2. VALERIE EGBUNIWE @valerieegbuniwe

"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants".
Isaac Newton

If I did not learn anything from my Total Man Concept classes in Covenant University; this quote stung like a soldier ant to my feet on a wet spread of grass. First time I heard the quote, I was super inspired and I felt really challenged to have a better life.



Fast forward to 2018 when I started my first blog; I had just learnt about Blogger in an Entrepreneurship Development Class in my 400 level and I was beyond excited because I could finally channel my inner Arianna Huffington while living the poet life of Rupi Kaur. I thought I needed almost my school fees worth to start a blog and had never bothered to check if there were any free blog hosting platforms.

When I started that blog, I was just excited to be sharing my opinion on different things. Nothing else mattered. I made so many mistakes and didn't even know I was making mistakes. Then I spoke to my sister who introduced me to the world of reading blogs. I started reading these blogs I will share with you and that is how I have landed here on this new blog.

This post is an appreciation for having the best of the best to look up to. Without them I might not have the necessary confidence to push through when the chips are down.

1. Assumpta Idaka @an.idaka

I would definitely not be bothered about anything in this world without this babe. She has been a strong support system. A partner in fashion crimes and my big sister. She has always been there to pick me when I feel low and help me stand back up. She runs a blog called MY VHANTAGE POINT. She is physically challenged but still tells her perspective to fashion on this platform. She is a real good writer and squeezes many a juices.




2. Cassandra Ikegbune @ cassiedaves

Assumpta introduced me to Cassie Daves blog. I hadn't heard of her before that time. But my sister insisted that reading her blog would be a super important investment I needed for my blog journey if I meant any business. Best part was if you DM'd her for any newbie blogger questions she gave the warmest responses and paved the road to my opinion that all Celebrities aren't in their own world but were humans like the rest of us. She made me go check out her blog and I got glued to it. It was then that I figured I had been making a lot of mistakes and decided to start making changes around my blog. She queried that in this age and time resources are at our disposal to make minimal mistakes and do better than the others who have gone ahead of us in the blogger journey. She runs a blog of course called CASSIE DAVES. This blog is literally a beginner blogger guide. If you're contemplating starting a blog, her blog might be one of the most useful resources you will come across. The blog has also birth The Cassie Daves Blog Planner which I use and which has totally transformed my approach to blog post scheduling.


3.  Grace Alex @t2pitchy

Hi guys,

Growing up I was super self-conscious and I owe that to my looks. I always felt like the less beautiful girl among my sisters and worse it felt like all my uncles and aunts didn't like me (now that I am older, I quite understand kids can be a handful). I love kids don't get me wrong. But my point is I started out feeling not beautiful and my family(aunts and uncles) didn't help my self esteem because they would compliment my sisters and forget there was Joy too. It made me wonder how ugly I really was. I began to hear people make comments about my large nostrils and thick lips. It seemed straight pointed nose and tiny cute lips were the preferred option. I hated my face, I would always bite my lips to make it look less full and was constantly looking into a mirror to ensure I looked okay. I did well now I think about it, I still went about looking quite confident and acting like I didn't care what others thought but deep down what they thought about me meant everything. I had no idea that you are or you have the final say in matters that concern you. Basically, I had serious self esteem issues. I cared too much about what others thought but on the surface I put on an I don't care act. 

Hi Guys,

I am scared of dogs and being immersed in water (also known as swimming and showering). So I do not touch dogs, cats too and stuff like that but dogs are my main message and I do not take showers either (I did not say bath oh before you will start saying which kind girl be this one). Yes I am a proper naija pikin I prefer to use a bucket and my reason is because that way I can control where and how the water touches my body.  

Likewise if I go to visit a friend who owns a dog, they would usually have to hold the dog as far as possible from me but at eyesight distance so that I know the dog will not run to me. If you have an indoor dog, then please do visit me and no I did not have any traumatic dog experience as a child. I just grew up with the greatest fear for dogs. 

