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)

#THANKFUL FOR.........

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
―Epicurus

Image Source: Google image

Hola Les Amis,

How was your weekend?

Mine was busy- wedding, church and all the beautiful craziness of life.

For some reason, I was overwhelmed, discouraged and all that and something my baby said struck me- ‘Rather than whine about all the things you don’t have, why don’t you be grateful for all you have’ and it felt like God was speaking to me ‘cos from then on, every conversation I had over the weekend tied back to gratitude and being courageous....

And on top of that, one of my favourite bloggers- Yes, Marc and Angel spoke about it...

Here’s their beautiful piece below:

We forget to give thanks continuously, for all things.  Since every step we have taken has led us right to where we are, and all things have contributed to our development, when we finally do pause to give thanks, we try to include ALL things in our gratitude.

So that’s what I want to reflect on today – a few quick reminders about some things you, too, likely forget to be grateful for…

1.  The unique privilege of being YOU.

Too many days are wasted comparing ourselves to others and wishing to be someone or something we aren’t.  Every one of us has our own strengths and weaknesses, and it is only when you accept everything you are, and aren’t, that you will truly find the happiness and fulfilment you seek.

2.  Every single experience that led you to today.

Life isn’t about a single moment of great triumph and attainment.  It’s about the trials and errors that get you there – the blood, sweat, and tears – the small, inconsequential things you do every day.  It all matters in the end – every step, every regret, every decision, and every affliction.

The seemingly useless happenings add up to something.  The minimum wage job you had in high school.  The evenings you spent socializing with co-workers you never see anymore.  The hours you spent writing thoughts on a personal blog that no one reads.  Contemplations about elaborate future plans that never came to be.  All those lonely nights spent reading novels and news columns and comics strips and fashion magazines and questioning your own principles on life and sex and religion and whether or not you’re good enough just the way you are.

All of this has strengthened you.  All of this has led you to every success you’ve ever had.  All of this has made you who you are today. 

3.  What your daily struggles are teaching you.

Challenges are what make life interesting; working to overcome them is what gives life meaning.

4.  The gift of now.

In between all your goals, priorities, obligations, and everything else that might appear on one of your upcoming to-do lists, there are moments called “life” that still have to be lived and enjoyed.

The trick is to make the very best of now, and value it for what it’s worth.  In other words, don’t wish all your time away by waiting for better times ahead.  Smile, right now, because you can.  

5.  The way every moment is a new beginning.

If you feel stressed and stuck, let go, take a deep breath and appreciate the fact that this moment is a new beginning.  Stop thinking about what might have been and starting looking at what can be.  Right now is a perfect time to start over.  This moment is a brand new opportunity to rebuild what you truly want.

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

As Cynthia Ozick once said, “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”

Have you ever noticed that the more familiar you become with an amazing person, a beautiful place, or an ideal situation in your life, the more you seem to take it for granted?  It’s like you somehow believe life is supposed to be this way – like it won’t ever change.  And most of the time, all the maintenance these wonderful things need is a little time, attention, and deliberate appreciation.

So how often do you pause to appreciate your life and everyone and everything in it?  How often do you stop dead in your tracks and think, “Wow, thank you”?

7.  A reasonably healthy body.

In other words, if you got sick today you could recover.

8.  The fact that you are online reading this.

Not only are you wealthy enough to be online right now, but you can read too.

Believe it or not, only about one third of the world’s population has internet access.  And, even crazier than that, there are roughly 774 million people in the world who aren’t educated enough to read.

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?

What do you sometimes forget to be grateful for?

BE.....

