Thanksgiving.....

Hola Les Amis,

How are you?

Feeling overwhelmed lately? Not feeling thankful?

I know, I do too...sometimes... especially with all that's going on in the world.... Terrorism (The innocent Chibok girls haven't been brought back, another bombing in Borno state, ISIS in Syria), Ebola in Liberia, the Ferguson case, friends who died this year, and some ugly-heartbreaking stories we hear each day...

A lot to be sad about (Sometimes, I feel like between me and God, there are a 100 questions to be asked and I need answers)

One thing that helps though is staying grateful for now....this moment....and finding beauty even in thorns.

I remember this convo with Opeyemi:
Ope : One thing I will like to do when I make a lot of money is glorify God through plants

Me: Why?

Ope: Look.....

and he pointed towards a breath-taking sight- Yellow flowers blooming in the midst of thick brown bush. You have to look really hard, if not you will miss it. It was beautiful.

and then Ope said, 'I saw one like that in Togo...Red flowers blooming in a desert land. It was the only flower there, and I thought, maybe that's Gods way of saying in the midst of empty or lack or ugly, beautiful things can grow. That's hope'.


Quoting my nerdy little sister, ‘...rather than be depressed about the crazy world conditions, take your worries to God and help the world anyway you can....rather than whine about all the things you don’t have, why don’t you be grateful for all you have...'

Grateful for all the things I have.... like.....

1. 

2. Family... oh! Nerdy sister graduated yesterday....So happy about that 'cos she got into school at a time that was difficult for us and seeing her graduate..Wow...My baby is all grown up :)

Also, for my beautiful family at So-said home and House of gold charity....Amazing people...

3. Life..... Loosing Phebe and Chukky this year was hard...really hard....but I am grateful for all the life lessons I learnt from them (they left awesome legacies, that I hope to leave too), and I've learnt to live each day with gratitude and to never take life for granted...and to keep pleasant memories. Life is beautiful...grateful for all the experiences that makes life worthwhile.

4. Food... all the delicacies...yum yum!!!

5. Grace.... Favors that I don't deserve at all. Forgiveness that is being extended always.

6. Beauty even in crazy situations

7. Friends... strong rock always..and all the people I meet each day...always something to learn from everyone, especially lil kids and our elders.

8. Broken relationships and New love...Yup, even that too...taught me strength and that God has a plan always...

9. Technology... cos I get to meet you!

10. Work... living a purposeful life...and motivations....

11. Speaking on another platform after the Tedx opportunity...Yayyyy!!!! So thankful that I get to meet more inspirers and innovators and motivators....

Excited and nervous about 'novel unveiled' on sunday..Dear God,  please help :)

12. School... Not easy, but the knowledge and friends I've gained...Serendipity!

13. For Nigeria... that somehow in the midst of the chaos, we are together....and that we somehow managed Ebola. Good news...

14. Great/ Sacrificing/ Honest/ Loving people, like Dr. Adadevoh (the amazing Chief Consultant of First Consultant hospital) and personnel of First Consultant hospital, and all the amazing people to have graced earth...

15. Answered prayers, and even unanswered ones...thank you God....

16. Every little thing... laughter, beautiful convo, cloths, butterflies, blue skies, note pads....you know, those tiny miracles life gives us that we overlook sometimes.....

16. You. Yes, You!.... I'm so grateful for you. You are a gift.

One of my favourite bloggers-Marc and Angel wrote this piece below: (It's a snippet)

Be thankful for-

1.  The unique privilege of being YOU
2.  Every single experience that led you to today.

3.  What your daily struggles are teaching you.

4.  The gift of now. 

5.  The way every moment is a new beginning.

6.  The familiar faces, places and situations you rely on daily.

7.  A reasonably healthy body.

8.  The fact that you are online reading this.

Afterthoughts

We all have a whole lot to be grateful for.  So at the end of the day before you close your eyes, smile and be happy with where you’ve been and grateful for what you have experienced and overcome.

Life is rarely perfect, but it’s always pretty darn good.

Your turn…

What would you add to the list?

Source: Youtube

“Every day may not be good...

but there's something good in every day”― Alice Morse Earle

Oh my...the image below broke my heart, but still managed to re-evaluate my thought process

You know...some people do not have it as good as you have..so, pray and help others any way you can, and be thankful for your portion...

Thank you so much for reading :) 

Thank You!

