? The prophets achieved unparalleled success. Their messages resonated deeply and went viral. Even hundreds of years after their departure, their legacies remain powerful, with billions continuing to adhere to their teachings. And they did not even have social media tools to get known and read and remembered during and after their lives. Hmm. There’s definitely something there. But were they better off and happier than the affluent and the social media influencers these days? Swipe. Swipe. Lol. OMG! That’s so cute.

Even babies have it. Some of them