the JAKTIONARY: May 2020

LIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE TIPS: 30 SELF CARE IDEAS FOR THE WEEKEND

By JAK - May 08, 2020

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MOVIE REVIEWS

MOVIE REVIEWS: PELE; BIRTH OF A LEGEND

By JAK - May 07, 2020

One of the most asked questions this lock down is the question of

What movies people can watch now that they are home and have a lot of free time on their hands?

I have always wanted to start a movie review section on my blog but for a number of numerous reasons I never had the vibe to go ahead.

Well today, I wasn’t feeling too great earlier on in the day for a number of reasons and I’ve been doing a lot of SELF-ISH mind development as seen in this post here.

So, I went on my laptop and watched a couple of self-motivating videos and just like magic I felt so much better. Later, this evening a friend said he wasn’t feeling too good and I recommended one of the videos I saw earlier today to him and WOW! He felt super encouraged.

I’ve learnt that you just have to start. There is really no right time to go for what you want to go for. Today, I saw that all the things I learn daily should be shared with as many people as care to read and listen to me.

SO, I watched a 2016 movie production called PELE: BIRTH OF A LEGEND(a biography of a Brazilian footballer) and I learnt so many lessons from the movie and I will be sharing 20 SHORT LESSONS FROM THE MOVIE.

Here, I go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. Sometimes it isn’t about winning; It is about bringing your A-game to the match.

Most people are obsessed with the idea of winning but really sometimes what we really need is to learn to give our best even when we aren’t sure we have a chance to win. In the movie, Pele gets to be scouted by a football team but his local squad doesn’t win their match. We must learn to give the best of all that we can bring to the table regardless of the outcome or result. P.S winning or wanting to win is not a bad thing at all but more than the obsessive winning mindset, compete with a mindset to learn, give the best of your skill and self and altogether just enjoy yourself while doing whatever it is you are doing.

2. You should never be ashamed of who you are

They were referred to as the shoe less boys but who cares what you think of me as long as I know who and what I am. I remember in secondary school I was laughed at by my classmates for eating biscuit a certain type of way but to be honest why should anyone feel their own way of eating biscuit is the superior way. As long as I enjoy my biscuit, it is really nobody's business. If it isn’t a horrible habit or something detrimental to others, you owe it to yourself to be proud of your style. Never, ever be ASHAMED of who you are.

3. You are never too little to dream.

I remember wanting to do a lot of things I am super proud of now when I was a very young girl. I was 5 or 6 but today those dreams are part of the reason I can keep dreaming. It is never too late to dream and your dream is never too big as long as you have what it takes to bring the dream to reality.

4. Your family is a very strong source of motivation.

If you are the dad, mom, brother, sister, cousin, whatever. You owe your family member a great duty of believing in their dream as long as it is a possible dream. If you are the dreamer, as long as one person in your family believes in you that is enough motivation for the dream to take off. When you have shown enough potential the others will join in your Belief Ministry.

Imagine a world where all our moms and dads told us we can or could and still will make it as long as we want to.

5. You need a mentor.

The greatest exposure I have gotten is from my role models and mentors. The journey to your success will definitely get bumpy but knowing you can rest on the shoulders of those who are ahead of you in the same struggle is more than the reassurance you will need to keep driving your dream or vision.

6. Sometimes you need a setback to set your sight straight.

Many motivational videos speak about the fact that it is not what happens to you that determines your end it is more how you handle or respond to what happens to you that is important. When we face setbacks we have two choices,

i. You can use it as a propellant to help you see the vision clearer or make you want to win against all odds.

ii. You can see it as an obstacle that will stop you from ever getting to the success side of your dream.

7. Agreeing to quit can be likened to reading a book to the middle and deciding not to finish the book just because someone dies in the middle.

What if the plan of the author is for the person to come back to life sometime close to the end. It isn’t finished until it is finished. Let us always use our want to quit as a reason to read to the end of the book. Agreed the book might not end perfectly but how can you tell if you do not get to the end.

8. You have to stay prepared.

When you start reading for an exam at the beginning of the semester it isn’t because you will have the exam the next week. Most exams aren’t till the end of the semester but we have to start preparation early so that when the time comes for us to write that exam we will be fully ready. Practice makes perfect says a fellow I do not know.

9. When you finally get a yes, it makes all the no’s seem like a mirage (something that you see but isn’t really there).

10. You have to start from somewhere.

If you want to win Miss Universe pageantry you won’t just compete at that level the moment you have the ambition. You will have to start by winning your state pageantry, then win your nationals before you can proceed to compete for Miss Universe. We have to understand that starting from somewhere cannot be over emphasized.

11. Your unique style is what will make you stand out.

Imagine if everything in the world was the same color. The world will be so bland. What makes life sweet and beautiful is the fact that there is variety. If life is beautiful because of variety then why are you scared of standing out and being unique. Your uniqueness is what will make people see the most beauty in you.

12. The most good looking guy often time isn’t the most talented. Most of the people laughed because he was very dark skinned but at the end of the day who was laughing.

13. You can’t ever give into doubt. You must continue believing in yourself, your talent, your skill, your uniqueness and everything that makes you YOU.

