A STORY BEHIND THE COLOURS!!!!

Hey guys

How's the week coming up? I hope you enjoyed your weekend? I was going through my blog posts and realized how much I have derailed in being consistent as I should or rather, do I say, like I used to. I guess it isn't unusual especially when you have a job that is pretty much time consuming and a blog theme which requires you coming up with creative contents. A couple of times, I will reach a point where I cannot think of any new blog post ideas. Its like they just stop flowing, and the inspiration is gone. Its such a bummer when this happens and it really throws me off my game. So I've decided to draw my inspiration from pretty much anything. For the weekend, it was from my outfit.

So I've had this beautiful multicolored dress for a while and I particularly love it because, not only does it bring back memories, it also tells a beautiful story. I hope you enjoy it.

Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel.
All claimed that they were the best.
The most important.
The most useful.
The favorite.

Green said:
"Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was chosen for grass, trees and leaves. Without me, all animals would die. Look over the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority."

Blue interrupted:
"You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. Without my peace, you would all be nothing."

Yellow chuckled:
"You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety, and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower, the whole world starts to smile. Without me there would be no fun."

Orange started next to blow her trumpet:
"I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins. Think of carrots, pumpkins, oranges, mangoes, and papayas. I don't hang around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty is so striking that no one gives another thought to any of you."

Red could stand it no longer he shouted out:
"I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood - life's blood! I am the color of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire into the blood. Without me, the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am the color of passion and of love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the poppy."

Purple rose up to his full height:
He was very tall and spoke with great pomp: "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs, and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me! They listen and obey."

Finally Indigo spoke, much more quietly than all the others, but with just as much determination: "Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace."

And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort.

In the midst of the clamor, rain began to speak:
"You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me."

Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands.

The rain continued:
"From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of colour as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The rainbow is a sigh of hope for tommorow. And so, whenever a good rain washes the world, and a rainbow appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another.

Enjoy the rest of the week :)

LESSONS FROM A TRIP #1!!!!

Hey guys,

Happy beautiful Sunday to you. I hope you all had a great weekend and a blessed Sunday?

So a friend of mine recently travelled to the East on a mission trip through his school to reach out to a community. Specifically, he travelled to the state of Imo, into the village of orlu, outside the capital city of Owerri, where he was opportuned to witness the way people lived in the deepest part of the village. It's amazing how there were loads of lessons to be learnt from the people he saw and the life they lived. A couple of pictures were also taken to depict the lifestyles and situations he experienced whilst on his trip, and in light of that, he has decided to kick start a project which I'd be sharing with you soon .

In the mean time, I'd be sharing (subsequently), the lessons from the memories gathered from his trip. The first would be the most important.

BE THANKFUL: YOUR COMPLAINTS ARE SIMPLY BLESSINGS TO OTHERS. 

A few days ago, I remember complaining to a friend about my job and how time demanding it is. I remember saying " I work over 40 hours a week, place over 20 calls a day, attend endless briefs and meetings, visit sites upon sites, run office errands, attend to clients,:- the good, bad and ugly.. You name it!". I remember having this look on my face which pretty much read "TIRED" and then she goes "At least, you have a job". Nigerians will say " your own better pass". Many of us may have gotten responses like this, may be with regards to grades, marriage, possessions and many more.

 I have come to realise that one of the hardest things to do is to be greatful. I think at times, it's just human nature for people to take things for granted. I'm guilty of this I must confess. In some instances, its not intentional. We take our jobs for granted, our friends and family for granted, our health for granted, our mate for granted....the list could go on. We often assume that we will always have what we currently have. We forget how blessed we are. We go to our jobs everyday with no thought about the number of people who need a job and are unable to get one. We go to sleep in our nice comfy beds, with no thought about the number of people who are homeless. We complain about the food we eat, with no thought about the number of people begging on the streets. We wake up everyday healthy, with no thought about the number of people dealing with life threatening diseases. We are in relationships with people who love us and value us, with no thought about the people who may have lost the ones they loved to death or no thought about the people who have a broken heart or are in an abusive relationship. Many of us are blessed beyond measure, yet we still don't appreciate it..we want something different or we want something more, forgetting that the only way to get more is to be greatful for what we've been given first.