(Note: All pictures are from Google Images. Thanks to all contributing sites)

A 16 Year-Old Gem :)

Helloooooo :)

How are you doing?
So, I had an amazing conversation with my friend Azeezat this morning. It started with this question, 'If you were opportuned to meet 4 people, (dead or alive), right now, who would they be and what would you talk about?
My reply was 1. Dad 2. President Lincoln 3. Helen Keller 4. Any of  the black men and women in the 'Historic' times. (There are lots of amazing people in the world, both dead and alive, that I would love to talk with). And we would talk about life, God and their motivations/ principles.

One thing led to another and I stumbled on 'Anne Frank' (Another great person I really wish I'd meet), and She's officially my new best friend (after God, family and Boyfriend)...

Anna Frank (June 12 1929- March 1945).
Image Source: www.aucklandmuseum.com

I ended up watching a movie about her and if you have about 2 hours to spare, please watch it too (Also, read her documented diary: 'The diary of a young girl'). It's so worth it and a billion things to learn...
Anne Frank (Part 1)

Source: Youtube

Anne Frank (Part 2)

Source:Youtube

Anna's story has thought me about appreciating the gift of FREEDOM. The freedom to live and be opinionated; the freedom to enjoy fresh air and the company of good friends; the freedom of sleeping on a bed and good health. The freedom to enjoy amazing moments with family and the one you love. The freedom to have an amazing relationship with God and the freedom to be you in a turpsy turvy world.

Beyond the tears and all, I saw a little girl who loved life till the very end and I still see a child who lives forever through her story.... 

Anne Frank story inspires us to never give up on life and to remain true to our dreams and faith in God despite whatever changing circumstances we might face...

I also learnt that maturity and wisdom has nothing to do with a person's age (TRUE!!!!)

Please read some of her wise thoughts below (and she was about 13 or 15 when she started writing):

•  “Where there's hope, there's life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.” Anne Frank

• “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”― Anne Frank

• “It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” ― Anne Frank

• “Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.”  Anne Frank

• “Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands.” ― Anne Frank

• “I don't think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.” ― Anne Frank

• “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” ― Anne Frank

• “I don't want to have lived in vain like most people. I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I've never met. I want to go on living even after my death!” ― Anne Frank

• “In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.” ― Anne Frank

• “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” Anne Frank

• “Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness. People are just people, and all people have faults and shortcomings, but all of us are born with a basic goodness.” ― Anne Frank

• “Memories mean more to me than dresses.” ― Anne Frank

• “There's only one rule you need to remember: laugh at everything and foget everybody else! It sound egotistical, but it's actually the only cure for those suffering from self-pity.” ― Anne Frank

• “Earning happiness means doing good and working, not speculating and being lazy. Laziness may look inviting, but only work gives you true satisfaction.” ― Anne Frank

• “Those who have courage and faith shall never perish in misery” ― Anne Frank

• “People who have a religion should be glad, for not everyone has the gift of believing in heavenly things. You don't necessarily even have to be afraid of punishment after death; purgatory, hell, and heaven are things that a lot of people can't accept, but still a religion, it doesn't matter which, keeps a person on the right path. It isn't the fear of God but the upholding of one's own honor and conscience. How noble and good everyone could be if, every evening before falling asleep, they were to recall to their minds the events of the while day and consider exactly what has been good and bad. Then, without realizing it you try to improve yourself at the start of each new day; of course, you achieve quite a lot in the course of time. Anyone can do this, it costs nothing and is certainly very helpful. Whoever doesn't know it must learn and find by experience that: "A quiet conscience mades one strong!” ― Anne Frank

• “How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment, we can start now, start slowly changing the world! How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make their contribution toward introducing justice straightaway... And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!” ― Anne Frank

• “I know what I want, I have a goal, an opinion, I have a religion and love. Let me be myself and then I am satisfied. I know that I’m a woman, a woman with inward strength and plenty of courage.” ― Anne Frank

• “I don't have much in the way of money or worldly possessions, I'm not beautiful, intelligent or clever, but I'm happy, and I intend to stay that way! I was born happy, I love people, I have a trusting nature, and I'd like everyone else to be happy too. ” ― Anne Frank

• “Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction.” ― Anne Frank

Wishing you a great day. Be inspired by this 16 year old GEM :))

Hugs...

Thanks a billion for reading....

XOXO

I LOVE LOVE STORIES

Hellooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Valentine Day :))

I’m a freak for ‘True Love’ and ‘ever after’. And whenever I meet a couple, my question is how did you meet? Or what keeps your marriage going after so many years?

In a world where divorce is the order of the day, it’s so nice to see two people committed to each despite the crazy obstacles...

True love is worth waiting for even if it takes a lifetime, then in return, a lifetime of love will be waiting for you. But true love is rare. Only some lucky people have been able to find true love in their life. 

