WHAT I LOVE ABOUT BEING AN AFRICAN WOMAN!!!!

Behind every successful man they say, is a 'Strong Woman'. I say, behind every successful man, is an 'African Woman'. True or yes? You sure got that right!.. Lol

A famous Ghanian proverb declears that a woman is a flower in a garden and her husband, the fence around it. That is a beautiful picture of an African woman in the society. Irrespective of all the stereotypes that have been associated with African Women, there are a million and one things to not but love about them. The most of which I derive pride in, are as follows:

BEING AN AFRICAN CHILD (Daughter of the soil)

To be a young African girl for me was playing games like tinko-tinko, jumping the rope, playing ayo, picking up stones. It was also a time of gathering firewood, fetching water and learning how to cook. It could also be imitating how mothers carry babies on their backs.  As I didn't have a doll, I used to carry a cloth folded in a vulgar form of a baby.

The first thing that enthralled me about my continent was its superb shape. That shape that once I became an adult, I could elegantly and proudly wear as earrings on clothes or shoes but most importantly, the shape that I have engraved on my heart and that I could draw even in the middle of a deep sleep. Now that I am an adult, I have a feeling that my heart has taken the African Continent's shape because everytime I see this refined image of Africa, my heart beats. Sometimes, of ultimate sadness but most times, of intimate happiness.

SHARING IN THE DIVINE STRENGTH

One remarkable attribute of African women is Strength. African women hold in themselves a certain aura of strength that baffles me and many others in the society. Having being hard hit from several angles and suffering from opperession both from being black and being women, they still break through the societies strongholds that try to hold them back. In a society that despises women and views them as property that men can literally buy, African women have still strived to make a stand and create a name for themselves. I am indeed glad to share in that devine strength.

HIGHLY ENDOWED

For these wonderful women, beauty is derived from birth and not from chemically made products applied to mimic this beauty. African women are cherished for being able to walk in the hot sun without having any makeup on, and still being so stunning and gorgeous. From the natural glowing skin, the large brown eyes, the graceful curves of their bodies and their ever so obvious full lips, they can boast of being highly endowed and blessed with natural beauty like no other.

THE RESILIENT SPIRIT

With all the struggles that African women have had to bear over the years and even till now, they never give up.  This has only served to benefit them, helping them build perseverance and tenacity in the face of hardship. Women are naturally made to bear tough pain from their first sexual encounter to childbirth. They have been forced to endure through this and still remain calm without complaining.

VERY FASHIONABLE

African women are very fashionable (creativity at its peak). An african woman creates her stlyes and makes fashion out of litrally almost evrything from plants to beads to buttons and many more. African women are classy and stylish at everything they do..even the food they cook.

HOMELY AND FAMILY ORIENTED

Many young African women around the world have had to take care of their families from very tender ages. Most of them are taught to take care of babies, cook good food for the family, clean and take care of the house at ages as early as 5 years old. Mothers usually ensure that thier daughters can manage thier homes effectively and instill these knowledge and skills in them as soon as they can, making African women very keen and experienced home makers as well as caregivers.

AMBITIOUS & INTELLIGENT

Gone are the days when African women derived joy in sitting home doing nothing. African women have now become more ambitious, taking up roles that elicit thier hidden attributes, as they see themselves as cognitively well endowed. I believe that African women are able to juggle the matrix of life because of our ability to think quickly and creatively. 

SPIRITUAL

Most African women are described as women of faith whether they identify as Christian, Muslim, Rastafari, Santero, or “not religious, but spiritual.” African women strongly believe that they are connected to a higher being and that there is someone out there larger than themselves.

Lastly, 

VERY CONFIDENT

African women exhibit a lot of confidence and self love. Even when tried to be intimidated, they stand firmly on their beliefs.They know who they are and what they carry within them. They have a voice and the speak without minding who cares to listen.  

I'm proud to be an African woman and my pride comes from being part of a country, a continent that is unapologetic about wanting better, dignified lives for its citizens, about wanting economic prosperity and self-sustenance. A continent which embodies resilience, talent, innovation, milestones in technology and a vibrant youth population.

