MOTIVATION MONDAY: FIND YOUR 'GO'

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"Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground." - Theodore Roosevelt

It is the very last day of the month of February, and it being a Monday may do little or nothing to give us the necessary zeal to work. Considering the excitement of the past weekend, the end of month sales, and the simple reason that today comes once in every 4 years, many of us are so overtaken by other things that we may lose sight of the fact that this is another day for us to make progress.
As this post's title says, 'Find your 'Go'', this is simply a reminder that we need to be focused on our goals. It is also a 'wake-up call' to those of us whose interest in achieving success has waned to remember that thing that motivated us to dream, that thing that inspired us to be more serious about achieving success, and be re-energised to persevere.
The word 'Go', in every area, be it sports, academics, etc, signifies an expectation. From the Sports Coach who expects his athletes to make a move to win, to the Examination Invigilator who expects the examined to begin writing. The word 'Go' may be clothed with other phrases or signs like a green light in traffic, or a simple 'Make me proud', 'Do it', or 'Let's win this' said to the athletes by the Coach at the start of a game.
Whatever be the motivation, don't lose sight of it or forget it. Always remember the goal you want to achieve and the reason(s) why you set out to achieve that goal. Whenever you feel weak, or want to give up, remember what made you begin in the first place. It may have been covered by a lot of different things, but find that 'Go', and never lose sight of it.
Have a very productive day lovelies!


- The Lady

“Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.”

Proverbs 15:16

THE LADY'S DIARIES: REFLECTIONS

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"If I speak of myself in different ways, that is because I think of myself in different ways." - Michel de Montaigne

Today is the last Sunday of the month of February! Whew! Is it just me or did the month just pass quickly?! It feels like it was just yesterday that we welcomed the month and celebrated Valentine's Day.
Anyway, as usual, the end of the month signifies a time for me to reflect on my actions during the past month and find areas that require improvement. This 'exercise' requires my ability to be truthful and to hold myself accountable, 100%, for all my actions, good or bad.
I believe that in making the world better, everyone of us, jointly and individually, have to be the best versions of ourselves. And being a better version of yourself requires a great amount of patience, dedication, truthfulness(to yourself especially), and some 'you' time to reflect on your progress. It's not to say that because you want to be a better version of yourself, you should be self-absorbed and not care about others. Or, that you should undergo a drastic change that you struggle to keep up with, or, that causes people to take advantage of you.

On the contrary, it is just for you to reflect on what life means to you, what is important in life, and the areas of your life that you need to improve on to make life easier for you and those around you. It must not be a big change with a timeframe for you to assess your progress report. Just a lifestyle change, one at a time, is good enough.

Don't be too interested in what's going on around you that you miss what is going on inside you. Take some time to know who you really are, and know if that is who you want to be. If you can be a better person, and those around see this, they too may consider to be better. And gradually, you could be the reason for that ripple effect of positive change. You never know.
Have a lovely day.


- The Lady

“But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”

Galatians 6:4

BREAKING POINT

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"When things go wrong, don't go with them." - Elvis Presley

"I give up!"
I have heard that a lot of times. And some of those times, it was me saying it. (Yes. I am human. I have the ability to lose my zen too.) We all have things we wish for, plan for, and even work for. And when it seems like those things are unachievable, our first instinct is to give up.
Our career, academics, relationships, etc, may not bring the satisfaction we desire, but does that mean that we should throw in the towel? Notice the question mark? It means that something is necessary. And that is that a decision has to be made. Before taking any step, ask yourself some questions like;
a. Is the end really worth the fight?
b. Do you want it bad enough?
c. What can you do to get it?
d. What will happen after you have got it?
Questions like these help you focus on the goal and not your emotions. A simple talk can save millions of relationships in the world, if only both sides are open to make things right. But some are so concerned about their feelings, they lose sight of what is important and worth saving.
Now, before I continue, I would like us to note that there is a difference between giving up and knowing when you have had enough. You have had enough when the answers to the questions above are all in the negative and there is no satisfaction in continuing on that path. But sometimes, you have to give up on people and/or goals, not because you don't care anymore, but because they don't. Or, the goals will not give you the desired satisfaction, or lead you in the direction you want for your life. But please, never give up on something you really want. It's difficult to wait, but it's more difficult to regret.
No one has the power to shatter your dreams unless you give it to them. Head up, stay strong, fake a smile, and move on. The minute you think of giving up, remember the reason why you held on for so long. And if it is still worth it, continue. It is all relative. What would work for you may be disastrous for another person. So, whenever you feel like life is not fair and you want to give up, remember that hope is precious, and you are right not to give up if it feels right to persevere. There's no failure except in no longer trying. When we can't dream any longer, we die.
Keep smiling, and one day, life will get tired of upsetting you.
Have a great weekend!


- The Lady

“Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.”

Psalms 16:1

LIFESTYLE: HANDLING PRESSURE

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"True character is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure - the greater the pressure, the bigger the revelation, the truer the choice to the character's essential nature." - Robert McKee

Part of being alive is dealing with the stress and pressures that life throws at us. And pressure comes from everywhere. From our families that expect us to be successful and give them grandchildren, to our friends that expect us to ALWAYS be there for them, to our work with its ridiculous demands and deadlines, and, more importantly, ourselves with all the above(and more), eating us up inside.
The major causes of pressure is procrastination and unreasonable expectations. When we procrastinate, we end up adding the 'to-dos' of yesterday to those of today, creating unnecessary stress for ourselves. Our expectations, and those of others, creates some sort of pressure on us too. Some form of pressure comes from our opinion of how we look. We sometimes concentrate on what we see as our imperfections rather than promoting our strong features. Embrace the fact that your body is not perfect, nobody's is. We all have imperfections, but it is how we deal with them that makes us stronger.
Some people don't enjoy life or take chances in life because of the fear of losing. But all of that comes from the pressure to be perfect. And the truth is, we are all humans. None of us is perfect at everything. We have our strengths and weaknesses. Even the best of us have won some and lost some. But what matters is not winning or losing, it's the feeling of fulfillment that comes with your efforts, having done all you could, that matters most. And, that's what we must focus on.

