SELF-IMAGE

My ‘deep-thinking’ friend, Mr. Moby once asked; what’s the colour of a mirror? Other than the fact that it’s made of silver, and the wood or plastic varies in colour, I wouldn't say it's white, or grey. Maybe, it’s transparent (But, transparent isn't a color, right?)…The mirror truly reflects who we are and maybe what we want to see…

Image source:ziggysblog

It’s amazing how most of us let other people define what we see in our individual image. One negative comment turns us into another being....

The world is a smaller place to live in now. We want to be  like the next person, as such, we lose ourselves in the bid to do that.

I saw some ‘dead’ pictures yesterday, of a young man in the University of Port Harcourt, he’s 22 and an engineering student and was beaten to death ‘cos unfortunately, he was caught during a robbery attempt. He’s so cute and I wondered where he lost it. I can imagine the terror he must have caused his family and families he's attacked. I wondered why he allowed his peers, maybe his society, affect his choices? What did he gain in the end?

Spoke with my psychologist friend yesterday and he told me the story of a girl who in a bid to lose weight injected some ‘miracle working medication’ into her tongue. Apparently it works that way. She got what she wanted, became a figure 8, but the medication did not stop there, it kept on’ drying’ her up till she fell into a coma and eventually was buried yesterday. She did it for a guy. Her boyfriend needed a flat tummy and he got a dead girl with low self- esteem. My friend concluded with these words  ‘there are 4 types of self- images: your actual self -image; your ideal self- image, the expected self- image and the social self- image. Your actual image is who you are. Your expected image is who you want to be. The expected image is what someone wants you to be. Society dictates your social image. Be the best you there is, in a good way. Don’t let anyone dictate that’.

We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light. ~Mary Dunbar

So, the next time you look in the mirror, figure out what you see. A great man or a poor mind. See it through rose-coloured prism, not because you are lying to yourself but because you believe there are shades of grey and you love yourself no matter what. Encourage yourself, be kind to yourself, forgive yourself, and love yourself.

I don’t know how the celebrities do it but I think some are really strong when it comes to being themselves. They don’t let popular opinion or their ‘environment’ rule their day even though they live in the public eyes…I don’t know how they go through hateful comments and backlashes, but I guess, their personal beliefs and strong will help them.

Like the celebrities, I used to suffer from low self-esteem. I cared about what people said about me. I yearned to be accepted. Maybe you did too, or maybe you are, right now?  But I learnt how to live my own life eventually and I'm enjoying it. I learnt everyone has their own opinion of how to talk, act, dress, look…The whole public persona but someone says ‘to filter what you hear. Pick the right ones for self-improvement purposes but drown the unnecessary ones’…Be strong!!!

I love this song by ‘Eva’- High (Abosulutely love it!!!)

So here is me, saying, ‘Be proud of yourself. Stay true to you. Trust God (cos it’s His voice that matters eventually) and hold on to the positive’.

Look at the mirror right now, do you see a grumpy you or the best you, living your happiest life…Be yourself and don’t let anyone bring you down or determine your ‘image’.

Image source: soapnights.com

What is color of the mirror?  What you see is your choice. But never forget the benefits and consequences it might bring…

Thanks a billion for reading… Have a great weekend…

Hugs!!!

I wish I could show you, When you are lonely or in darkness, The astonishing light of your own being. ~Hafiz

BEST WISHES

Happy Monday Everyone,

How was your day?

I feel a cold coming (Sneezing), got drenched tonight L…Just wanted to say hi and to let you know that this month is ‘Breast Cancer awareness month’….

Image Source: Michelle Obama Fashion

They say ignorance is no excuse for anything. No more 'I-didn't know'. No more excuses (talking to myself too), check yourself right now, and encourage your loved ones to check themselves too... Tell the guys too (Though it’s not common in men, they can be prone to breast cancer. Can you imagine? Never knew that till I read this. It's an eye opener.)

If you are in Lagos, the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) is having an awareness rally/ free screening on the 13^th of October, tagged 'jog for life' at FIIRO Junction, Cappa B.stop, Oshodi. You can visit their twitter handle @jogforlife. 

Though, frankly, I think we need more support in this regard. We really need a better health care system  in Nigeria 'cos for example, 'if a market woman discovers she has cancer, is there a system to treat her or would she save for a coffin instead?' (We need to stop talking and act NOW.)...Really need to improve.

Anyway, here's how a 'breast' self exam goes (for the ladies):

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.
Here's what you should look for:·         Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
·         Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling
If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:·         Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
·         A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out); Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.      

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.

You will never understand the gift of a perfect health till you visit the hospital; Smell disinfectants, hear sounds of machines as they try to support a loved one, stare at ill people and sad families. 

I doff my hat to all the health/ volunteer workers worldwide who are working hard and selflessly to ensure we are healthy. Here's me saying 'thank you'...

Song of the day: Just stand up- Various artistes

Thanks a billion for reading and wishing you the best of health, love, smiles and Once again, best wishes in everything…

Love your life. It might be short but every second must be enjoyed…

Stand up to cancer.  Take action daily. Help someone.