Be greatful for what you have. There is always someone, somewhere, wishing they had what you have. What you take for granted, someone else is praying for. Happiness never comes to those who don't appreciate what they already have. Always remember that your complaints are simply blessings to others. Be Thankful.

Ps: This post was inspired by the talented Joshua Jacobs of Jacob's craft photography. Look out for his project and the subsequent lessons learnt from his trip.

Have a blessed week ahead.

THE LEMON IN THE LEMONADE!!!

Hey guys,

Welcome to the beautiful month of May. We have now began the second quarter of the year and I must say, I am really thankful for the previous months, and hopeful that this month would be even better.

I'm pretty sure most of you would be wondering what this post is all about, as the media has now been infested with the recent release "Lemonade".

Well, let's just say I chose to focus on the "lemon" bit of the "lemonade" which most of us, I admittedly, fail to recognise.

The problem of "seeming" versus "being" isn't a particulaly new one when it comes to social media. We find people aspiring to create an image of who they are not, just to portray some sort of lifestyle. In other cases, we find it easy to read meanings into almost everthing we come across on the media, and even get very judgemental with regards to other people and their businesses. More worse, we start to kill our self esteems by comparing ourselves with others, forgetting that the juice (lemonade) is what they give and not the chaff (lemon). In essence, we don't know the real deal. We only see what they want us to see and based on that, we begin to asses ourselves, compare and possibly pass our endless judgements.

Speaking of judgments particularly,  we can't change the way we appear to others, it is something we aren't in total control of. But we can change the way we look at other people.

Everyone goes through challenges in life and we need to remind ourselves that in other to know the full story, we have to give others the chance to tell it. We cant make our own assumptions based on the little we see. It all begins with having empathy.

Dont judge the young mother who can't calm her child down at the mall, it doesn't mean she is not a good mother. Empathise with the fact that her child might just be grumpy that day. Don't judge the couple arguing at the shops, it doesn't mean they are in an abusive relationship. Empathise with how all relationships go through difficult times. Dont judge a friend for how they express their emotions, it doesn't mean they are cold hearted. Empathise with the troubled childhood that led them to feel that way. Dont judge someone on their past alone, it doesn't mean they can't change. Empathise with the fact that even good people make mistakes.

Always remember that the "cover" that we see is only a part of the book itself. Let's not be too quick to judge without turning the pages first.

Have a blessed week ahead.:) 

5 THINGS YOU LEARN WHEN YOU TAKE A BREAK!!!

Hey guys,

Its been exactly a month since I got on here and as I write this down, I officially put an end to my long hiatus.I must say, it was a much needed break. 

Asides being literally fagged out from work almost every night, I had to deal with a few personal issues, travelled a couple of times for different reasons and ofcos, had a couple of responsibilities to take care of. I did however, find time to respond to the few emails that were sent in with regards to my absence and a few previous posts. Thank you again to those who emailed and sent in their messages. I really do appreciate you all. 

The very typical me would have struggled to put up a post or more in the past month, despite the number of things I had to deal with, the stress from work and the responsibilities I was faced with. But for once, I decided to take a break. And guess what!..I learnt 5 things from taking the break. 

EVERYONE NEEDS A BREAK

Most people think taking a break is wasteful but in actual sense, it is very useful. Sometimes we get so consumed trying to do a whole lot at the same time, and then, we end up not getting the best results. Blogging is lots of fun I must agree, but it can also be pretty time consuming sometimes. From writing new posts to engaging with readers, it sometimes feels like there aren't enough hours in the day. Taking a break sometimes can help boost your enthusiasm, increase your creativity, that way quality is placed over quantity with regards to your posts. 

THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN WORK

Family bonds, elusive love, friendships, fellowship, proper exercise, self improvement, healthy diet, adventure..the list could go on when it comes to life but guess what? We focus on one thing because we feel every other thing would certainly come through it. I usually find myself getting so consumed with work sometimes, that it feels like all I live to do is work. And though I need to earn a living, I never really get the time to live in the first place. During the break however, I decided to take time out to travel, spent some time with family and friends, did some exercises and more fellowship. It felt really different, and that made me realise how much I had neglected the most important things in life - Joy and fufilment which can never really be bought with money. 