Some people's pressure stems from their competitiveness, when the real competition is against themselves. Your number one competition is whom ever you see when you look in the mirror. Not the world outside. Only try to be better than you were yesterday, rather than trying to best the world. That can put great pressure on you. Flowing from this is the pressure to keep up with 'the Joneses'. Trends, whether in fashion or technology, comes and goes. Trying to keep up with them because of peer pressure or whatever reason will only make you bitter. If you have real friends, it really wouldn't matter whether or not you are on trend. Your friends will believe in your potential, your enemies will make you live up to it.

Some live with the pressure of being strong for themselves and for others. The pressure of this attitude drives them to the extreme, making them forget that it is okay and natural to take a break, rest a little, maybe, even cry. Crying relives the soul of some pressure. A little 'cry time' in the bathroom can do a lot of wonders as against holding it all in.
The pressure to be someone, to mean something to someone maybe the worst kind of self-inflicted pressure. Some never recover from this one. The pressure to get married, have kids, build a house, or even to just be loved falls in this group. Understand that you can only do your best. To mean something to anyone, you must first mean something to yourself. People are attracted to happy people, and true happiness comes from being at peace with who you are, your achievements, your failures, your strengths, your weaknesses, and every little detail in between.
Concentrate on what you want, and what you can do to get it. Where you need help, ask for help. And when you feel the pressure building, takes a break to focus your mind on what is important. You have only got one life, don't let the stress and pressure end it before it gets to the fun part.
Have a great weekend!


- The Lady

“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.”

Proverbs 17:1

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"Success and failure can both make you lose appetite and concentration, don't let it bother you or over-excite you. Just think them away as a mere thing that has just happened and get along with your life." - Michael Bassey Johnson

I was in my class learning when Mama came in. Immediately I saw her, I knew that something was wrong. She looked dirty, her hair which was always neatly tied was scattered, and her eyes were swollen and red. She must have been crying, I thought. But Mama never cried. No matter how bad things got, she always had a smile on her face and was ever ready with a word or two to comfort others.
She spoke to my teacher who instructed me to pack up my books and go meet Mama which I did. We rode the bicycle home and on our way, people kept trying to say something to Mama but she replied no one. We got home to meet a crowd of people including my uncles and aunts in the compound. They created a way for Mama and I to walk through. I ran into the hut I shared with Ifeanyi to keep my books and go join the party that was definitely happening. Thoughts of beans cake and fried meat filled my head and I nearly missed seeing what was on Ifeanyi's part of the hut.
It was covered with the traditional Igbo George wrapper material. It was about the same size as Ifeanyi. I thought that he was playing games with me so I opened it. It was Ifeanyi but he was cold. His eyes were closed like he was asleep but I could not wake him up to come and join the party outside. Thinking that he was playing pranks, I went to call Mama to come and get him out. But for me to turn to leave the hut, she was there, standing quietly, watching Ifeanyi. I first noticed the tears in her eyes before the movement of her shoulders. She was crying. I told her that Ifeanyi was not standing up. That was when she began crying out loud. A very sad, painful sound.
I understood immediately. I ran out of the hut to go and tell Papa that Ifeanyi was dead. In Papa's hut, he was wrapped the same way Ifeanyi had been wrapped. I took the wrapper material of his head , felt his face, it was cold too. That was when I began crying. Mama, Daa Chikodi(Papa's only sister), and other women brought Mama into the hut. She was given black clothes to wear. I turned to Papa's body and continued crying. I must have slept off because I saw Papa. He cleaned the tears off my face, took me by the hand, and led me into the bush. He stopped at a tree, and with his knife, began digging the earth close to the root of the tree. After a while, he stopped digging and brought out a bag. He told me to give it to Mama. Then he walked me back to the compound, telling me different things. In the compound, he pointed at Mazi Chimezie(Papa's only brother) and said that Mama should trust only him.
I woke up and Papa was gone. I tried sleeping again but I could not. I was alone with Mama in the hut. Her hair had been shaved, she had on the black clothes, but there were no more tears in her eyes. I told her my dream and her only reaction was to touch my head then her hand came down to my hands. She never let me out of her sight or her side. Through the days of the funeral rites, the funeral, and the days that followed, Mama kept me by her side. No one was nice to us. Daa Chikodi who used to borrow Mama's wrappers was now terrible to Mama, calling her all sorts of bad names.
After a year of mourning, Mama went back to the school for a job but none was given to her. Neither was I accepted into school. Mama went to the farms to assist Mazi Chimezie who had been taking care of them during Mama's mourning period. Mama met Daa Chikodi to negotiate if I could assist Daa Chikodi at the market while she(Mama) was at the farms. Daa Chikodi refused, and that was when she told me that Mama and I went around with bad luck. That was when she made that statement that I never forgot. Nobody sold things to us at the market, neither did they help us in anyway.
Mama, tired of it all, sold the farms to Mazi Chimezie, packed up our things and early in the morning, we left for the bus station. But before we left, I took Mama to the tree in the bush that Papa had taken me to in my dream and pointed at the exact place for her to dig. She did. And like in the dream, the bag was there, heavy, and filled with money. We took it all to the bus station where we took a bus to the city. We stayed with one of Mama's childhood friends who was married before we got our own place.
I was accepted into a school and Mama began a business, selling things at my school's gate.
Fourteen years later, we went back to the village for Mazi Chimezie's funeral. Word got around of our presence. Daa Chikodi came to greet us as we were about driving out. She had recently lost her husband and two of her children in a ghastly car crash. She was alone, in black clothes, head shaved, with no one to talk to or to help her. The tag she had put on us years ago was now on her. But, rather than give her a piece of what she gave us, Mama gave her some money for her to come visit us in the city whenever she wanted to.
What goes around comes around...


- The Lady

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

Galatians 6:7-8

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"Your perspective on life comes from the cage you were held captive in." - Shannon L. Alder.