1. When you wake up to a new day, BE grateful for another chance.
2. When others take the easy road, BE the one who takes the right road.
3. When something must be done, BE proactive.
4. When several possibilities present themselves, BE decisive with your priorities.
5. When achieving something is important to you, BE open about it and go for it.
6. When the work seems overwhelming, BE concerned only with the next small step.
7. When worries cross your mind, BE sure to focus on what you can control.
8. When real problems arise, BE ready to address them upfront.
9. When mistakes are made, BE okay with them and learn from them.
10. When you have something to say, BE willing to speak up.
11. When what has been done in the past still isn’t working, BE the needed change.
12. When doubt is lingering in your mind, BE confident in your abilities.
13. When others have a different opinion, BE open to new ideas.
14. When others insist that it has to be a certain way, BE one with your intuition.
15. When you’re feeling down, BE bold enough to smile anyway.  (ReadLearned Optimism.)
16. When you feel stress building, pause for a moment and just BE and breathe.
17. When the unexpected occurs, BE flexible and adaptable.
18. When something doesn’t make sense, BE assertive and ask questions.
19. When someone hurts you, BE willing to forgive and love again.
20. When a relationship continuously hurts you, BE willing to let go and refocus your love and respect inward.
21. When someone has something you want, BE happy for them.
22. When everyone seems to be competing, BE your own competition – beat your own records.
23. When you feel pressured to be someone you’re not, just BE yourself. (Read 1,000 Little Things.)
24. When you aren’t sure what you have to offer, BE sincere and offer honesty.
25. When you cross paths with a stranger, BE the reason they smile.
26. When you feel on top of the world, BE the hands that pull others up with you.
27. When someone you care about needs you, BE there without question or hesitation.
28. When you truly love someone, BE loving in words and deeds.
29. When it’s time to relax with your family, let go of everything else and BE fully present.
30. When the day finally comes to an end, BE at peace knowing you did your best.

Source: Marcandangel.com

Photo Credit: parentingwithpurposetoo.blogspot.com

How do you intend to BE today?

Have a great day Mes Amis :)

God bless!!!!!

XOXO

Thanks a lot for reading :))

THE LIFE IN YOUR YEARS

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.  It’s the life in your years.
-Abraham Lincoln

Hellooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!

How are you doing?

Just read this post written by my favorite inspirational blog in the whole world, Marc and Angel hack life.

It makes plenty sense, so I thought I’d share it.

Hope you enjoy...

Eighty years is currently the average life span in the West.  Here’s how to make them happy and fulfilling:

1.  Travel often.

Do yourself this favor before it’s too late.  Without thinking too much about it, pack a pillow and a blanket at least once a year and go see a part of the world you've never seen before.  You will not regret it.

Travelling has less to do with seeing things, as it does with experiencing them.  It has less to do with discovering something, as it does with discovering yourself.  In your travels you won’t find all the answers, you will find lots of questions you would otherwise have never thought to ask.

The thing about travelling to new places is that you run into your insecurities and fears around every twist and turn.  You run into all the good things and bad things about yourself on a daily basis, and are provided the opportunity to grow far beyond your years.

2.  Work on something every day that moves you.

When you strike that fine balance between the challenge of an activity and your skill at performing it, when the rhythm of your work feels in sync with your purpose, when you know that what you’re doing makes a difference, you become absorbed in the task at hand to the point where time ceases to exist.  This is what true passion and happiness feels like.

So is there anything you do on a regular basis that makes you forget what time it is?

3.  Spend time with friends who improve you.

You can go through life and make new friends every year – every month practically – but there is no substitute for the few who truly improve you.

These aren't the people who are simply nice to you; they’re the ones who help you uncover the things that are holding you back.  In subtle ways, they bring ideas to your attention that change your life.  These friends don’t just sit beside you unknowingly; they shake your world up, reveal your obstacles and weaknesses, and remain beside you because they care.

Friends like this are the most important people you will ever meet because they tear down the invisible walls you have built in your mind.  In other words, they come into your life and reveal new, valuable layers of yourself that you would never have discovered without them.

4.  Accept the risks that feel right.

Security is mostly an illusion.  There are no sure things in this world.  The nature of the world is constantly evolving.  Reserving yourself with numerous safety measures is usually no safer in the long-run than indulging in constant exposure.

It is far more fulfilling to dare yourself to the mighty experiences life has to offer – enjoying great successes and enduring occasional failures – than to hide forever in safety, only to leave the majority of your life unlived.

5.  Work hard and conquer great challenges.

The road to greatness is far from smooth.  You can be absolutely certain that when you feel you are growing weak from struggle, you are in fact growing stronger than you ever have been before.

The more difficulties you encounter and overcome on your lifelong journey, internal or peripheral, the more significant and inspiring your life story will be. 