#PROUDLY AFRICAN

What do you love about being an African woman? Please feel free to leave your comments. :) 

VISION MEETS MISSION WITH DR LINUS OKORIE!!!!

Hey guys,

Its been a while... I hope the week's been great so far? Mine has been really chilled considering the fact that I'm still on leave, and even better that I have 2 more weeks to go. *Yipeee!! *

Okay so, Its another exciting edition of the 15 for 15 challenge. Even more exciting that theres been quite a notable increase in the figures on my blog and by that, I mean, my followers and my readers. :D

I'd love to say a big thank you to you darlings of mine for all the comments left, and welcome on board to my new fellas.  Im certain that your presence, contributions, thoughts and comments will definitely feel me up as they are like delicious grains of jollof rice which I can never have enough of. For those of you who might be wondering what the 15 for 15 challenge is all about, it is basically a chat series on the blog which focuses on interviews with different personalities, with regards to their life styles, career choices, views and opinions on certain topics, and many more random talks.

So far, I have featured a couple of Bloggers, Musicians, Comedians, OAP's, Chefs and on today's edition, I would be featuring a fullfield Enterprenuer, by the name, Dr Linus Okorie, whom I had a live interview with.

Dr Linus Okorie is the president and founder of Guardians Of The Nation International (GOTNI).  He is an attitude and leadership development consultant with over 19 years of experience. He is the managing consultant of New Vision Consults.

He is the Author of the best seller book titled 'Foot prints: leading beyond today' and 'Forward' by late Dr. Myles Munroe.

Dr Linus Okorie is a man with a vision on a mission to recreate outstanding leaders in our generation who will make a difference in this Country and take Nigeria to its rigthful place.

Thanks for coming on board Dr Linus, can we get to meet you?

My name is Linus Okorie,  I am a leadership coach, inspirational speaker, trainer, social change maker, author and social Enterprenuer

What was the inspiration behind GOTNI?

At the age of 19, I had an encounter with the book of the bible Nehemiah, and I saw how a young person symbolically developed a vision about rebuilding his country.  It was a practical story about Nation building, leadership grooming and practice.  I wept for my country because I couldnt see any leadership.  I then made up my mind to do something significant through a colaboration with myself, and the chairman of Imo State broadcasting, and then GOTNI was born.

Why are you focused on attitude and leadership?

Everything rises and falls under leadership. Corruption,  bad roads, unemployments, have been as a result of leadership deficit. Imagine if Nigeria has groomed and nurtured quality leaders, imagine what would become of our country. Nations that have made progress, invests heavily in their leadership development cause good leadership = great nation.

What is your idea of a good leadership?

Myles Munroe defined leadership as the ability to influence, motivate and drive people towards a particular direction via inspiration not intimidation or manipulation and at the heart of that definition, lies the core of good leadership.

What are your views on the present leadership in Nigeria? 

It'll require some time to make my views clear as the body language of the president says he wants to do something significant but he'll require a team of quality individuals to make his dream come true. We are still waiting to meet the team.

What challenges have you faced in your carrer and how have you been able to triumph? 

As a pioneer, a lot of people didn't believe in the vision. People thougt I was crazy but I kept keeping on and holding strong to the vision and now, people listen to me every morning on Tv.  This was an idea people laughed at. Lesson: Never let anyone murder your dreams.  Through dedication and God's help I triumphed

Should everyone aquire leadership skills?

Everyone should aquire leadership skills.  If people dont, they wouldnt be able to make a difference.  Weather you're a house wife or a truck pusher, your leadership skills gives strength to your technicall skills hence, it is very essential

What principles govern your organisation?

Cooperate goverence. The pursuit of a cause keeps the organisation alive.

What projects are you presently running?

Quite alot.  The Young Women Leadership Program which I think you should be part of, The Imaging Leadership Conference, African Leadership Conference, African Leadership Center, amongst others.