"E gbukwala oge gi. I nweghi ike i megheri anyi anya. I bu nwa ogumagala. Anyi ma ihe I nwere ike ime."("Don't bother wasting your time, you will never fool us. You are the daughter of a Chameleon. We expect nothing different from you.") Those words I have never forgotten, nor have I ever forgotten the way they had made me feel. It wasn't just what Daa Chikodi had said, it was the way she had said it. The look in her eyes. It was the same with everyone else. Their faces and attitudes showed the scorn they felt towards Mama and I.
Mama! The only family I had. My provider and protector. She was the only real friend I had while we lived in the village. She had walked me to and from school everyday. And I loved it. We had always been a team for as long as I  can remember, but, gun to my head, I would say it probably began after Papa died. That was when the villagers could no longer hide their animosity against Mama. And as Mama's child, I bore my share of whatever ill-feeling they felt towards Mama.
But it was never always that way. There was a time nobody hated Mama. Not because of her beauty or good manners. But because she never did anything different from what was expected of her. She was the only daughter of Nnamdi, the Hunter, and the beautiful Ebere, the School Teacher. Her younger brother, Uche, had died of Malaria at age Three and Ebele had been unable to birth another child after that. Nnamdi had died from a stray bullet during hunting season and the responsibility of taking care of the entire compound and farms had fallen on Ebere.
For some reason, the villagers never troubled them through that time, they were rather supportive and Ebere and Mama managed to attend to their farms after school and sell the produce at the market to support themselves. Sometimes, Mama's school friends came to help her at the farms, one of them was Obinna, the only son of Mazi Orji and Oriaku Daberechi. He was there for her, helping with the farm work so that she could do both of their school assignments. In no time, they were known to always be together. And as soon as Mama was of age, Obinna's family brought Palm Wine and Yams, did the necessary rites, and Mama and Obinna were married.
That marriage made them one of the richest families in the village as both Papa and Mama had farmlands. The union produced my younger brother, Ifeanyi, and I, and sealed Mama's status as the luckiest and most envied woman in the village. It also made her more enemies than friends. Mama got a job as a teacher at the village school and always walked me to school and made me wait until she was finished with her work so that we would walk back home together, sometimes passing through the market to buy things for dinner and sweets for Ifeanyi and I. Ifeanyi never liked school, so he was always with Papa at the farms. Life was great...until that day.


- The Lady

“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?”

Psalms 2:1

LIFE NUGGET: BE CREATIVE

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"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." - Maya Angelou

In recent years, it has become a requirement for appointments and/or employment into certain positions for one to be creative. Many businesses are thriving on the creativity of their teams. And in everyday life, that trait has become more of a necessity. Creative home management skills has helped a lot of women balance work and home life, creative marketing strategies has helped give some businesses an edge against their competitors. Creative ideas has helped many relationships endure through time, especially those of the millennials. And daily, we hear stories of people's creativity opening doors of opportunities to them.
So what really is creativity? It is the ability to dream, to imagine, to create, to be innovative. It is the preview of life's coming attractions. Creativity is the child of curiosity, and it takes courage to create something that was inspired by curiosity and imagination. Rational thinking sometimes limits creativity. As Henry Ford said, "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said 'faster horses'". Creativity most times does not require rational thought as that may give reasons for doubt. And doubt, especially self-doubt, murders creativity.

Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth. "We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on our way down", I have heard. Creativity is asking 'Why not?' when others are asking 'Why?'. They are asking why because they limit themselves to what they have seen. Imagination is everything. We have to open our minds to imagine things for more ways to improve the life we live. That is how creativity births innovations that can change lives.
Creativity stems from inspiration, and that inspiration may come from something that already exists. Movies, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things that speak directly to your soul, things that resonates inspiration or fuels your imagination. Authenticity is invaluable. What inspires your imagination is not as important as what you create by reason of that imagination.
Now, this not to say that you should steal other people's intellectual property, there are laws that regulate those things. Only draw inspiration from them, and probably give credit to the source of that inspiration as you wish. The inspiration for a car assembly plant came from an abattoir. Be imaginative, be curious, be creative. In every area of life. You never know, you could be the start of something great. Ask Steve Jobs or the person who created the flexi rods for hair.

So go and be creative.


- The Lady

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

Matthew 14:31

MOTIVATION MONDAY: LET THE PAIN FUEL YOU

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"Your scars will tell a story that your voice never could." - Dana Chanel

I am not so old, and I have not been through all there is to go through in life. Not that I want to go through them all, especially the bad ones. But I learn from others' experiences. Fast. And one thing that I have learnt, both in my life and from others, is that success never comes easy. No matter how little the challenge and its resultant success. It always takes some form of sacrifice and/or pain before success can be achieved.

Everyone who has achieved success in anything has a story to tell of what it took to get to that point. The tears, hopes, prayers, dedication, hardwork, and all. Without those stories or the battle scars as evidence, we would not understand what it took for them to get to that point of success.
Hardly any good success comes easy. It requires hardwork, dedication, wisdom, and a high threshold for pain for a person to achieve success. Muhammad Ali had to endure hours of training at different places, even in the swimming pool for speed and numerous injuries in the ring before he became known as 'The Greatest'. Nelson Mandela spent years in jail before the fight against apartheid in South Africa was successful.
The pain is an important part of the process. Acknowledge it, draw strength from it, and let it motivate you to continue doing what you are doing until the end. Don't give up because of the pain and stress. Let the pain fuel you for success.
Have a productive week!


- The Lady

“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,”

Philippians 1:19

THE LADY'S DIARIES: WHAT REALLY IS THE TRUTH ANYWAY?

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"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." - Mark Twain

We get fed information that 'are not entirely true' daily, from every angle. From the politicians to the media, from our superiors to our subordinates, from adults to kids, and from strangers to friends. We get a lot of things thrown at us that turn out to be misleading or fraudulent. And many have refused to call them lies for reasons I do not understand. Preferring to call them words like 'untrue', 'reasonable fact', or 'fact'.

But the sad thing is, it has become a norm to not be truthful, or entirely truthful, about things. Especially things that have to do with finances, politics, and personal life. Many have no concern about their personal integrity or the value of their words anymore. While some have become too used to lies or have developed an affinity to it that they would rather be lied to than being told the 'bitter truth'. Making it rare to find a statement of fact that is true in its entirety.
Truths are actual statement of fact as it is as against how it should be or how it is expected to be. Just the reality of a situation. Some call it the 'bitter pill' as it is most times not to the liking of the bearer or the receiver. But that does not take away from it being the truth. And whether it is revealed now or in the future, it does not stop being the truth. 

