Don't Be Afraid to DREAM BIG!

Hello guys,

Happy New Year (covers face as usual), though its past the first half of the year

I deeply apologize for making you salivate for my delicious posts for so long. Any way, i'm back now and i hope i don't disappear again *lols.

Ok, lets get into the subject of the day. My Bible says, "the vision is for an appointed time, though it tarry, it will surely come", if the Bible ever say there's a vision means there's a Dream to be accomplished. Why not dream anyway! When I say Dream, I don't mean those horrible nightmares you have during those cold and lonely nights, I mean allow your mind to explore positively and let it bring your the "purpose of your existence". I was on a BRT bus (a commuter bus in Lagos) one day and overheard some school kids discussing how they wish they were like "Davido, Wizkid etc, i turned and i told them, "Yes you can be better than all of them put together". They looked at me strangely and confused; they alighted the bus before i could start any 'lecture' *lols.

What I see these days, scare me. Every other person wants to be like someone else, when will there ever be a true version You! Strangely but true we have one way or the other have been inspired, mentored or even have had a role model at some point or the other in our lives, but guess what, those people should only remain models not an exact reflection of who God has called us to be.

In recent times, over the last months i have come to a conclusion, that there can only be the best version of You. You might not be accepted by everyone else but then you're comfortable within your skin. You're free to make mistakes (as long as you learn from them). Don't be fooled by some sayings, your mistakes actually make you stronger and even become an aspiration for some one.

My Dreams scare me, Honestly! When i think about them, i smile. God has been faithful, i've been able to align my strengths, talents, relationships and most of all God's promises upon my life and guess what, my big Dreams unfolds everyday and i'm grateful.

Lemme stop here, this is not the post i intend to work on but when i opened my dashboard after a long while and saw this unfinished post and i decided to finish it up and continue posting hence.

A sincere thanks and apologies to you, who i might have disappointed over the last couple of months. I'll definitely update you on what has been happening (things i couldn't control) but hey, i'm back, better and a lot more mature.

Till my next post, I LOVE YOU!
Olufunke

Live Life...

Hello people and oh! lets i forget, Happy New Year guys (hope its not too late). Its still February anyway so the year is pretty fresh and promising...









Recently, i listened and downloaded a free version of Cobhams "Ordinary People"... after the first time i listened to it, if i'm not exaggerating i'm sure i listened to it another 150times *coversface. I'm totally in love and sold to the song infact it brings tears to my eyes every other time i listen to it.

You can download here  Cobhams- Ordinary People *thank me later.

This song brought a lot of thoughts to my mind. I finally concluded and also asked myself, "do we really Live", "is there any Ordinary person or would anyone want to be just an Ordinary person?"
If i can flash back to my life as a girl, a lot of things, situations, friends and most especially Television shaped my thought process. These elements have directly and indirectly affected my perception of life, how it should be and how i want it. It's sad at the end of the day when i realize i'm actually living according to the precepts as determined by the media, family and friends.

 Every parent wants their children to grow up to become "lawyers, doctors, senators etc, every friend wants to be friends with the "happening guy, big girl, "Frosh guys and avoid the smellos" like we say. With all these expectations many of us have stopped living and living life the way God wants us to. Forgetting the Talents and Passions embedded in each and everyone of by God are different and our make up and differences make Us Unique. Who dare say you're not beautiful when God says "you're fearfully and wonderfully made". Smile if you feel like, dance if you're in the mood, eat, stay healthy, read, go a trip, try out an interest, meet people, be yourself..... never forget to Live.

Whats wrong with being different, unique and just ordinary. Mind you, being ordinary doesn't make you a mediocre or a nonentity. Like i said earlier, the different make-up of people make them stand out and unique. Living life is the only measure that can make us realize who we are and what and where our interests lie. Lets find our passion by Living, lets make a difference in the society by simply living. It wouldn't cost much by Living and just being ourselves rather it would end up affecting Life positively. There was a Purpose for your creation and God has given Life just so you can find it.... you only have to Live Life to Find this purpose.

 

*My Advice: Don't die without Living... Your Life has a purpose

Be Grateful... Be Fruitful

Hello people! *blushes through the curtains* been a while. I'll be "gisting" today, would like to share a summarized journey to a better Me, Enjoy!

