Saturday, 27 June 2020
IT IS NOT YOUR TIME TO DIE
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| Illustration by Petra Eriksson |
I have not posted in a while because life lately has been a lot to handle.
I have lost so many things these past few weeks that I am now convinced God is purposely giving me the decluttering I never knew I needed.
There has been news of death everywhere and it just left a sour taste in my mouth. I have asked all the questions from why do people die, to why do good people die, to why does death not have any sympathy.
My SD card woke up one morning and decided to clear itself. Something about it being corrupted. It didn't give any sign, it just up and cleared alongside tons of important photos and documents. I felt empty like I had lost time and memory. I had no clue whatsoever. I was numb.
Then I suddenly felt peace. Sometimes when you lose a part of you, it awakens a new side of you.
It makes you discover some kind of strength, gives you thick skin.
Losing someone or something can be painful but sometimes it's a wake-up call. To push you, to spur you, to encourage you.
When I lost those files. I realized how uncertain life can be, I learned caution and preparation. Let me use a cliche to explain it to you " do not put all your eggs in one basket." I have a 500GB hard drive, I have a laptop, what then stopped me from backing my files up?
Loss is so dynamic that sometimes you prepare and bad things still happen. Life is not Originals or witches of East end where you will be immortal or just cast a protection spell on yourself. Life is way more complicated than that. Sigh.
The most you can do is pray, build a relationship with God, and stay safe. Just do the needful.
When it comes to losing loved ones, I really don't have much to tell you except that time will make everything a lot easier, and clearer to you. Hang in there.
You will learn power and endurance. Your heart is very elastic, it can take more than you know, ask people who have lost people they thought they would never live without, some of them are still here living and strong.
This post is all over the place because that's exactly how I feel at the moment.
But know this, you have the power to rebuild, to recreate, to invent a new space. To move on. You can heal. You did not die because it is not your time to die, there is still work to be done.
COVID has taken a lot of people from us, to be honest, this year has been a lot from racism to rape to massacres but you are still here. You survived. It didn't get to you, even if it did, it didn't break you, even if it broke you, you can & will be fixed. So I will tell you to hold on because it will soon be over and everything good will come.
This poem by Lucille Clifton has been on my mind and lips lately, it is so timely, read below
Won't you celebrate with me
won't you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in Babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my other hand; come celebrate
with me that every day
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
Have you experienced loss before? How did you handle it? Are you scared of losing a loved one?
Tell me.
Monday, 15 June 2020
CONFESSIONS OF A LOVESTRUCK LAD: Bob-Geff Odumegwu
IS THIS POETRY OR ATTEMPT TO MAKE LINES RHYME
Is this really poetry?
Or just an attempt to make lines rhyme?
I'm just trying to share my story freely
&
honestly
Tell a tale of an experience that was mine.
It's not about feminism or racism
Or any other important topic of discussion
But about the pangs of heartbreak,
It's spasms
&
the joy of a heart free from tension.
We were close in Senior High
The real thing, nothing highly sensual
We talked and laughed
such chemistry I can't deny
Because even now I know it was mutual.
One thing led to another
I called it quits
torn between decisions
I explained it had nothing to do with her
My inner conflicts were the cause of that condition.
Years later we got back in touch
Getting close again
I felt a lingering guilt
But
My love had more substance.
Call me old-fashioned or conservative
I never had a thing for social media
Felt it was mentally and socially degenerative
But for her
I got on Facebook with my little Nokia.
Love continued, like a sweet fairy tale
Our chats - a bit one-sided
I didn't really care.
"I don't chat much on Facebook, it's going stale"
Was her beauty blinding or was I just overlooking my fears?
'I'm in the area, are you around?'
"I'm not feeling well, maybe next time"
"Sorry
no problem, I could tell from your voice"
No need to ask which line was mine.
I was expecting an Android
I didn't tell her.
Me, anti-social media guy of yesterday.
Getting on WhatsApp felt cool ice cream
Smearing a burning desire
This chase had changed me.
I got my phone Oh God!
such happiness
Do I really need to charge it before use?
Impatience was a balm for past
pain & disappointment.
Deafened by joy and laughter
I couldn't hear the truth.
Three nights before
We had a long call
Romantic, reaffirming and love-sure
Is sitting on the fence always this sweet before the fall?
New to WhatsApp
She was first to receive my text
'Hello or whatever you say when you're new'
My naivety on the platform
wasn't covered by any pretext
"Sorry I can't do this"
(HOW!... HAHA MUST BE ANOTHER WICKED PRANK)
Shaking hands deleted my &
Opened a new one
Rattled, I apologized for going blank
Asked if she was serious
Because she could tell a mean joke.
Why?
A couple of heartrending chats later
Then an 'I owe you no explanation' that wasn't shy
Bold!
My WhatsApp experience was traumatized and shattered.
Six months I bled
Even prayed to not develop hate
At least I'm proud no one knew or heard
My painful ordeal or its wearing weight.
Was it payback? Was it karma?
I was not the best, clear fact
But I knew I deserved better.
I grew and healed
My heart was never bone
but it had really fractured
But I had changed
Never again would I be insulted 'immature'.
Long boring story short
Women are not scum, neither are men
Though we might have got hurt
We grow and we learn
My hurt is fading
&
the pain almost is gone
I am pretty much one of the coolest guys that'll come your way
If you ask if I've forgiven and moved on
I don't know till meet her again
So is this really poetry?