I learnt recently that some people expect others to tell lies to them so much so that they have become blind to the truth that is standing right before them. They see your lips move and believe that every word said is a lie being told. And if you dare try to prove the truth of your words, they would get mad at you. People who are mad at you for speaking the truth are people who are living a lie. Keep speaking the truth. Don't let the pressure push you to the negative.

Sometimes, the truth hurts, and sometimes, it feels really good. But telling the truth and making someone cry is better than telling a lie and making someone smile. You would really be hurting yourself in the process. The worst thing one can do is to lie to oneself. Always be truthful, especially to yourself.
Have a great week ahead!


- The Lady 


The truth 

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬

DETOXING YOUR LIFE

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"A healthy outside starts from the inside." - Robert Urich.

Toxins are poisons produced by organisms. And as biology taught us, all living things are organisms. We are therefore living organisms. And humans, like every other like every other living thing on earth, are prone to toxicity. Some of its own creation, while others by the creation of others. But by whichever source, these toxins could become dangerous to us. And the process of getting rid of toxins is by detoxification.
Not to bore you with biology, but certain things that may be safe could end up being poisonous to us: the food we eat, the people around us, the places we go to, the things we do, and the list goes on. When these sort of things become toxic to us, then the need for detoxification becomes necessary. This simple biological process goes a long way in various areas of our lives.
We are all prone to extreme levels of toxicity from the regular things we do and the number one symptom of this is unhappiness. When your regular activities do not make you happy anymore or you feel stuck in your life, a cleanse may be necessary for things to get better. The first step though is to identify the areas of your life that are causing the unhappiness or depressing feeling.
It may be your friend(s), your career path, or whatever. Identifying the problem helps you focus on a solution.If it is as a result of a relationship, some open conversation could help. But if it does not, dissolving the relationship with that friend could be the best option for you because your happiness has to be a priority. And if it is a career, make necessary changes. Changes could be challenging, but challenges are good for detoxifying your life. Start something new and see how that affects your life.
Another thing that could help is helping others. This helps give you a fresh perspective on life and inspiration that could be helpful. It could be by giving, helping with chores and such.
You become what you do, and if unhappiness is what you do, you become that and start giving that to people. Don't be a toxin in the life of others. Cleanse and focus on living a healthy, happy life.


- The Lady

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

LIFESTYLE: HOPE

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Being hopeful is not synonymous with being lazy as some may think. Being hopeful is believing, desiring, trusting, having faith that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. In this times, with wars, starvation, economic meltdown, and terrorism, the one thing that makes it quite easy to deal with life is the hope of a better future.
With or without our notice, our level of hope in life determines the choices we make. Those who are extremely hopeful make certain choices that those with lesser levels of hope would not make in the same circumstances. We hope for better job opportunities, that is why many of us go to school. We hope for promotion and better benefits at work, and that is why many of us go to work and many stick with jobs that do not excite them anymore. But just because something is not happening for you right now does not mean that it will never happen. Life always offers a second chance, and it is called tomorrow. Be hopeful for tomorrow. It may be all that is needed.
Hope is one of the few things that are stronger than fear. It believes in you and motivates you. For whatever reason we hope, it is important to never stop being hopeful. Hoping for the best, and allowing that hope to fuel our desire to work hard, be productive, and achieve set or expected goals. Sometimes, hope may be all you have, but believe that it could be everything. Remember, the best is yet to come.
Have a great weekend!


- The Lady

“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?”

Romans 8:24

PAPER CRANES

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"The loneliest moment in someone's life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart and all they can do is stare blankly." - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Epitome of strength,
Yes! She is strength.
A smile ready to give,
A word or two to give.

Colours of life,
Yes! She is life.
Bringing light to dark,
Building ruins to spark.

Stars at night,
Yes! She's a star.
Beauty unrefined,
Beauty understated.

Eagle in flight.
Yes! She's an Eagle.
Head held high in pride,
Heart crumbled in pain.

Pillars of
Yes! She's a pillar.
Holding up her own,
Holding up for others.

Cranes of paper,
Yes! She's a crane.
Falling apart at the seams,
Falling to pieces it seems.


- The Lady

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”

John 1:11

CRUEL KINDNESS

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"There is no decision we can make that doesn't come with some form of balance or sacrifice. - Simon Sinek

To work hard,
Or to play hard.
I know not which way to go,
But I know, in life, not to owe.

To love hard,
Or to hate hard.
I get torn in between the two,
But I get better when I'm loved too.

To cry hard,
Or to laugh hard.
I live in life for moments sweet,
But to live in the moment is bittersweet.

To live hard,
Or to dream hard.
I only have got this life to live,
But, to live I must before I leave.


- The Lady

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”

Psalms 34:19

LIFE NUGGET: COURAGE

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"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt

Ever wondered what life would be if no human ever had the courage to attempt anything? We probably would still be stuck in the Stone Age or worse, we would know nothing about the pleasures of the Internet, communicating with loved ones who are millions of miles away from us at just the click of a button, or the comfort of flying from one country to another in record time. These are things that we take for granted now, but it took the courage of some people to dream of these things and create them.
A ship in harbor is safe but that is not what ships are built for. They are built to go to sea. Same with humans. We are not on Earth to just exist, to survive. No. We are here to do great things, to be great. With the complex and sophisticated organs we have inside of us, one of which is our brain, we are meant to live, dream, create, take risks, and produce results. Making mistakes is one of the reasons why we are here. Mistakes are to teach us to be careful, to be perfect, to be daring, to be productive, and to be creative. One who makes no mistakes makes nothing.
If you dare nothing, then at the end of the day, nothing is all you would have gained. But some people will blame their inability to be daring on lack of opportunities. Why blame it on scarcity of opportunities when opportunities are created by people like you? Go out, see the problems that exist, dream of ways to solve them, then dare to solve them. Living is a risk. If you don't risk anything, you risk even more. You can dream all the dreams in this life, but taking no chances means wasting your dreams. Don't be scared of making mistakes. The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything.
It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed. Be of good courage and be open to learn from your mistakes.
Have a great day!