What would you like to tell the youths?

You are our future leaders and the future is now. While you are busy making all your investments, dont forget the greatest investment which is self investment. Build and develope those Leadership skills today and watch you make a difference in the world.

Thank you so much Dr Linus for granting this interview.  It was nice having you on board.

I hope you all enjoyed the chat and most importanly, noted that the greatest investment one can make is an investment in him/her self.  Invest in the development of yourself today and watch you make a difference.

Until next time guys,
Enjoy the rest of your week.  :)

DESIGNER COWGIRL!!!!

Hey, what are you doing there missy
yeah you, standing in that space
leaning there in your stetson
looking about that place

Do ya think that you fit in here
why did you even stop in
to hang out with real cowgirls
to see how the other half lives

Your boots are probably Manolo
must have cost you alot
look around here sweety
that’s something we ain’t got

You’re standing there against the rail
a golden watch around your wrist
looking at all our cowboys
listening to our cowboy band

Your hand made blouse is perfect
those jeans, are probably Prada
we’re looking at you in our Wranglers
knowing we ain’t got nada

No one will approach you
don’t ya feel kind of strange
you ain’t got no friends here
it’s like you dropped from outer space

Sure the cowboys are lookin at ya
never seen one quite like you
but they know you’ll only use em
and toss em when you’re through

Do you think this is “Urban Cowboy”
and John Travolta is here
I don’t think so sweetheart
you better get on out of here

If you’re lookin for a skirt fight
I think I can help you with that
me and my friends are willing
to put you on your ass

Your hair won’t look so pretty
your makeup will be a mess
is that what you’re lookin for princess
yeah, I can help you with that

You’ll probably break a nail or two
before the fight is through
you’ll be lucky to walk crawl of here
when we are done with you

Go on home to daddy
get in your porshe and drive away
I’ll forget you were even in here
just don’t come back this way

B.J

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!!!!!

A breath of fresh air is;

Having something that seems like 3 weeks away from work

Knowing that you dont have to bother with the freaking alarms and the stress of having to sort out what to wear each morning.

Lying in the arms of mom, as she strokes my fevered head and comforts my troubled mind

Having a conversation with someone new and knowing my smile is genuine all through and even minutes after

Cathing up with old freinds and making up for the busy times

Reading a good book, a book that keeps my toes tingling with excitement.

A trip away from the chaos and to the serenity of life

Pictures that say a thousand words that move my heart in the direction of my head. pictures that capture the moments my hearts eyes have seen and remained opened for. pictures that in one glance, sums up what my life used to be about, giving me a reason to be thankful for the now that I have

Music...music that transports the soul to thousands of miles beyond where the body dares

Spending and knowing l deserve to, no guilt, no surrender...bliss!

Stepping out of the spa, feeling all refreshed and rejuvenated

Basking in a little fantasy

God's word breathed upon me and most importantly,

Eating like no one is watching..

Have a blessed week..:)

THE TEA CUP!!!!

There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores. They both liked antiques and pottery and especially teacups. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.
One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful cup.They said, "May we see that? We've never seen one quite so beautiful."

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the cup spoke."You don't understand," it said. "I haven't always been a teacup.There was a time when I was red and I was clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'let me alone,' but he only smiled, 'Not yet.'

"Then I was placed on a spinning wheel," the cup said,"and suddenly I was spun around and around and around.Stop it! I'm getting dizzy! I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, 'Not yet.'

"Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat!" the teacup said. "I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as He shook his head, 'Not yet.'

"Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. 'There, that's better,' I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag.'Stop it, stop it!' I cried. He only nodded, 'Not yet.'

"Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate.I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening, nodding his head saying, 'Not yet.'

"Then I knew there wasn't any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf.

One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And I did. I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful.'

"'I want you to remember, then,' he said, 'I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you'd have dried up.

I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel,but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled.

I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven,but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked.

I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened;you would not have had anycolor in your life.

And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness would not have held.