Or just an attempt to make lines rhyme?
Well, I'm just trying to share my story freely and honestly
To tell a tale of an experience
that was once mine.
_
_
This poem was written by Bob. If you have had a similar experience, please share in the comments. Bob will be there to chat with you.
Bio- I'm a blogger and a mobile photographer. I want to share my art, views and perspectives with the world and interact with as many other wonderful ones as well. I'm also interested in traveling, anime and food of all kinds and cultures. I'm genuinely interested in people, healthy relations and self-improvement. You are sure to expect a wonderful and different experience with me.
Visit www.blog3bstyle.blogspot.com for my content
My IG handle - bobgeoffrey2
Cheers guys
Thursday, 11 June 2020
10 INSTAGRAM PAGES YOU SHOULD FOLLOW TO BOOST YOUR CREATIVITY
I am sure you've probably heard the "you are always pressing your phone" talk from either friend or family.
I mean, you should really cut down on your screen time because let's be honest if you are not making money or being productive with your phone, why spend so much time on it( this is the part where you look at me and say look who is talking lol) because all of us are on this table.
Well, I spend a lot of time on Instagram and it has really helped to squeeze creative juices out of me, I am more than grateful for it.
Here are Instagram pages that offer value and BOOST your creativity
OLOTU FUNKE
This page will teach you everything from female empowerment to body positivity, skincare, branding, photography tips, and much more. You can't visit her page and not learn something to improve your wellbeing or brand. Her blog is even more amazing. I am not exaggerating when I say I visit olotufunke.com every day. She embodies womanhood in a way that gives courage. It is too awesome.
SALEM KING
Salem is the great teacher, his page is such an inspiration. He gives you valuable information without mincing words. The only motivational speaker I know who doesn't do acquire to expire to retire. If you want tips on how to grow and be a better human being and you like fried yam. Follow Salem!
I have seen salem summarize in a one minute video what someone couldn't do in 10 minutes. Salem is the truth, creating content that respects your time and is worth your while.
TRIBECALLEDENA
This tribe was founded by Everythingnaart All I will say is follow this page and join the community! I became more intentional about blogging and trying to grow my Instagram by following this instagram page. You get to meet and connect with creators doing amazing things with their creativity, you receive job alerts, useful Emails with free resources and Ebooks, now how cool is that. Ok I am going to stop here! #enatribe rocks. I am proud triber.
EVERYTHINGNAART
She is the founder of tribecalledena. Her page is a whole institution, what! She inspires me to fuel my passion for media and content creation. Amin is a content creator per excellence. You cannot follow her page and not be rebranded. You get video and app recommendations, tutorials, hacks and tips for growth on social media( not just Instagram) and lots more. She has a cute son goodjoyayo who would give you live nuggets that will blow your mind. I love him!
THE BLACK WRITER
The black writer is a Christian creative, a brand storyteller, and a social media strategist per excellence among other things. She is a perfect definition of a lifestyle influencer. Her page is literally a form of healing, you visit it and you suddenly want to glorify God with your creativity.
She sends amazing letters, free Ebooks, and offers free phone call bookings just to pray with you and advice you( I am getting emotional) This is what I call premium content with divine approval, Follow her! Don't be slacking.
HEROATSBOAL
Follow this amazing page created by the amazing Asakemi if you want to see how oat meal transforms into all forms of deliciousness. This page make ditch ice cream and candy for oat meal. She is my Oat making inspiration, she has other sumptuous recipes on her Instagram page. If you are vegan she has the right meal plan for you. Asakemi is her personal page and it explores nature and minimalism at it's finest.
Hisbrownpoet
I can't even scream this enough, this page will teach you that 'Nah, I can't afford to be mediocre' her editing skills are top-notch and her captions are fire. She is an amazing writer, so follow her page for details on how to get her book. I love how I see Europe because I see them through her photos. She is fashion, style, travel, poetry & photography personified. I love her and you will too.
SIAINSTYLE
She is all things vintage, fashion and style. Follow her for style, photography and editing tips. Her put together is just so crisp, curated and unique I love it.
Visit her blog at siainstyle.com then share your testimony because you will testify.
LAURETTAHAMZA
I discovered lauretta when she was the community manager for tribecalledena and since then I have simply adored her. Her voice caught my attention during her tutorials on the tribes page. I have not regretted following. She is doing amazing things in health and technology. She is selfless and goal-driven in a way that will inspire you.
If you are into anything health, tech or media related Lauretta is your plug. She is the E.D for the Chsscheme, a youth led organization that fortifies health systems in marginalized communities.
If you are into anything health, tech or media related Lauretta is your plug. She is the E.D for the Chsscheme, a youth led organization that fortifies health systems in marginalized communities.
THE DIGITAL TINKER
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This page will teach you everything you need to know about boosting your Instagram engagement, creating quality content by providing and simplifying the use of various apps and websites. This page is literally a gold mine. When I am confused on how to use any app , create a graphic design, or video content. I ask the digital thinker and you should too.
This is the end, thank you for coming to my ted talk, now you can press phone with your chest and not feel guilty for not being productive because these pages offer value.
Follow them if you aren't already, recommend other amazing page's in the comments and when you follow, tell them you are from here. Cheers!
Do you think Instagram is a distraction?
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