 As at my last post, i was eagerly and anxiously counting minutes and seconds to my birthday which was the 14th (October) *yayyyy. I had no plans for my birthday as at the middle of the year. A lot of things had happened, which had drained the energy out of me (Can't be bothered about birthday sef!); I was tired and down for the better part of the beginning of the year. I think I can say I was "Unhappy" but I was grateful for life. As my birthday drew closer I realized that I've been quiet unappreciative and because of my unappreciative spirit, I didn't realize how blessed I was (And still am). I couldn't see what I have without asking God for it, I wanted so many things and even after achieving them I still wanted other things (Didn't even realize I got what I wanted to be grateful for it). I was taking God's mercy for granted, didn't find any reason to celebrate.

*Fast forward sometime in September... Dupe (oremi) reminded me that I didn't have any plans for my birthday. At first, I wanted to throw if off and ignore it like I always do but something struck within me that its true, "I really don't have any plan". So, I told her I would let her know my plans. I got home and had a deep thought about it, for the past 3 years, I always celebrate my birthday with my immediate family. Just dinner, cake and gist, nothing more. Oh! and then I love doing something for myself no matter how small. So, this year, I thought what's there to celebrate and again something struck me from within that what's there not to celebrate, 

1. I'm alive and well

2. I've got the most awesome gift of all, God!

3. My family is fantastic and well  

4. Awesome friends

5. Wonderful experiences that have formed and Improved a better ME

6. I was ill and was Healed

7. God favors me

8. Grateful for Nigeria (we might be where we want to be but God loves Us still)

...... to list a few. And these are the tinniest bit of what I've got and I'm blessed with. I realized, I was alive but was not living. I was taking God and His mercies for granted, anyway I choose to celebrate all these, celebrate God, celebrate ME. So *jump start (Like Shade!, Dupe you know what I mean lol) myself to action and planning. So, I decided to celebrate with everyone this time.... my family, my friends and not forgetting ME *big grin. I wanted different "ceremonies" for myself, I wanted a Just family time, Just with friends and Just ME *yaayy... 

As the D-Day (Like we say in Nigeria) approaches, I applied and was approved of my first ever annual leave *whew. Prayed the public holiday falls on the 14th but hey! it fell on the 15th. No qualms, I quickly drew up my "Programme of Event" *chuckles

1. 14th October- D-Day, Office, Cake, Pictures then Church later in the evening

2. 15th October- Lunch with friends

3. 16th to 20th October- Chills, outings and enough sleep.  

4. 21st to the 28th October- Exclusive Me Holiday at MicCom Golf Resort, Ada, Osun state. 

With all these plans, actions began. Booked for my cake (Oh yes! i bought myself a Cake *blushes), restaurant reservations, food and drinks, reservations for MicCom Golf, shopped for myself and Yes, I also bought myself a birthday gift.

I had an awesome wholesome and amazing birthday celebration. I'm thankful then I became fruitful. My Programme of events went as planned, even better. Now, I chose to be grateful, I chose to be Me, I chose to Live. 
Lesson- Be grateful, Live and enjoy You!

 Enjoy the pictures...

Holiday

The pool was soo good... Holiday

Couz and her bobo.. lols

Birthday Girl

Another Me.. *blushing

The Lunch

Picture mode

Thanks for stopping bye. See you soon.

Cheers.

CAN WE?

Hello people, been a while *as usual, i know! Anyway, I've always believed in sharing and hearing other peoples' thoughts, so I will be sharing this page from time to time with your "interesting thoughts", just drop your thoughts here phunkyswt@gmail.com and lets see what happens. So this time I'm sharing this page with a friend and a colleague. Remember my post on Be a friend to have a friend well you will be hearing another perspective from my guest blogger Chika. Quiet interesting and i'm sure you will enjoy it.! *lest i forget, she writes like i like it *biggrin

CAN WE?

Takes a deep breath, opens a new page…cancels angrily…opens yet another page…C’mon! You can do this…! Ever felt that way? I can see you nodding your head and smiling *Hope so*

Wow! It’s really been a while I did this compared to the days when writing short stories and pouring out my ramblings was an addiction. I just can’t help but thank Funke aka my darling Funksy *That’s what I call her* for giving me this opportunity to feature in her blog *Climbs the stage and takes a humble bow*.