6.  Make the very best of every situation.

One of the great secrets of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is doing the best you can with what is done to you.  It’s all about how you choose to respond to the sometimes unpredictable deliveries life ships.  This simple choice makes a world of difference.

You are honestly free now and always, no matter what circumstances surround you.  If you find your circumstances tolerable, by all means tolerate them; if you find them too confining, break through them – stretch yourself.  Ultimately you are free because you alone are responsible for your thoughts and how you use them to empower your growth.

Image Source: nature0wonderama.wordpress.com

7.  Provide great value to the world.

The best way to get ahead in this world is not to compete with others, but to serve them.  If you want to score a raise at work, be of service to your boss.  If you want to build a profitable business, be of service to your potential customers.  Provide unmistakable value.

At any age, in any situation, for every possible life path, there is value you can provide.  Look closely and you will see opportunities everywhere.  

8.  Spread your light.

As the Buddha once said, “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.  Happiness never decreases by being shared.”  Spread your light through love and kindness to the people around you, and let the ‘giving spirit’ you initiate spread like a virus, infinitely touching the lives of people you may never meet, across boundaries you may never cross, in ways you may never have thought possible.

That is the power of your love and kindness, and it’s your ticket to making the world a happier place.

- Marc and Angel Hack Life

One word: WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs :)

Thanks a billion for reading...........

Live, don't just exist.

Hello Dear,

How are you doing?

The other day, I was victim to some pity party. Woke up feeling like I wasn’t living my best life, like I was stuck  and everyone I knew was doing something exciting, you know, truly living(have you ever felt that way too?).

Ps: It wasn’t about the money ‘cos riches does not exactly bring happiness; or ‘cos I wanted to be successful (which leads me to the question, successful at what?). I just had that hollow feeling that I needed more…peace? …I just needed more of something indescribable.

So, I thought and thought and thought of what I can do to move myself forward…’cos really, worrying wouldn’t solve anything. After much thought, like a miracle, some ‘simple yet important’ words arrived when I just needed them.

Image source: favim.com

To truly enjoy life, to not merely exist, it’s important to always:

1.    Appreciate the great people and things in your life. –Be grateful for what you have, who loves you, and who cares for you.  You’ll never know how much they mean to you until the day they’re no longer beside you.  Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it to live.  Stop complaining.

2.     Ignore other people’s negativity. –Ignore unconstructive, hurtful commentary.  No one has the right to judge you.  They may have heard your stories, but they didn’t feel what you were going through.  You do not have control over what others say; but you do have control over whether or not you allow them to say these things to you. 

3.    Forgive those who have hurt you. – I forgive people, but that doesn’t mean I trust them.  I just don’t have time to hate people who hurt me, because I’m too busy loving people who love me.  The first to apologize is the bravest.  The first to forgive is the strongest.  The first to move forward is the happiest.  Be brave.  Be strong.  Be happy.  Be free.

4.    Be who you really are. – If you’re lucky enough to have something that makes you different from everybody else, don’t change.  Uniqueness is priceless.  In this crazy world that’s trying to make you like everyone else, find the courage to keep being your awesome self.  And when they laugh at you for being different, laugh back at them for being the same.  It takes a lot of courage to stand alone, but it’s worth it.  Being YOU is worth it!

Image Source: missluong.wordpress.com

5.    Choose to listen to your inner voice. – Life is a courageous journey or nothing at all.  We cannot become who we want to be by continuing to do exactly what we’ve been doing.  Choose to listen to your inner voice, not the jumbled opinions of everyone else. It’s your road, and yours alone.  Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.  And be sure to appreciate every day of your life.  Good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience, and the worst days give you the best lessons.  

6.     Embrace change and enjoy your life as it unfolds. – The hardest part about growing is letting go of what you were used to, and moving on with something you’re not.  Sometimes you have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting, and have faith that things will work out.  Laugh at the confusion, live consciously in the moment, and enjoy your life as it unfolds.  You might not end up exactly where you intended to go, but eventually you will arrive precisely where you need to be.