“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.”

If while reading these stories, some of your precious tears come out, this mean, you too are a true lover.

Been scouring the internet for lasting love stories and here are some of my faves (“These stories can also be found in many places online if you search effectively.”)

 Share your fave too...Can’t wait read yours.

1.    America’s Oldest Married Couple

John (101) and Ann Betar (97) of Fairfield, Connecticut, tied the knot on Nov. 25, 1932. They've been happily married for over 80 years now. Together they have five children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. They have been named the longest married couple in the U.S.

John and Ann grew up as neighbors in Bridgeport, Conn., but Ann's parents arranged for her to marry another man when she was in her teens. She and John were in love, so they eloped and married in Harrison, New York on Nov. 25, 1932.

"We didn't have any money to go any further," Ann said.

John and Ann Betar told ABC News that they considered themselves "blessed."

"We are very fortunate. It can be repeated and repeated," Ann said "It is unconditional love and understanding. We have had that. We consider it a blessing."

They said their secret to so many happy years together is simple: compromise and don't hold a grudge.

America's Oldest Married Couple

Source: Youtube

2.    True Love is not Found, True Love is Built.

Girl and a boy were on a motorcycle, speeding through the night.
They loved each other a lot…..
Girl:“slow down a little.. I’m scared..”
Boy: “No, it’s so fun..”
Girl: “please..it’s so scary..”
Boy: “Then say that you love me..”
Girl: “Fine..I love you..can you slow down now?”
Boy: “Give me a big hug..”
The girl gave him a big hug.
Girl: “Now can you slow down?”
Boy: “Can you take off my helmet and put it on? It’s uncomfortable
and it’s bothering me while i ride.”

The next day, there was a story in the newspaper. A motorcycle had crashed into a building because its brakes were broken. There were two people on the motorcycle, of which one died, and the other had survived…The guy knew that the brakes were broken. He didn’t want to let the girl know, because he knew that the girl would have gotten scared. Instead, he was told the last time that she loved him,got a hug from her, put his helmet on her so that she can live, and die himself… 

3, True Love Never Ends. It Just Continues.

There was a husband who daily sent his wife a rose, whenever he was out. One day he died. Still his wife received a rose everyday. She was shocked. She asked the florist. He said that her husband had paid advance for her whole life.

4.    President Barack Obama met the former Michelle LaVaughn Robinson when she was 25 and he was 27 and they both worked at a Chicago law firm. Obama said he asked her out several times before she finally relented. I'm your adviser; it’s not appropriate, she said, according to Obama’s recollection in a 2007 Oprah Magazine article. “Finally, I offered to quit my job, and at last she relented. On our first date, I treated her to the finest ice cream Baskin-Robbins had to offer, our dinner table doubling as the curb. I kissed her, and it tasted like chocolate.” The B&R is gone, but a plaque with their photo marks where it once was.

5.    Humphrey Bogart met Lauren Bacall when he was 44 and she was 19. Weeks after their first meeting, he ran into her on the Warner Brothers lot. “I just saw your test,” he said of the audition for “To Have and Have Not.” “We’ll have a lot of fun together.” Did they ever. When you watch that film, “everyone could see their love right there on the celluloid,” their son, Steve, told People magazine in 1996. When they filmed the romantic scenes, Bacall was nervous. “I realized that one way to hold my trembling head still was to keep it down, chin low, almost to my chest, and eyes up at Bogart,” she wrote in her autobiography. That look became her trademark. The magazine reported that whenever they would talk on the phone for the next two years, his first words would be, “Hello, baby,” and Bacall wrote that her “heart would literally pound.” They married on a friend's Ohio farm in 1945 and remained by each other’s side until his death from esophageal cancer in 1957.

***************

True love exists. But like ever other thing it takes a lot of hard work.

It goes beyond sex and physical appearances and a day (Click HERE to read my post on that).

It requires God and His Help because only Him truly understands and He demonstrated what Love is. It also requires living less of yourself so that someone else can be happy….

Wishing you lots of love this period. Every day is a ‘Love’ day. And don’t worry if you feel lonely this period. Be grateful you have God, your family, friends and me (at least). Soon and very Soon, the special ‘somebody’, will be with you, with God by your side.

“You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.”

Have a great day….

Hugs!!!!

Thanks a lot for reading :)

PS: This video made me laugh so hard. 

Remember, Feb 14^th is just a day. Show love to everyone (not just to your partners) everyday. 

Don't be pressured into doing stupid stuff today...

Nowadays

Source: Youtube