- The Lady

“But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.”

1 Corinthians 6:17

MOTIVATION MONDAY: STAY STRONG

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"I know what I want out of life and except God says that I can't have it, I'm going for it." - Abiriba Racheal

Welcome to the new week lovelies. Hope you had a swell weekend because I sure did. It is the first day of another week and some are yet to awaken from the 'love hangover' of yesterday. I'm sure some are not ready for the Monday and the energy it requires from us. But that is the lazy in us talking. And listening to it leads to one thing...regret. Which I am sure nobody wants.
We have work to do and goals to achieve and all that is required of us is to get up and give it our best. If not for anything, for the sake of our future. That said, there really is no time to succumb to the urge to sleep in or to be lazy. You can not be a lazy person and an achiever at the same time. One has got to give and it better not be your goals. If the thing holding you back is as a result of external causes; people who do not believe in or support you, remember that you are more powerful than you know and forgive them for not seeing that. They are just ignorant of your strength. But if it is an internal cause, it originates from your mind. Just set your sight on your goals, believe with your heart and mind that you can achieve it, you mind will find ways to do it.
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. I have heard that phrase a lot and it is an indisputable truth that is proven time and again in the lives of different people who, despite reasons and challenges for them to quit, kept moving. The challenges made them better, stronger, and eventually led them to results. So, acknowledge the power within. Avoid those who want to rewrite you or dim your power. Stay strong. Believe that you can because you can. End of story!
Have a productive week!


- The Lady

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Philippians 4:13

THE LADY'S DIARIES: GIVING

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"It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving." - Mother Teresa

From the first day of this month, many boutiques and fashion houses in town have been dressing their mannequins in different kinds of outfit in all shades of red fabrics. The restaurants have even thrown in giveaways and discounts in addition to the red ribbons that they had decorated their doors and windows with. The street vendors have refused to be left out as they had numerous goods for sale that had red hearts❤️ and 'I love you' branded on them. Ha ha!
I love this month of love and I especially love love and everything it stands for, but I don't think that I am the only one who feels that this whole 'special day to show that special person that you love them' thing is overrated and has become more clichéd than must have been intended. Like, it's love we are talking about people. Why must it be celebrated in only one day? I mean, if you really love someone and feel that that person is special, why must you need the excuse of one day to make that person feel special? Why must it be only one day? One day out of 365/366 days?
But with the day comes the gifting. And though I love gifts and understand that gifts are a simple way to show how dear a person is to you, I admit that some of the best gifts I have received in my life, I had more sentimental than monetary value towards them. In love, the gift or its cost hardly matters. What matters is that it was given with a heart full of love.
Giving on this day doesn't need to cost you anything.For the married couples out there, a simple breakfast in bed, or a massage is an inexpensive option that shows that you love each other. For the singles, show yourself how you feel about yourself. Spa day alone or with the squad will be great your heart(it is relaxing) and your skin. And if you, like me, prefer long lasting gifts, give yourself a gift of a lifetime by enrolling for a course that will pay off in the future. That is the best self-love I know.
Anyway, the Valentines sales and discounts do come in handy for both business owners and customers. And since I am always happy when other people are happy, I will happily keep loving, everyday, and let others love, if only for today, in peace. Oh! And bring the chocolates and cake over! And if you spy a vino somewhere close? Bring it along too! Lol!
Happy Valentine's Day lovelies!
Wishing you all the love you desire and more!


- The Lady

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

5 QUOTES TO BOOST YOUR INSPIRATION

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"'Someday' is another word for never." - Tom Cruise, Knight and day.

As you already know, from the feel of this blog, I love to see people grow and succeed. And if I can help, I try to do as much as I can to get those around me to do better. In a way, this helps me grow too. I don't know so much, but the little I know, I try to share so that I can, in some way, inspire others to be better versions of themselves.
Self-improvement and personal growth are of great interest to me because a person who has attained some level of awareness of her strengths and weaknesses can achieve a lot if she sets her mind to improve on the areas of weakness and grow. And just as I want to see others grow, I also want to grow and be a better version of myself. That said, here are 5 quotes that I'm loving and using to inspire myself when I need to:

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. - Nelson Mandela

For what it's worth, it's never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you are proud of, and if you are not, I hope you find the strength to start over. - F Scott Fitzgerald 

Throughout life, people will make you mad, disrespect you, and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, because hate in your heart will consume you too. - Will Smith

When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are. - Oprah Winfrey

Fearlessness is not the absence of fear. It's the mastery of fear. It's about getting up one more time than we fall down. - Arianna Huffington 

I hope you enjoy them as I do, and that they inspire you as they do me. If you have any quote(s) that inspire you, do share in the comments.
Have a great weekend!


- The Lady

“And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.”

John 8:2

LIFESTYLE: COMPLIMENT

"I can live for two months on a good compliment." - Mark Twain

Hello sweeties!
I hope your week was as grand as mine? Or more grand than mine? I had written this lovely post but somehow, it disappeared before I could publish it. Anyway, I won't let that bring me down. I have been basking in a very positive energy all week. I don't know when the 'magic, started, but I remember feeling the buzz on Monday after a colleague at the office walked up to me and told me that I looked 'radiant and exceptionally beautiful' that morning. I only managed to say, rather shyly, 'thank you darling, you look gorgeous too'.
I felt good about the compliment, not just because it was a nice compliment, but because I was not expecting it. From a fellow lady no less! And all week long, I have been receiving compliments from different people. I sure hope that the positive energy that this has brought does not fizzle out.
Sometimes, just a little compliment goes a long way. Too often, we underestimate the power of a kind word, or an honest compliment, not realizing that it has the potential of turning a life around.
Everybody likes a compliment. Even the toughest people who, regardless of their tough front, may need it as a break from, or compensation for being strong every time.
For those naughty people who find it hard to say even the most honest of kind words to others, if you can not cook, stay out of the way and compliment the chef. And for those who, like me, are shy and tend to blush or act humble when someone says a kind word to them, accept the compliment, be thankful that people are complimenting you, but don't let it get into your head and start making you act or feel some type of way.
It is always nice to receive a compliment, but it is nicer to give it. You don't know what the other person is going through, or whose life you little kind words could save. Compliment people, magnify their strengths and not their weaknesses, accentuate the positive. Look for the good in others, and when you see it, compliment them generously. Every little kind word goes a long way in not just lifting the spirit of the receiver, but building your relationship with others.
Have a lovely Friday!