YOU REMEMBER YOUR ROOTS

Your WHY in life. Your ultimate purpose. Your deepest love that drives you. All of these are important as they inspire you all the time.

Sadly, a lot of us forget about them all the time as we get caught up in life. Shit is always getting in the way.

You’ll need to take a break and remember your roots 

PERFECTION DOESN'T EXIST

Confession: I have 5 posts sitting in my drafts now that I need to edit and I am dreading it because once I start, I sometimes cant stop. I'll agonise over a sentence for longer than necessary, re-read it until I am sure I haven't offended anyone, worry so much about what people will think about the post, that I end up not publishing it. Sometimes, it could be that I am not as inspired or motivated to start or complete a post but yet, I spend so much time trying to come up with something just to be consistent and on time with my posts. My point is, no matter how good you think you are at something, you can never be perfect. And sometimes, you need to understand that a little break could help inspire you or rekindle your creative spark, that way, you'll be able to come up with a better content.

PEOPLE DO LOVE YOU

I have nothing but heartfelt thanks to my readers who bothered to write in and give me their well wishes when they noticed my unannounced absence. Thank you so much, for real.

The people who care will be the same ones who wonder where you’ve gone.

Don’t lose these people.

Have you ever taken a break from blogging?

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE MUSCLES!!!

Hey guys,

Welcome to another episode of my random Sunday rants. I actually said that to a friend of mine one time, and she said your random Sunday rants are what I always look forward to every weekend. Did that make me feel good? Sure as hell!..even though I felt washed and clean lol.

I'm thankful that people actually look forward to reading my posts even when I feel like I make no sense some times. Thanks to you my readers for sticking around with me. Much love from a heart of gratitude.

I don't know if you've ever been around an elderly woman for a while but women do have a high tresh hold for pain I must say. It is no wonder they are classified 'weak but yet strong'.

I was in the kitchen yesterday evening with my mum and macho of a brother when something amazing happened. My mum decided to make a large pot of zobo, being that we haven't had some in a while, and my brother decided to join us in the kitchen. Half way through the preparation, my mum decided to reduce the water from the boiling pot, hence, she lifted the pot from the fire with her bare hands, took it towards the sink which was a distance away and returned the pot back on fire after reducing the water.

A few minutes later, the zobo was ready and she needed to transfer it into another pot. My brother decided to be of use to her by lifting the pot off the fire and taking it towards the sink like she did. Half way through, he already started reacting to the pain from the hotness of the pot and he dropped it rashly on the table close to the sink which resulted in a splash on his body. Luckily, it wasn't anything major.

I found it amazing that my mum could lift off the hot pot, walk to the sink and back, without reacting to the pain or dropping the pot, wherass, my brother couldn't. What was the difference? One was strong, the other was tough.

TOUGHNESS IS A SKILL BUILT OVER TIME, CIRCUMSTANCES AND EXPERIENCES.

Most people, often confuse toughesss with strength, thinking that being strong is automatically the same as being tough, when in fact, they are two distinct qualities.

Someone is tough when he/she has been through several challenges and obstacles, and has been able to overcome over time. You find out that for each pain you bare, your threshold towards pain increases. You become stronger, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. A strength from within, which is constantly renewed, is the strength we need. It is no wonder that God puts us through tests and series of challenges to toughen us up.

Life is a journey full of obstacles and only the strong in heart can overcome. Never shy away from little discomforts cause they are necessary to keep you moving through the storms when they finally come. And if you ever need to hit the gym for a body build up, never forget to take your mind and spirit along with you cause truely, it's not about the muscles.

Have a blessed week ahead!..:)

LIFE ON THE TRACK 2!!!!

Hey guys,

I hope you had a great week and a restful weekend?

Being that Sundays are my favourite days to blog, I usually prefer sharing articles that would encourage and motivate us to kick start the new week on these days. Two weekends ago, I shared a couple of quotes in a post titled 'Life on the tracks' so if you haven't read that, I suggest you check it out here.

One of the articles I prepared earlier for this week, was a poem about life on the track, and this one is by Marv Hardin, titled: 'The train of life'. It basically tells us that life is a train. Some ride with regrets, being stuck in the past, some ride with joy, being hopeful and optimistic towards their future. It all depends on you. How would you ride your train hence forth? I hope this poem inspires and encourages you to take a different turn/bend today if you have been living life stuck in the past. Enjoy.