Now you are a finished product.You are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'



Hang on!! God isn't done with you just yet..:)

OFFICIALLY BSL: 5 SIMPLE TIPS TO REACHING YOUR HAIR GOALS!!!

Hey darlings,

Happy new month!..we are literally 5 months away from the end of the year, and I must say this year has been pretty fast paced. How are we doing with our 2015 goals/resolutions? Any progess so far? I remember reading a couple of blogs/posts about some new year goals at the begining of the year and a few of them had some pretty nice hair goals to be achieved.

 If you consistently follow/read my blog, you’d remember my first hair post which basically explained my struggles from a low cut to the eye brow length, then to ear length, to neck length, to armpit length, and now, I've officially hit another milestone in this journey, and I can honestly say that I've made BSL (Bra Strap Length)!!

After wash

Before wash

After taking out my weaves or posting length check pictures on Instagram, I often get asked if I take hair vitamins or use hair products, and the answer is no. I also often get asked, “how did you grow your hair so long?” or “what can I use to make my hair grow?” I never have the answer that most people expect to hear. When asked this question in person, I sometimes get a look of disappointment, as if to say “is that ALL you’re going to tell me?” Well, unfortunately, I do not have a secret hair growth potion recipe to share. If I did, I would bottle it and distribute it worldwide. What I have been able to offer, however, are tips that can help you achieve your hair goals. So, before you go out to buy hair vitamins or magic hair growth potions, here are five tips to consider for growing long, healthy hair:


First off,

You really need to understand your hair:

Most times, we all want the best end result but we tend to apply the wrong approach.  You need to first understand your hair before knowing what works for it. People have different textures of hair and different genes, So what might work for you might not work for me. There is no point immersing your hair in loads of hair products when your hair doesn't do so well with chemicals or straightening it all the time in hopes of it getting longer, when it doesn't do so well with heat. Understanding your hair and what works best, would help set you in the right part to achieving your hair goals.

Stay healthy

As silly as that may sound, a healthy life style results in a healthy growth. So your not just growing but growing well. A healthy hair starts with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Do I eat healthy 100% of the time? Absolutely not. But, I do try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercises once in a while and a balanced diet. Your diet can affect your overall health, including your hair’s health. So, try to include more nutritious foods, especially proteins, vegetables and fruits. 

Take alot of water and water your hair.

Think of your hair as a plant..just like every thing that grows, water is a major requirement. Literally and figuratively, we need to water our hair. Increasing your daily water intake can improve your hair’s moisture and health. Also, since water is the best moisturizer, spritz your hair daily to prevent excessive dryness. Dry hair leads to breakage, especially afro-textured hair, which tends to be very dry.

Treat your hair with a lot of love.

This again may sound corny, but, if you love your hair, it will love you back. Be gentle with your strands. Vigorous combing, styling, harsh handling, and excessive pulling and tugging can lead to breakage. Hair that is constantly breaking is not retaining its length. So, if one of your hair goals is long hair, you are limiting your results by not treating your hair with love.

Protective styling

Don't leave out your hair for too long and when you decide to style, braid or fix, make sure to do the right styles. Constantly braiding and fixing the right styles really helped in the growth of my hair. Don't go using gums or glues to fix your hair and then eventually loosing a large chunk of it while trying to take out your weaves.

Let it grow!

One thing I noticed about my hair was that when I was so obsessed with growing it by stretching, heating, treating, egging (for lack of a better word), triming, moisturizing, measuring and all sorts, it never really grew until I decided to let it. If your hair is like mine, it sometimes just wants to be left alone. Sometimes we get too carried away by wanting to try every style or product or technique. But, while we are busy experimenting or wanting to switch things up constantly, our hair length and health may be suffering. Give your hair a break sometimes. Just leave it alone.

Patience

In addition to all of the above, the most important hair tip I can share is PATIENCE. Quick fixes are tempting but ultimately if you make healthy hair your priority, length can be achieved over time.

For those of you who have successfully grown out your hair without the use of vitamins or hair products, what tips would you give?