14. Be prepared to receive a 1000 No’s. Ask Thomas Edison how many No’s his light bulbs gave him.

15. You will need a hand to hold you up so you do not stumble.

Imagine skating and someone is holding your hand and guiding you through. You will feel more assured knowing that your chances of falling are reduced even if it is by 1%. No man is an island. You will always need other people to make the ride a little more enjoyable and less scary.

16. Black is beautiful. .

17. Football is a beautiful game. (Comment in the comment section if you agree)

18. Sports commentators deserve awards.

These guys talk so fast and almost endlessly throughout the game. I can only imagine the rigorous training they undergo to ensure they don’t lose their voices amidst the screaming and everything.

19. Aunt Rona needs to go so that we can resume all the League matches.(Aunt Corona, I mean)

20. Your victory in the end isn’t just for you. It is for all the people who ever believed in your dream and journey.

"

In the end, our difference is what makes us beautiful.

"

So there you have it. A rather lengthy review of the lessons I learnt from the movie, PELE; BIRTH OF A LEGEND. Even if you do not like football it is a good movie to watch this period. It won’t just be entertaining it will also be very encouraging to pursue your dreams.

Make sure to pin all images in this post as well as comment your thoughts on this blog post in the comment section. Your feedback helps me write better and know what you would like me to improve on. Also, to follow me on Instagram in case you would like to be friends just click here. That’s all from me today. Till my next post.

All my love,

JAK

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THE SPIRIT

THE LION KING : MY SALVATION STORY

By JAK - May 06, 2020

Good morning guys,

I hope you all had good night rest and an equally good day so far. One thing I am very passionate about in my life is my faith - Christianity.

Now, a lot of us have decided to use this lock down period to meditate and go over certain areas in our lives. I am trying to find my foot solidly in Christ and so I would love to share with you all my Salvation story.

Sit still, Put on your seat belts and stay tuned.

MY CHILDHOOD

I grew up in a lovely family of six people, my dad, my mum, an older and younger sister and eventually my brother. I had a few cousins and aunties or uncles who at certain times lived in our house too. It was exciting for the most part because my dad bought me lots of biscuits. I am a biscuit girl people. Then somewhere along the line my daddy was ordained a Pastor. It was nice. We were raised in the way of the Lord. We had a devotion every morning except Sundays cos we had to go to church real early. We went out for evangelism every Saturday and had a cell fellowship every evening that same day. Trust me I was Godly in my head. I tried my best to not lie, not cheat, not steal from my mamma's cooking pot (this one was hard - I mean it's my mom's pot ohhhh). I didn't fornicate or anything. I really thought I was on the right track. I mean I spent every waking day immersed with the fear of the Lord. I would win at bible games in Sunday school and wrote during every church service. In my eyes I would make heaven definitely. When I had come of age I went out for the altar call and gave my life to Christ. One strange thing however was I always felt filthy still. Like I wasn't good enough and my good works would never be enough. I feared hell more than anything and dreaded rapture so badly for fear that I would be left behind on that day.

QUESTION IS, If I was a picture perfect good girl, then WHY DID I FEEL CONDEMNED EVERY TIME?

MY TEENS

I left home for University a little early (who am I kidding? I was 15, most kids go to University at 13 these days). I was excited to be on my own finally, to make my own rules, serve the Lord in my own teen church and finally express myself through my own unique fashion style. I had a good start in all honesty. I joined the schools Chaplaincy almost immediately. About a semester later I was assistant Hall Chaplain and I felt very faithful to God. More like I was giving all my life to him. I stopped all social activities of course to ensure I could balance my academics and my work for the Lord very well (fun fact: till today balance remains a tricky one for me). I passed in my class and was seen as the serious kid. For life's sake I sat on the front row in all my classes. I would occasionally make eye contact with my lecturers ( class tip: make eye contact with your facilitator, it is an easy way to get acquainted really fast and if you can seat on the front row it helps with concentration if you have low attention span like me). I still feared rapture and still felt like I wasn't good enough. Then I met this really smart guy from Electrical Electronics Department. He would always ask What the GOSPEL really was? I felt very threatened (Like why the hell would you ask me that?) But okay I'd say It's the good news. I mean that's what I had learnt in Sunday School. He would ask again the next time he would see me.

I was judgmental (nothing to be proud of)

So I gave anyone who didn't meet my standard a hard time AKA my course mates. They hated me. I was a pain their asses. I tried to force the Gospel down their throats and if you know me I can be quite persistent. I really wanted to reach the whole world with this Gospel and what better way than to start with the people right where I was. Only thing is sometimes we aren't sure of what we are doing wrong. Somehow I pushed people away from the Gospel because my message was more condemning than it was encouraging. I would talk more about all the wrong things they were doing and less about how the Father loves them regardless.

SALVATION AT LAST

In my 300 level, a friend of mine came to my room to visit and ended up asking me a few questions from the bible. For a bible Champion like me those questions were supposed to be chin chin but somehow they seemed like buns or egg rolls even. I found it hard to answer them. And just like that I became the babe someone else was preaching to and in that moment. The love of the father was introduced to me and I finally fully understood who I was in Christ.