Okay so before I drift away, lemme pour out share an experience I had as a child. *Playing the rewind button on my old stereo SONY TV. I remember my very first BFF {Best Friend Forever} when I was in primary school. We were so close that we could giggle secrets away, play and dance like we really don’t care we were girls soon to be ladies, always together during and after school hours, quarrelling at times and day-dreaming of so many things that I giggle at the thought of it now!

Jumoke, is a sweet friend I could ever ask for; moments when I was representing the school in the relay race and felt so tired after exercises, she’ll run to meet me at the starting line and pour some glucose in my hand. Just as I finish running, no matter the position *Not to worry, I wasn’t the last but there’s really nothing in being the last*, she was always at the finishing line to shout my name and dance round me. Real friends will always be friends! Innit?

On a fateful day while we were walking to her house after playing, she had a terrible fall *I really can’t describe it* and burst out crying…I ran all the way, up her stairs shouting for her mum who ran out and followed me back to where Jumoke was. By the time we got there, her neighbours had gotten to the scene and picked her up. She was taken to the clinic immediately and treated but while leaving we noticed her feet began to stumble as she lost her balance and fell slightly to the ground. She tried getting up again and her feet were shaking. 

Sadly, she was admitted and had to undergo serious physiotherapy sessions for a month. During that month, school days were boring without her as I always tried visiting every now and then, crack jokes and tease her as well.

Sometimes, she looked unhappy till one day my mum and I went to visit and I created a make-shift Barbie house *That was one of our favourites* in her hospital room. We watched her try to walk to the doll house but she stumbled twice, sweating and frustrated as she screamed.

JUMOKE:  I can’t even play! I can’t even walk but I must walk again with this tiny feet.

Her mum and mine looked at each other as I ran to her and said:

ME:  Yes! We are gonna walk again and play with our Barbie doll just as we used to

She hugged me, grabbed my hands for support, took a look at the doll house and walked with every strength in her till she reached and grabbed one of the dolls and she giggled while we all clapped and laughed.

Three months later, she was back to her cheerful self but with a slight limp which she has turned to a hip catwalk style now. That was the ‘NEVER GIVE UP SPIRIT’ of a nine year old girl, my BFF.

We all have those moments in life when we feel the world is against us or things don’t seem to be going right, or the way we planned it, that even the slightest incident makes us fall and become sad or depressed. Some of us even try and try but we are still back to the same spot BUT it’s not E-N-O-U-G-H reason for us to give up.

If a nine year old can’t give up, who are you to? What you want may not happen immediately but surely it will yield positive results if we believe in our abilities and put all the best we can into it. Don’t EVER GIVE UP! No matter how tough it may be. Like I always say “Falling down is part of life, GETTING BACK UP is LIVING!”

That’s true, before I forget…*Climbing my office table* here’s an early buffday shout out to my Funksy darl. We must *pakurumo o* {Pardon my razzness, who cares?} Muah!!!

Have a fab weekend y’all! *Flips hair and dances away*

Movie Scoop- Temptation, Tyler Perry

*covers face, dusting and coughing as i walk in. As always i'm pretty late with my posts again, yeah yeah, i know and i sincerely apologize. Work have been so demanding and challenging, thanking God anyway.

Hope you guys are fine and good sha, as for me, i've been great could be better though. Been taking my time to gather my thoughts and bring you an interesting topic *like i always do lols.

Ok, Tyler Perry's movies have always been the best movies i don't want to miss. So, some weeks ago, i got to watch Tyler Perry's Temptation- Confession of the marriage counselor *finally.

 

It was like a dream come through, seriously i'm not exaggerating. The point been that i've tried all i could but i never got to see it when it was showing at the cinemas. Anyway, i got to see it finally from a friend's dubbed copy. The movie is quiet packed with interesting, intriguing and compelling details i must say. The story line is so simple anyone can relate with it.

.

