Embracing the Odd: My Path to Self-Acceptance
I’ve never been a normal or usual person—I’ve always done funny, unconventional things throughout my life. This head tie reminds me of a story.
As a young man, one of the things that helped me was my boldness.
Nothing seemed impossible to me. I was never afraid to take risks to succeed, and that fearlessness continues to this day. I don’t engage in criminal activities, but I was willing to take risks. So, I decided to move the cars that night because I had no money left after clearing them from Tin Can Island.
We changed the oil and set off. As we reached the Shagamu bypass, I noticed that one of the vehicles was missing, and two of the drivers were nowhere to be found. One of the drivers was someone I knew from Warri, but I didn’t tell him I recognized him so they wouldn’t harm me on the journey. Eventually, I spotted the Mitsubishi Colt and thought, “At least I have two cars; let’s keep moving.” Finally, I found the missing driver near the toll gate at Shagamu, and we continued our journey.
When we reached Benin, my money ran out. I contacted Dr. Emmanuel Jessa, who I believe is now in the UK or Australia, and woke him up around 11:00 p.m. He gave me money, and I bought fuel at Iyaro, and we continued toward Onitsha. As we approached Onitsha, I noticed a police van following me. I had a white towel, so I tied it around my head as I drove. The policemen were frightened of me that night, between 12:00 and 1:00 a.m.
When we reached Asaba, the police finally overtook me in a well-lit area, blocked my path, and said, “Madam!” I replied, “I’m not a madam; I’m Dr. Apoki.” They were astonished, wondering what kind of woman would drive alone at that time of night.
You see, when you are too predictable, people know what to expect. Just add a little twist to your life, and those who used to fear you will fear you even more, while those who thought they knew you will begin to wonder if you are still the same person. It’s that little twist, that little touch, that makes all the difference.
Today, we were about to board a plane, and I greeted one of the passengers. We exchanged pleasantries, and I shared a video that is now trending. It’s gaining traction because I am not routine, not predictable, not regular, not usual.
Let me tell you another story about a head tie. My children attended a wedding across the railway in Inanga. When I reached Isiala Ngwa Junction, I asked for directions to Aaro.
A man told me that if I asked three times and didn’t find my children, I should turn back without asking any more questions because they would eventually come home.
I asked the first person, “Do you know where Aaro is?” He said no. I asked the second person, and he said no. I asked the third person, and again, the answer was no. But I’m not usual; I’m not normal. My wife wore an ashoke cloth with a side cloth that drapes over the shoulder. I asked her for it, tied it around my head, and continued driving. I had to find my children. Eventually, I met a man who knew the place. He told me to go straight and not to ask anyone else. I followed his advice and found my children.
You see, just a headband—a simple towel tied around my head—can change people’s perceptions. Some of you may wonder if I have become a spiritualist, a mystic, or a Muslim. The human mind is so fragile. People can be easily deceived, especially in church, simply because they see something unusual. If I just used white chalk to draw on my face and put something in my mouth, you might think I’m a spiritualist. But in reality, most things you see, that you either fear or admire, are often superficial. There’s not much substance behind them.
Reality is simple, and only unusual people like us understand how this world truly operates. Don’t be too predictable, too normal, or too regimented in this world. I’ve changed my appearance now, and you probably wouldn’t recognize me.
Why not spice up your life a little with some unusual behavior? Add some variety to your marriage and other aspects of your life. Life is very interesting! At 65, I’m having a lot of fun.
I remain your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki, making a global impact in this generation. It’s just a little spice, a little twist, a little touch of reality.