7.    Choose your relationships wisely. – The best relationships are not just about the good times you share, they’re also about the obstacles you go through together, and the fact that you still say “I love you” in the end.  And loving someone isn’t just about saying it every day, it’s showing it every day in every way.  Relationships must be chosen wisely.  Don’t rush love.  Wait until you truly find it.  Don’t let loneliness drive you back into the arms of someone you know you don’t belong with.  Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.  A great relationship is worth waiting for.

8.    Recognize those who love you. – The most memorable people in your life will be the ones who loved you when you weren’t very loveable.  Pay attention to who these people are in your life, and love them back, even when they aren’t acting loveable.

9.    Love yourself too. – If you can love children, in spite of the messes they make; your mother, in spite of her tendency to nag; your father, even though he’s too opinionated; your sibling, even though she’s always late; your friend, even though he often forgets to return what he borrows, then you know how to love imperfect people, and can surely love yourself.

10.  Do things your future self will thank you for. – What you do every day matters more than what you do every once in a while.  What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.  Make sure it’s worthwhile.

11.  Be thankful for all the troubles you don’t have. – There are two ways of being rich: One is to have all you want, the other is to be satisfied with what you have.  Accept and appreciate things now, and you’ll find more happiness in every moment you live.  Happiness comes when we stop complaining about the troubles we have and offer thanks for all the troubles we don’t have.  And remember, you have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life.  

12.   Leave enough time for fun. – Sometimes you need to take a few steps back to see things clearly.  Never let your life become so filled with work, your mind become so crammed with worry, or your heart become so jammed with old hurts or anger, that there’s no room left in them for fun, for awe, or for joy.

Image Source: evolutionofhatred.wordpress.com

13.  Enjoy the little things in life. – The best things in life are free.  There is absolute joy and wonder to be had in the simplest of moments.  Watching the sunset over the horizon or spending time with a family member. Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things.

14.  Accept the fact that the past is not today. – Don’t let the past steal your present and future from you.  You might not be proud of all the things you’ve done in the past, but that’s okay.  The past is not today.  The past cannot be changed, forgotten, or erased.  It can only be accepted.  We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past.  But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future.

Image source: tumblr.com

15.  Let go when you must. – It’s not always about trying to fix something that’s broken.  Some relationships and situations just can’t be fixed.  If you try to force them back together, things will only get worse.  Sometimes it’s about starting over and creating something better.  Strength shows not only in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over again with a smile on your face and passion in your heart.

Source: Marc and Angel

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that’s why they call it the present. Eleanor Roosevelt
Song of the day: If today was your last day by Nicklebach

LIVE every day, don’t just exist. Make the most of every second.

Have a great day. God bless!!!!

Thanks a lot for reading. Hugs!!!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Hello Dear,

How are you doing?

Woke up to Cold play’s ‘Charlie Brown’, and little sister’s wonderful 'voice’ singing it out loud. Amazing moment I tell you…. 

Charlie Brown by Cold Play

Had to join her, even though it was 6 in the morning, it’s a wonder how mom is still asleep with all that noise (Not being naughty) J

How was Boxing Day yesterday? How many gifts did you give yesterday?

Was going through an old blog post last night and thought I update it with more questions. Let me know your answers in the comment section. There is no right or wrong answer, but be honest though ;)

Image Source: lucywithdiamond.wordpress.com

1.       How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

2.      Which is worse, failing or never trying?

3.      If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

4.      When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

5.       What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

6.      If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

7.       Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

8.      If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

9.      To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

10.   Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

11.    You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do?

12.   If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

13.   Would you break the law to save a loved one?

14.   Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

15.    What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

16.   How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?

17.    What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?  What’s holding you back?

18.   Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

19.   If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

20.  Do you push the elevator button more than once?  Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

21.   Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

22.  Why are you, you?

23.  Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

24.  Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

25.   What are you most grateful for?

26.  Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?

27.   Is it possible to know the truth without challenging it first?

28.  Has your greatest fear ever come true?

29.  Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset?  Does it really matter now?

30.  What is your happiest childhood memory?  What makes it so special?

 Source: Marcand Angel

Have an amazing day.

Image soure: finerminds.com

Off to read ‘Life of Pi’(Heard it’s amazing), right after Karaoke Morning with sister... J

Thank U so much for reading. Hugs!!!!!