I wouldn't want to bore you with the details of the movie so i suggest you watch it too. As for me, after taking time to watch and *digest the movie, mind you, i'm not trying to act like a marriage counselor here but the following are my conclusions;

1. Love is a Big decision- it should not be decided on Emotions alone
2. To be together forever (In Marriage) it takes two mature minds in agreement
3. Marriage at whatever stage should not be boring.
4. Marriage should not end *Dating and chasing... if you know what i mean
5. Partners should know each others expectation before marraige
6. Be truthful all the way- before and in marriage
7. Make out time to talk
8. Your partner should be your best friend
9. Whether in a marriage or committed relationship, it's important to keep dates of major occurrences and anniversaries in each other's lives.
10. Showing care and concern shouldn't stop at giving gifts and doing something special; it should be firmly rooted in asking questions when something unusual is noticed
11. Never assume rather be sure or simply ask
12. Create room for change- Change is constant and human is dynamic
13. Be ready to compromise
14. Marriage is worth waiting for
15. Above all choose God first before you choose your Life Partner

If you've watched the movie, i wouldn't want to take sides but i would blame Brice and Judith for immaturely taking their marriage for granted. Like i said earlier, i'm not trying to act any marriage counselor ( i'm not even married, yet!) but these are just my thoughts after watching the movie.
It will be nice and i suggest  you watch the movie, if you haven't. It'll also be nice to hear or rather read your opinions and thoughts after.

 Lets help each other. "Every marriage is worth salvaging" and "Every marriage should be a blessing".

See your comments soon... Cheers!

Olufunke

Maami- Special Dedication

Yeah yeah i know, some of you would have seen on my blackberry Display pictures (DP) referring to the most amazing woman on earth, Maami (My mother). Oh! lest i forget, thanks for liking my last post. Got a lot of positive feedbacks, really felt encouraged and appreciated *takes bow (i actually feel like celeb in the spotlight, lols).

Anyway it was Maami's birthday two Sundays ago yayyyy, it was one of the best days with her. I'm usually not good with keeping dates *covers face, gosh i'm so bad at it(Dupe my friend can testify). But God is just so faithful this year, my sister never forgets so she kept ringing it in my ears and asking what we were going to get her this year.

Wasn't really planning anything for her not until i got home from work on Friday night. Immediately i remembered it was her birthday, i quickly started my plans. Ok before all my planning and what i did, lemme quickly share why i tried to put up a special day for her.  Oya, story story......Story!

Long long time ago (lols), when i was younger sha, i never used to appreciate my mum (though i've always loved her). Infact, i used to wonder where she came from maybe she's from another earth apart from this one where in (abeg nobody should tell her this ooo lol). She is not like every other mother i know, like seriously and honestly! She was just so different, she had sooooo many rules and regulations we must "strictly" adhere to. For example,
1.You must say "thank you Ma" after every flogging, to her its a sign of appreciation for her Love (Imagine, flogging is loving, lols).
 2. She always ring in our ears that, "you are not like everyone and so you're not allowed to do what everyone else can do" Chai. For example, when my mates are running around and having fun in the rain, trust me i'm inside the house sipping hot tea  lools. Its soo funny when i remember those days now. Ok lemme share these few, usually i'm not allowed to drink "soaked garri" cos of my sight and even if she allows me to drink it, there's a measured quantity of sugar to drink it with. So this particular day, she went to somewhere and quickly took the advantage to drink garri before she returns. So i quickly got a cup and poured the amount of garri i can quickly finish in it but unfortunately for me, i saw a tied black nylon bag on the kitchen table thinking it was sugar, i poured enough "sugar" into my garri (trust me that enough was a lot). Poured water and as i took the first sip, she came in OMG! and as if that's not enough the assumed sugar was actually Salt.  Trust me, i drank it like that ooo. Cos how do i explain that i'm drinking garri talk less of trying to pour it away as soon as she comes in cos it as salt instead of sugar(I'm so sure i would say another thank you if i ever do that lols). Hmm...Yours Truly, I drank it calmly and quietly lols. She looked away and that ends that page *sighs. Looking back i had a lot of experience i would want to share but space wouldn't permit.