- The Lady

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”

Luke 1:28 

FROZEN (2)

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Who was she kidding? She was still working at 5:13pm when he came to make good his promise. She had to pack up quickly and leave with him before her colleagues recognized him or realized that he had come for her. That was a waste as they did notice him carrying her laptop case and leaving the office with her beside him. Great! She will now be the topic of conversations at the office for the next couple of days. Just what she needs! She thought as she rolled her eyes.
His 'thank you' plan was a scrumptious 4 course dinner at Bistro 7 with non-stop conversation about everything except matters relating to his family or himself. She also divulged very little about herself and was grateful when he did not pry. It was refreshing to see that side of him but she didn't let herself get carried away. He came by her office a couple of times to take her to dinner at restaurants or his house. She slept over at his house sometimes but she never saw him as more than what he was, a playboy, and she never saw herself as more than a friend to him. They were simply adults doing what adults do.
So when she got pregnant, she expected nothing from him. She told him about the pregnancy during one of their dinner dates and let him know that she was going to keep it and that she would understand if he wanted nothing to do with her and the child. He was furious but, like the gentleman he was, he kept his cool until they had left the restaurant. Once in the car, he let it out. "How far along is it?", he asked. "2 months.", she whispered. "And you want to keep it?", he continued. "No. I don't want to keep it.", she replied, "I have to keep it. It's a child. My first. I can not harm it. I won't be able to forgive myself if I do that. I don't expect you to be happy about this, but whether or not you support my decision, I will make peace with that and expect nothing from you."
"What do you mean expect nothing from me? Is this not a ploy to get me to marry you?", he shouted. She had expected this, but still, it hurt hearing it. "Contrary to whatever you think Foster, I have no intention of marrying you even if you ask me to. You are not the kind of person I would agree to marry. You are great as a friend and even better as a friend-with-benefits. But as a husband, no. I don't see that in you. You are not capable of loving anyone other than yourself. And for that reason, I would never agree to marry you.", she said as she left the car.
He didn't come after her. That was fine with her. She did not anything else to say to him. She got a taxi and went home. That was enough drama for a night. She took up more work, including freelance gigs to save up money. And as the months went by, she poured herself into her work allowing herself no time to think of the future or Foster. They bumped into each other at social events but acted very civil to each other. She never let herself be alone with him at any of those events. But that did not stop the media from speculating on who the father of her child was as her bump was getting more visible by the day.
She had told neither friends nor colleagues who the baby's father was. In the media business, that sort of thing made the hot topics, and knowing who the baby's father was, she knew that the attention of the media world will be mighty on her and her pregnancy. She could already see the headlines, 'Media personality, Becca Adeleye, pregnant for Lagos playboy, Foster Jideofor.', or 'Becca Adeleye, Foster Jideofor's baby mama.'. Definitely not telling a soul, except her family who knew and have been supportive of her decision.
By the time she was 9 months pregnant, she took a leave from work to rest and have her child in peace. Thankfully, she gave birth to the sweetest boy after just 45 minutes in labor. Out of respect, she sent Foster a message letting him know, along with a picture of the child. Back at home, gifts and well wishes from people everywhere, especially on all social networks flooded in the minute she put it up on Instagram. But no reply from the child's father. No hard feelings there. Her mother moved in to help with the child, while her friends came around to support her. 2 months after child birth, she got back to work and worked out an arrangement that allowed her take time off to breastfeed her child.

She did not let motherhood slow her down. She took up as many projects as she could, and one of them was the All Stars' Valentine's Concert where she was signed on as one of the hosts for the concert which was to stream live. Her Co-host, an A-list actor was present all through, a perfect gentleman who made the job easy for her, but went MIA when they had to go on stage to bring the event to an end. She had to go on stage alone. She would make him pay later, she thought. As soon as she began talking, she heard his voice beside her, Foster's voice. What is he doing?, she thought as she spared him a side glance and continued with her speech. At the end of her speech, he held her hand and began talking. "This goes out to all the hardworking women out there who do not settle for less nor let anything, even caring for a child, stop them from doing their jobs. Like this woman right here who, regardless of having my child, showed up to do her job! This is from us to you all. Happy Valentine's Day Nigeria!", he said as he kissed her.

The hall went crazy. It became too loud, but she heard him whisper 'Please marry me' into her ears before he went down on his knees. She never expected that. She could not even say a word. She barely managed to nod before he stood up, kissed her again, before walking her backstage. It was the first step anyway, but it was in the right direction, she hoped.


- The Lady

“Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:”

Isaiah 5:1

FROZEN (1)

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And in that moment, she knew that she was in love. Terribly, hopelessly, amazingly in love! There is no way this isn't love! After everything, he had looked at her, only her, and kissed her on national television. Haaa..! She needs no other proof. She loved him and he loved her back. She stood, dazed, looking at his face, but he was looking right in her eyes, like he could see right into her soul. She had never known that he was capable of this...emotion. With his tough boy facade and player attitude. But she was in love with everything about him.

Formidable businessman, womanizer, playboy, eternal bachelor, some of the names the media uses when talking about him. And all were true. As the only son of parents who are influential media moguls, he was well known. And as the heir to a family-owned media group and a renowned party animal, he gets invited to different events which he attends with any of the female population of Lagos upper society class that flocked around him. He was the choicest bachelor.

He is not handsome, he is beyond handsome. Almost to the point of being unreal. 6'4, ebony skin, shaved head, and beards that always managed to look bushy and groomed at the same time.But none of that attracted her to him. It was his voice that had attracted her to him. His voice was gentle and he spoke slowly, like a mother trying to woo her child to sleep. And when he had said that she was stunning in the white dress she had worn on the day they had met, she had believed him without a doubt. For a man that tall, he sounded younger than he was, but his words spoke of wisdom beyond his age. 