My point is simple a lot of people bath with showers and others sleep with their dogs on the same bed sometimes but not Joy because she sees danger and death because of those normal human activities. Why is this?  I am too comfortable in my comfort zone which is not making any effort to try and get uncomfortable instead I have labelled it fear or phobia and feel like I have the right to stay stagnant in that state but let me tell you how my comfort has ruined my life. 

I moved to my aunt's house late last year and for some reason they only have showers in the bathrooms and because I am usually too tired from work on the weekends I was not able to get a bucket. So I had to leave my comfort zone and use the shower if I will get to work and I was on low cut so I was supposed to enjoy the water on my scalp. Previously I didn't believe I could use a shower I thought I would die or something. But when served two rather uncomfortable options I had to choose to get comfortable with uncomfortable.

Guess what I chose. Don't judge some people would choose option 1. 

Today being 1st June join me celebrate my six-month anniversary since I became a professional shower bather (I am high on rain guys. Also I am listening to Wizkid).

I am still scared of dlions (dogs I mean) only cos I am a human and it's a ladder, so one step at a time but hey after COVID-19 is history; I hope to start my swimming lessons and make some doggie friends. 

Hi my lovelies,

I a super excited that I have just a few hours to the end of my office hours and can finally clear my mind off work related activities and just enjoy my solace for the remainder of the weekend. In the spirit of entering the weekend I will be sharing with you all 30 self care ideas to ensure that your spirit, soul and body are in the right state before heading over to Monday again for another work clad week.

1. Write something good that happened to you today, this week or generally since the week began.

2. Go for a walk.

3. Play your favorite song on repeat till you are immersed in the lyrics.

4. Catch up with a favorite friend you haven't spoken to in a while.

5. Take a long warm shower/bath.

6. Pray for yourself, your family, your country and all those who are sick at this time.

7. Read a portion of the bible you have never read before.

8. Listen to a motivational speech on something you are struggling with.

9. Read 30 pages of a book you have always wanted to read.

10. Try to track all expenses you made since Monday this week to whatever day you  are reading this post.

11. Watch a movie you absolutely love.

12. Rearrange your workspace and bedroom.

13. Tell someone you care a lot about them out of  the blues.

14. Listen to a podcast about a topic you are passionate about.

15. Create a vision board and a mood board too.

16. Meditate on lessons you have learnt this week.

17. Draw anything on a piece of paper.

18. Go to bed early.

19. Drink at least 4 litres of water and no other drink.

20. Switch off social media for a couple of hours preferably 12-24 hours.

21. Write a gratitude journal(at least 10 things you are grateful for).

22. Create a bucket list.

23. Put on loud music and dance like a child.

24. Style your hair or trim your beard and look into a mirror while telling yourself how beautiful you are from inside out.

25. Practice deep breathing.

26. Write yourself a love note.

27. Watch something really funny.

28. Clear your mind, sit still and try to do  nothing.

29. Make a list of your short term and long term goals.

30. Try to be consistent at a good habit for the next seven days.

There you have it guys.



Bonus Tips:
1. Try to eat a healthy meal.
2. Do a short exercise e.g stretching.
3. Scream at the top of your voice.


Short and doable. These little list of mine I will partake in too. If there are other self care ideas you believe will help me and others. Please do comment below. Till my next post.

All my Love,
JAK.

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

2. You should never be ashamed of who you are

 3. You are never too little to dream.

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

 
5. You need a mentor.

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

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. 

8. You have to stay prepared. 

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.

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

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. 

 

16. Black is beautiful. .

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

 

18. Sports commentators deserve awards. 

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.

 

" 

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.

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. 

"

What is Sexy?

Sexy is neither nakedness nor nudity 

It is knowing your worth 

It is being confident about you 

It is enjoying every phase you go through in life 

It could be expressed in humility and openness too corrections 

It is seen also as being happy with your body size, shape and figure 

It is believing in you, encouraging yourself and not giving up 

It can be used as a tool to show love to others 

It requires that you are hyping yourself 

It is loving you 

I love me, I hope you love you too 

SEXY IS ME COS I SAY SO

"

By

Bukola Oladejo