Now years later, i appreciate every cane, every "Bilala/Koboko" (if you know what i mean), every scold, every "you can't wear makeup now", every "go and read your book, every "you're beautifully and wonderfully made" encouragement, i appreciate every minute and second she has been a mother, a friend and a confidant. I think i'm free to say "her cane shaped me to stardom" *tears of joy
She saw what no-one else can see in all her children, she taught the ways of Christ (i'm eternally grateful), She never spared the rod to teach us lasting Morals,  Her love for all us is an example of how Christ Loves, every meal is always memorable (i missed it like desert miss water when in Uni), Her kind words uplifts me, Her prayers even for those she has never met are enduring, She is a role model, she is a mentor, She is blessed with a big heart, she's a Gem, she's a daughter of the Almighty, She's my father's best, She's her children's Angel, She's my best friend, She is our mother, She's Maami.

Long story short, she had a great day on Birthday i must say and i feel so blessed!

Be your own Celeb- Conclusion

Hi guys, how has the week been so far, mine has just been  there nothing exciting maybe that's why i've not been so motivated to post, sorry about that. Who missed me... miss you guys though *battling lashes

Anyway, hope my last post was helpful in someways. Here's the concluding part to "be your own celeb", so here we go; after taking a look at the package(the outlook, they fashion style), its also important to make sure that the container is also of great and enviable standard(the inner beauty that stands one out).

The point i'm trying to make is that, its enough to wear the good clothing and have the right outlook but its also very important to have the right self esteem to carry the outward beauty.
Lemme refer to a part from my previous post http://olufunkesway.blogspot.com/2013/07/be-friend-to-have-friend-part2.html for instance, many young people try to be accepted by their peers(which i think is ok) but most time, being accepted wouldn't or doesn't really portray Our true Identity. I had a friend one time, he is very intelligent and down to earth from a humble home but he would rather hang out with the "cool and happening guys" in school than be his real humble self. He tried sooo hard to be accepted that he ended up worse than the rest of his gang.

For me,these are what one must put in check to stand out(Please Note, these are just my opinions);

1. First and foremost understand that "being your own celeb" shouldn't make you Rebellious(and i mean that in a bad way- you might not be among the crowd but that doesn't mean you don't care about what's happening in the crowd *that might look sad and crazy.

A rebel

2. Find and recognize where your interest lies- this in-turn means one should try out new things, explore and be adventurous (though safety and integrity must be in check). This enables you to find out where your interest lies, what you like and what you don't want. Fore instance, I've had friends who were extreme Tomboys before but are now very Ladylike(I'm sure they changed their mind after lipstick trial, lol). Don't be a bandwagon find what interest you! Go to new places, taste new food, play a different sport, try something new.

3. Mistakes are good! (sometimes)- On this one, i think i come first. I've made several mistakes one way or the other (you don't wanna know) but the point is, i don't remain in my mistakes rather i learn from them. I believe every mistake is a learning curve. Some mistakes are very costly though, so be careful of the kind of mistakes you make ooo lols.

4. Set out to achieve something- I use to tell people that "fulfillment does not come by buying all the riches in the world but by making yourself better for the positive purpose of other people"*feeling like Mandela lols. Set out to achieve different goals no matter how small, their achievement brings fulfillment. (Please make your goals reasonable)

5.Tell yourself the truth- This is one big bridge i had to cross, i had to learn to admit the truth to myself at all time. Telling yourself the truth means you are still in contact with your conscience and the innocence within. It also puts you in check when you're trailing off track.

6.Appreciate and Celebrate yourself- Part of appreciating yourself is being where you're appreciated rather than where you're tolerated. Another thing is, celebrating your little successes and achievements. Feel free to laugh and dance at yourself for yourself. "if you don't take care of yourself, who will?" Go out on lone dates, buy new things for yourself, don't wait for anyone to feel celebrated and appreciated.

7. Do the Mirror test- this i learnt from my bestie, he put up a mirror in front of me one day and asked me to look at myself. I was shy at first cos i was trying to adjust myself but he said again "look through the mirror", i couldn't. Guess what! i went home and i looked at myself (thank God i have a full stand mirror in my room) i looked through to see myself.  It was funny and very dumb at first but after a long time of trying, i could see The most beautiful woman God created (blushing). I'm not saying i'm perfect but the mirror test enables you to see you like you should, Beautiful!

I'm sure i've been saying a lot since, but these are my thoughts and they've helped me. Hope they help you too. Once again. feel free to share your thoughts and point of view. Every comment and view is appreciated.

Till another post.... See yaa and feel Fabulous this weekend. Muahhhh....
Olufunke