One morning, a mathematics teacher wrote a complex problem on the staff room board:

> 36x² + yx + (2/3)yx³ + (3x/7)! (66y + 12x)b = 0

He then turned to a history teacher and challenged,
“Solve this problem.”

Without hesitation, the history teacher calmly picked up the duster, wiped the board clean, and said,
“Problem solved!”

Sometimes, life demands exactly this: Not every problem needs to be overanalyzed — some simply need to be erased.
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Life Lessons: Clean It Off and Move On!

Someone brings negativity your way? Dust it off and move on.

A person tries to entangle you in petty arguments? Clear it up and walk away.

Bad news or gossip attempts to spoil your peace? Wipe it from your mind.

Someone tries to block your progress? Brush them aside mentally and stay focused on your purpose.
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Real-Life Examples of “Cleaning Up and Moving Forward”:

1. Nelson Mandela:
After 27 years of unjust imprisonment, Mandela emerged without bitterness. He wiped away the hatred that could have consumed him and led South Africa into an era of reconciliation and peace. He said,
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”

2. Joseph in the Bible:
Sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned — yet Joseph wiped away anger and betrayal. When he rose to power in Egypt, he forgave his brothers and helped save nations from famine. Joseph’s life teaches us that holding on to hurt would have ruined his destiny, but cleaning up his heart led him to greatness.

3. Oprah Winfrey:
Raised in poverty and subjected to terrible childhood trauma, Oprah chose to clean up her past instead of being imprisoned by it. She became one of the most influential voices in the world by focusing on healing, forgiveness, and purpose.

4. Job in the Bible:
After losing everything — family, wealth, and health — Job chose not to hold onto bitterness. He cleaned up his mind by remaining faithful, and God restored him even more abundantly.

5. Malala Yousafzai:
Shot for advocating girls’ education, Malala chose forgiveness over hatred. She cleaned her heart of vengeance and continues to inspire the world with her courage and grace.
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Take Your Duster Today and Clean Up:

Wipe away anger.

Clear out bitterness.

Erase jealousy.

Scrub out petty arguments.

Wash off hatred.

Sweep away unforgiveness.

When you clean up your inner world, many external problems will automatically disappear. Choose peace. Choose freedom. Choose growth.
—
Credits:

© James Ola Emiola-Dakobiri FIIM
Founder and President, Suicide Prevention and Depression Support Foundation
Nigeria & United States of America
✍🏽 info@spdsfoundation.org
☎ 773-344-6313 (USA), ‪+2348028057889‬ (Nigeria)
Facebook: SPDS FOUNDATION
Instagram: @spdsfoundation
Website: www.spdsfoundation.org
LinkedIn: Suicide Prevention and Depression Support (SPDS) Foundation