They had met at a fundraiser at the Muson Centre for an organization that helped rape survivors, but she had had to leave early as she had another event to attend at the Wheatbaker Hotel that evening. The life of a media reporter! The second event, a movie premiere, had been successful and she was so ready to go to bed. At the car park, she was about getting in her car when she saw him, Foster, pacing while he spoke into the phone. "He is handsome", she thought. He sure was handsome, that's why everyone was crazy about him. And she definitely must not join them. She has no time for jokers. Especially a handsome joker! She buried that thought before it could do any damage. 

He looked in her direction as he ended his call. That was her cue. Fast. Into her car she jumped and started it immediately. He must have recognized her as he tried stopping her as her car drew close to him. She slowed down and wound down. "Hey", he said. "Hey", she replied. "We met earlier this evening", he said, "at the Muson Centre". "Oh! Yes", she replied, acting like she had forgotten who he was. "That was you!", she continued, "What happened to your car?" "I have no idea", he replied, "the service center is closed for the day, and there's no one to get me another car from home."

"Why don't I drop you?", she offered, "You could request that the service center send someone to come pick it up tomorrow, and when it has been worked on, they can contact you to go pick it up." She had finished blurting that out before she could restrain her tongue. Drat! God please let him decline. "Really? That is so kind of you. I think that's a great idea", he said as he got into the car, "I did not think of that. Thank you very much." She could only nod her head in reply. Stupid girl, she scolded herself. He gave her directions to his house while making calls on his phone. She drove in outward silence while inwardly giving herself a good talking to. She barely noticed when he pointed out his house for her to stop at. 

Instead of leaving the car, he turned to her, thanked her, and offered to fuel her car in appreciation. "That's not necessary", she mouthed, "I think you would have done the same if our places were switched." "Good night Foster, she said as she drove off, "it was nice driving you." She turned the corner into another street before she thought of what she had said. What?! It was nice driving you?! Oh God! Just kill me already. What kind of silly sentence was that? He must think that she goes around driving people to their houses or the likes. God no! That is more embarrassing than when she had a wardrobe malfunction at a red carpet event. She is just stupid. At least she won't be seeing him again, she thought as she drove home. 

The next day was a long day at work, and by lunchtime, she was ready for the day to be over. Her phone rang. She picked the call without looking at the phone. "Hello, is this Becca?", came the caller. "Yes, this is Becca. Who am I speaking with?", she replied. "This is Foster Jideofor. We met yesterday at the...". Oh no! How did he get her phone number? She did not exchange numbers with him. She does not have friends that were in the same circle with him. "...just to say 'thank you' for yesterday", he was saying, "nothing big." Okay, she said. "Great. I will come pick you up from work at 5pm okay? See you later Becca." The line went dead. She was confused. What just happened? What did she just agree to? Urgh!! Whatever it was, she definitely will not be getting within 10 feet of that man! She thought as she dropped the phone to continue with her work.

- The Lady

“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.”

Psalms 5:11

LIFE NUGGET: FOLLOW THROUGH

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"The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing." - Seth Godin

We are 2 weeks into the month of February and many have completely forgotten about their plans and resolutions. The excuse? It is not their fault, they tried, but for some reason, life happened and they could not continue...etc. Not saying that their excuses might not be substantial. Many excuses may be valid reasons. But if you really listen to some people's excuses for any form of inaction, you will be amazed at how they view life in general, and their lives specifically. Hidden under those excuses is the main reason for their inaction which could vary from fear of being wrong to fear of commitment.

Letting fear stop you from following through with your plans will only lead to depression, regret, and constant feeling of being a failure. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to go right into it and not think about whether or not you are doing it well until you have got to the necessary stage for re-evaluation. At this point, when you assess the effects of your actions, you will understand the cost of inaction. 

Whatever it is that you have been hesitant about starting or completing, now is a great time to do it. No one can promise you that it will go exactly as you planned it, but I can assure you that you will feel better about having gone and done something about it. Focus on the task ahead of you without losing sight of the big picture.

Success is no accident. It is hardwork, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing. Follow through on whatever tasks or plans you may have, and success will be right there, at the end. 

- The Lady 

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

1 Peter 5:8-9

MOTIVATION MONDAY: YOU ARE READY

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"Just do it!" - NIKE

Many of us are not 'morning people', and in that same vein, many of us are not 'Monday people'. We find it hard to get up and work after all the relaxation through the weekend. But Monday's are not the problem, our minds are.
Our minds have more power over us than we know. This is what some term 'Mind over matter'. The ability of our minds to control all that is around us. This could be a bad thing if a person does not know about this power of the mind, or where a person does not understand how to control this power.
One of the reasons why many of us find it hard to begin our week, or day, on an active note is because we let our minds have full control over everything we do. We let it dictate how we feel, when we will wake up, sleep, eat, or work. And when it comes to what we want to do with our lives, we let our minds tell us that we are not ready to do what is necessary for us to achieve what we want from life. But the problem is not that we are not ready to do the necessary, the problem is that we are waiting to be ready. And you can never be ready for success. You just do what you plan to do and it either results in success or it doesn't.
So rather than let your mind control what you can or cannot do, just get up and do what is necessary for you to achieve what you want to achieve. It is time for us to take control of our minds and go for the best lives that we want for ourselves. Your mind must arrive at your destination before your life does. That means that you must envision what you want and then go for it. Stop limiting your life by removing the limits on your beliefs. If you desire great things, declare that great things are yours, gain control over your mind, then get up and work for what you desire.
Change your thinking, overcome mental obstacles, and create a life you love.
Have an awesome week!


- The Lady

“And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”

Matthew 8:13

THE LADY'S DIARIES: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

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"There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature." - Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey.

Hello,

Hope you had a wonderful week? My week was quite quiet. I spent most of the time working, relaxing, and finishing a book that I had been reading, but I managed to get in some time with friends, both new and old. 

On a whole, it was a great week. It was one of those weeks that opens your eyes to see those things that have been hiding right in front of you. And in my case, it was friends. I have always considered myself to be a friendly person. I have friends and have been referred to as a friend to others but I have begun to see that it goes deeper than just saying 'Hello' sometimes and sharing a few laughs. It is more than that. 