To cut this long story short, Salvation is a GIFT (It is something you do not buy with good works or deeds, It is not something you get because you do not sin). It is a contract renewed for you every time because you believe in Abba and his son, Jesus. It is a gift you get because you believe Jesus exchanged your sins for a life in him when he went to Calvary's tree.

Today, I rest assured in the Father's love knowing that rapture truly is an important event and it is the happiest event that can take place on this earth. And better than that when my Lord and Savior returns I will be joined with him and return to be one with my Father. I am in no way perfect but my imperfections are made perfect in Christ. Sin is a nature found in man and not something that we learn. It comes with the package known as MAN. But JESUS came to give man freedom from that sinful nature and also give him life eternal.

John 3: 16

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 1: 16

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

My Salvation remains the biggest gift of my life.

I would love to hear a short story on how you got saved if you are saved down in the comment section. Please, if you like this post do share on your social media platforms and also, pin all images on this post. Also, follow me on Instagram here let us connect and send a DM so we can become friends if possible.

Till the next post,

All my Love,

JAK.

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THE BODY

ON MENTAL HEALTH: INSECURITIES REGARDING SEXINESS

By JAK - May 05, 2020

1 Comments

THE SOUL

ON MENTAL HEALTH: MAKING YOU A PRIORITY

By JAK - May 04, 2020

Hi Guys,

So I hope you all had an amazing day and your week started on a good note. Truth is I start every week feeling very hyped and saying stuff like "This is another opportunity to get it right again". Well SURPRISE! I start the next week telling myself the same thing only this time I add

"it's okay that last week wasn't as productive as you would have liked it be".

I watched an old interview with Men Fashion Blogger, Dr. Akin Faminu and I learnt a thing or two from that interview .Trust me, It isn't something you haven't heard before but I don't know if you have heard it this way.

Now, right before I wrote this blog post I went to the dictionary to check out what the meaning of SELFISH is and it blew my mind. I grew up hating selfishness and all its followers cos I am a Christian and being selfish is supposed to be a bad thing. Well, here is the definition:

Like all good and bad things, there is always a flip side. So I will take you through the flip side of this definition. How about we define it as "Concerned primarliy with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc." then say regardless of others and devoted to caring only for oneself are the bad guys.

If I am being primarily concerned with me that means I put myself in focus. In my short journey with photography the truth is because something is in focus does not mean that the other things in the picture will not be visible. It just means that in that picture those other things are secondary. You will still see them but not as clearly as you see the object in focus.

Example see this Beautiful blogger, Jessica Wang from www.notjessfashion.com here:

She is the focus but you can still see the cars and buildings. The fact that she is the focus doesn't make the other things invisible. It just makes her stand out more and ultimately makes the picture detailed and more beautiful.

In this crowded world, we really try hard to make everything else the focus while we stand in the background like the babe in the picture who photo-bombed this picture of course unknowingly.

Back to my video with Dr. Faminu, he said he always wanted to be a doctor but his passion was art. This may seem contradicting but from what I know he is doing a perfect job combining career and passion right now because he is a medical doctor who is changing the men style narrative through his eccentric style and his biggest inspiration to his style is his love for the art. If you ask me, I will say his ability to balance both must come at a price and I will call that price selfishness but thankfully no one is asking me.

He attributes that balance to time management and to manage time you have to be selfish with your time right? You have to be intentional. You have to put yourself as the focus. He says in school he would use his free time to write blog posts and work on his fashion jobs. The best part is when you learn to put your self as the focus the others will eventually benefit because somehow you being at the center of things helps you reach the others from a balanced point. See this beautiful circle below.

You can sort of control how much of yourself you give to everyone and everything. To manage time trust me you will have to cancel a couple of gist sessions with your girlfriends or games with the boys or cancel a few other things that do not take primary focus.(NOTE: Do not abandon your guys or babes cos I said to cancel a few). But you know better which ones will need to go and which stays.

Back to the first paragraph of this post, for me to start saying "this week is another opportunity to do better" without adding even though last week wasn't as productive. I have to get a little selfish with some choices and get to put me at the focal point of certain things. I am still a Christian but now I see the word as SELF-ISH.

You know how when you look at the meaning of the suffix "-ish", you see this

It means something has a tendency to be a certain way or has characteristics of something.

My message is clear LET US MAKE US THE FOCUS. If we need to be a little SELF-ISH to achieve this then so be it. I am in no way saying we should not care about others at all or become wicked because we are making ourselves the focus but in this large world it is very easy to get lost in others and other things. Make YOU a priority today. Take a large chunk of your time to just focus on you. Trust me we may seem perfect on the outside but everyone benefits from a little ME time.

Thanks for coming to my TED TALK.

P.S I say Trust Me a loooooooooooot. But actually trust you and trust me small too.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this post down in the comment section. Let us learn from each other. Do not forget to pin all images and share this post to all your social media platforms so it can help someone else.

Follow me on Instagram here and also send a DM so we can connect and learn from one another.

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