The Train of Life

Some folks ride the train of life, looking out the rear, Watching miles of life roll by, and marking every year. They sit in sad remembrance, of wasted days gone by, And curse their life for what it was, and hang their head and cry.  But I don't concern myself with that, I took a different bend, I look forward to what life holds, and not what has been spent. So strap me to the engine, as securely as i can be, I want to be out on the front, to see what I can see.  I want to feel the winds of change, blowing in my face, I want to see what life unfolds, as I move from place to place. I want to see what's coming up, not looking at the past, Life's too short for yesterdays, it moves along too fast. So if the ride gets bumpy, while you are looking back, Go up front, and you may find, your life has jumped the track. It's alright to remember, that's part of history, But up front's where it's happening, there's so much mystery.  The enjoyment of living, is not where we have been, It's looking ever forward, to another year and ten. It's searching all the byways, never should you refrain, For if you want to live your life, you gotta drive the train.

ON TIMES AND SEASON!!

Hey guys,

Happy new month and happy Sunday.

I believe you've had a great week past, and a very blessed Sunday like mine. :)

Its the month of March again, and with it comes the long rainy season. Anyone a fan of this season? Well, I guess not!..Especially if you are a Nigerian. You know, most Nigerians have many reasons to wish the rain away. From messy environments owing to bad roads and bad drainage systems, to getting stuck in traffic on a raining week day,..the list could go on.

The one thing I love about the rainy season however, is the goodness it brings by the basketful. Yes! The green palatable fruits.

I'm not sure anyone gets as excited as I do when its mango season. I like to think that mangoes are pretty much one, if not the
best fruits.

In march, the trees get heavily pregnant with green mangoes and the rains gradually turn them yellow over time, giving me the pleasure I desire.

People however, do not find the need in observing the transformation of this irresistable fruit, due to the viciousness to make money. And so, they result in spending time and energy, using sticks to bring them down by force, and hot water to ripen them by fire. A process I'd normally call "by fire by force".

I remember back at school when we had a big mango tree in the middle of the assembly ground, it was strictly out of bound to be seen around the tree at anytime other than the assembly time, not to talk of plucking mangoes off the tree. Being the stubborn child and a tom boy that I was, I decided to go against the rules with a gang of fellow boys in girl's skin, by mapping out a plan, and volunteering to take the lead by climbing, in other to get the largest amount of mangoes, all things going as planned.

Shortly after I climbed and had succeeded in plucking a few mangoes, a staff on duty approached and everyone dispatched quickly with the little we were able to gather, except for me, who was ofcos, stuck on the tree.

Eventually, I was asked to come down, and in the process, came in contact with some sharp branches, leading to some injuries. I got detained for a while, and even got more injuries after being whipped messlessly by the staff on duty. To cut the long story short, I got lashed, got injured, missed dinner, got in the black book and by time I went back for my share of the mangoes, they were very sour. So much for the stress. There is really no satisfaction in eating green unripe mangoes for me.

I was in my room one morning and I heard thudding sounds. I peeped out of my window and smiled at the sight. The mangoes I was struggling to pluck a few weeks ago, were falling like leaves. Yellow succulent looking mangoes covered the ground and all we had to do, was bend down and pick. No fire, no force, no stress, no injuries..and I mused at the wonders of God.

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1


When we force a thing to happen before its season, we don't enjoy the fullness of it. We miss out on the sweetness, and set our teeth on edge. We labour so hard for it, get bruised/scared in the process, and still end up not getting the best. Some even loose their lives in the process just because we refuse to wait for the right time.

We serve a God of seasons and every man has his season. Just because we don't see a person blossoming, doesn't mean his life is cursed or the fact that his business isn't going well, then he's a lazy man or a loser. The fact that he is not in his season doesn't make him useless. As a matter of fact, his roots are only generating and anchoring firmly underground in preparation for his sprout.

Time will come. And while we wait, let's not forget to prepare ourselves. No one cuts down a mango tree just because its out of season. Dont bring your life to a hault because you don't see immediate results. There is a season, and who knows, it might just be around the corner.

Have a blessed week ahead!..:)