We have all heard that phrase 'A friend in need is a friend in deed'. But that is just a tip of who a friend is or ought to be. A friend is not just a person you are on good terms with, or a person who gives you assistance in your times of need. A friend is a mate who, is not necessarily an age mate, knows you, understands you, and is only concerned with your positive growth. 

A friend empowers you and does not remind you of your failures or weaknesses. A friend is mindful of your progress as he or she progresses rather than striving to be above you. A friend helps you find what you want. A friend is always there for you, whether or not you see each other daily. Far or near, a friend is that person you can turn to and know at any point and know that they will always have your back. As long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends will never part.

I have found friends in places I never expected and they have been through it all with me. Thick, thin, abundance, lack, and everything in between. Even in the strangest places, I found lasting friendships. With my parents and siblings, colleagues and bosses, classmates and clients, even in strangers. 

It takes time to build relationships with people, but being a friend never gets old. You could be the friend somebody needs. Take out time to connect with those who add value to your life, add value to theirs, and one person at a time, we could make the world a better place. Beginning with those around us. 

This is to friends...may we know them, may we have them, and may we be them!

Have a great new week!
With love!

- The Lady 

“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

John 15:15

THE LITTLE THINGS...

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"It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important." - Arthur Conan Doyle

"It is the little things that matter, The little things that make you happy...". Those are the first two lines of a song I used to sing when I was younger. Thinking about it, it makes a world of sense. Life is made up of little things. It is the little things that made us smile that makes for great memories. The little things that people do for us makes us grateful to them for the longest time. The little fruits we eat that help keep us healthy. The birth of those little children that gives us hope for the future. The little details in an outfit that takes the outfit from basic to stylish. It is always in the little things.
But some people ignore or just don't see things that way. A mountain climber does not just dream of climbing Everest and then find himself at the top of Everest. No. He plans for the challenges he will face, prepares himself, and when he gets to the bottom of the mountain, he takes one small step after the other until he makes it to the top of the mountain. Same with a child who is learning to walk.
Many have major plans, big dreams, and they chase those dreams that way, forgetting to break it to smaller plans so as to make it easily achievable. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to accomplish great things that we fail to notice the little things that give life its magic, its meaning, those little things that make life big. The first steps a child takes before he falls in his first attempt at walking, or his first words. Those are some of life's most beautiful magic. Some are too focused on the 'bigger plan, that they fail to see the little things and realize that those little things, those little moments, are not so little after all. 
It is the little details that are vital as they give life to the big things. The little 'welcome' or 'goodbye' that can make a lifetime client of a trial customer. The little 'you can do it' that can make an average student become an 'excellent' student. The little 'I love you' that can turn a normal friendship into a lifelong relationship. The little innovations that makes life easier. It is all in the little things.
 It is important to find the little things in everyday life that make you happy. Get up everyday and focus on what you do have in life. Be thankful for the blessings of the little things, even when you don't get what you expect. Appreciate the little things so that you don't regret when they are gone. Little drops of water do make mighty oceans. Little things seem like nothing, but like a puzzle, when put together, they become big things. Keep doing the right thing, the little things. They just maybe the difference between winning and losing. 
Have a lovely weekend!
With love...


- The Lady 

“And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.”

Mark 11:20

LIFESTYLE: GRATITUDE

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"Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude." - A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Even Piglet gets it!
The sad thing is that some humans do not get it. Now, before I go on, let me say that I am not comparing human beings to cartoon characters. On the contrary. I am human, and I know what it takes to stay alive. We all face the struggles, pressures from work, home, etc. I admit that it is not easy, only the strong of heart survive it in one piece. But that said, forgetting or ignoring to enjoy every single moment; the good, bad, beautiful, ugly, inspiring, and the not-so-glamorous moments will do more damage than good.
No man is an island. It is almost impossible to get through EVERYTHING life throws at us by ourselves, without help from someone. And because of the struggles of life, or because we think that it is the job of that person to do that thing for us, or, we think that the thing that was done for us is too little or simple, we then do not say even the littlest of thank-yous to that person. I have personally experienced it and I learnt from that experience. I had gone fabric shopping with friends, and while in one of the shops, my phone rang. I gave the fabrics I had picked to the lady that was attending to us so that I could get my phone out of my bag. I did get my phone out of the bag and made the call, after which I took the fabrics back from the lady and thanked her. By the time we were ready to pay, she added extra fabric to one of the fabrics I had picked. I drew her attention to the fabric as I knew that it the additional measurements would add to my bill. But she waved it off and said, "You are my friend now, this is my own 'thank you'. And that extra will not take from the next person's measurements."

That was what a simple 'thank you' did for me. We often take for granted the very things that deserve our gratitude be it in our personal life or our work life. We forget to see the things that our gratitude can achieve for us. Deepak Chopra captured it perfectly in this sentence, "Gratitude opens the door to...the power, the wisdom, the creativity of the Universe. You open the door through gratitude." An adage in my native language puts it succinctly, "E kele Okorie na nke omere, Okorie e me kwa odu o." That translates as, "If Okorie is thanked for what he has done, he will do more." The value of gratitude can not be over-emphasized. Especially for the little things. It unlocks a positive energy in and around us. It is a powerful process for shifting your energy and bringing more of what you want into your life. Be grateful for what you already have and you will attract more good things.
As the week draws to an end, we look forward to the weekend and our upcoming activities. Some of us are looking at our to-do lists while some just want to rest. But at some point, we ought to acknowledge the contributions of others to our lives. Good or bad, those contributions have led us to where we are at this point. Showing gratitude to those contributors by way of 'Thank you' for the good, or 'I forgive you' for the bad can do wonders for us, the way we feel and handle things. Companies understand this and have included sending thank you packages and notes to customers.
Sending flowers or cupcakes, or a 'thank you' note, or a simple phone call to say thanks can go a long way. It doesn't have to cost anything. It's the feeling that goes into it that matters. Remember it is not happy people that are thankful, it is thankful people that are happy.

Have a lovely Friday!


- The Lady

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:”

Psalms 92:1