How to live life on the fast lane

Lately, almost everything about my life has been 'rush rush' (FYI, ‘rush rush’ is in my American accent not in the Nigerian 'rush rush' accent). I jump out of bed in the morning after a night's sleep I always wish was longer. Then my day begins with the play and fast forward button. I rush to pray, rush to brush my teeth, and rush to have my bath. (I am even rushing the words in my head as I read). 

When it is time to apply my body cream, I press pause...(taking a deep breath) then I play at a normal pace. I don't rush to rub my body because it is like a ritual to me. I make sure I rub everywhere, from the back of my ears to the soles of my feet. I use Shea butter, locally known as ori which is hard, so I balance on my sofa, and take my time-that is a part I look forward to, so I relish every nanosecond. The fast forward continues after I am done.

I rush to dress up (no make-up, no jewels), rush to pack my food-breakfast and lunch (using the word 'pack' because the food is mostly prepared the night before, dished in bowls and stored in the refrigerator. I am not a fan of eating out, though once in a while I patronise eateries. Nothing beats home-made food), and off  to work.

When I get to work, I try to maximize the little time I have to dress up properly (use very light make up, wear my jewels, change from my slippers to shoes, dress my hair, and use my perfume); pray; write my to-do list; and start work proper.

My job functions do not entitle me the time to sit and relax, there is always work to do-urgent and important; not urgent and important. You are either up on your feet or in front of your system doing important paper and computer work. Each function has a time frame so you have to work hard and smart. You also have to minimize errors as you carry out your duties so you don't do the same job over and over again since there is no time to waste. 

Also, there is no fixed breakfast or lunch time neither is there a break time, you have to create it yourself. If you are not careful and smart, you would eat breakfast at 4pm. You have to prioritize properly so that neither you nor the job suffers. In all, work is 'rush rush'.

Since I spend most of my day at work, I have little time for myself . The little time I have, I have to spend it wisely. I don't waste time chatting away when I get home; wasting water in the bathroom; or acting chef in the kitchen. I have a quick and refreshing bath, eat a good meal or take fruits, and have a good rest. If I have other personal work to do, I do them. Then get a good night rest.

Same continues throughout the weekdays. On Friday or Saturday morning, I plan my weekends and try to make it happen. I also make sure I relax to regain lost energy, do the things I love, have fun, and have a life.

If you are living life on the fast lane like me...stay in touch with D Truth Uncensored.

To be continued ...

in the rest room after a hectic day

after closing hour in the TGIF mood

took this in my room when I got home from work

just got to the office before touching up

after touching up

after touching up too

A dose of motivation-Four Cardinal Points for everyone

Hi sweet people, remember when I told you I was writing an article for our church's children's harvest brochure in My Saturday blog post, and I said I would share it with you after it is published? Well, this is it! Enjoy!

It is the prayer of everyone to live a happy and fulfilled life on earth and we have various desires, goals, and dreams we all hope to achieve - to help us attain this. However, circumstances surrounding us may not be so encouraging and in contrast with what we desire. Also, some people may have a strong conviction that they could make it in a particular field but the fear that they might not succeed prevents them from taking a bold step. While others keep procrastinating, when all they need to make it are all around them.

The bible passage from Mark 5:21-43 has the perfect words for us.

1. Always have a purpose and set goals

One thing was pretty obvious as Jesus was passing through the crowd; many people touched Him. What happened to them? Nothing!  All of them that came in contact with Him did not get what they wanted or needed except the woman who had a purpose in her heart-the woman with the issue of blood. Imagine everyone in the crowd had set goals and believed it; the story would have been entirely different with many people receiving solutions to their problems.

At any point you are in your life; don’t just drag your feet through life. Always have a purpose based on the dreams you have for yourself-set goals and go for them.

2. Don't let obstacles distract you from achieving your goals

There was no laid down fact that touching Jesus' garment brought healing. She believed and went for it. However, she had to pass through the crowd to get to Jesus. She had a target and did not let anything hold her back. She made her way to Jesus (and I am very sure she would have received many criticisms from the people in the crowd as she forced her way through them). She ignored all of that, touched his garment and got her healing.

Obstacles are different things for different people. For instance, you might to start up your own business as a hair stylist, and finance may be your obstacle. As long as you are passionate about it, start with what you have. You could start from home service doing the styles you have the tools for. Just do your job well, word will spread, you get more clients and all your dreams will start becoming a reality.

3. Stay away from negative influences
When Jesus wanted to heal Jairus' daughter, he made sure those who were laughing left the premises. He didn't perform the miracle in their presence because they had contrasting goals. The disciples and the parents of the damsel wanted to see healing but the others didn't believe she could be healed. That is why they thought it was ridiculous when Jesus said she was sleeping. Jesus didn't waste precious time trying to convince them to believe, the result would convince them. He did away with them and did what He came for.

Some people may ridicule you when you tell them your goals and plans; some may even discourage you with all sorts of stories. You don’t need such company. Move with like minds. It doesn’t mean you should not be open to criticisms and advices, but take them wisely. No matter what you are told, you hold the power to make the final decision. Your results will convince them.

4. With God all things are possible
While Jesus was speaking with the healed woman, one of the rulers informed them that the damsel had died and there was no need to bother Jesus. But Jesus said to him, ''Be not afraid, only believe''. I don't think I need to expatiate on this; the words speak for themselves.
God did not bless you with natural gifts or talents for nothing, so why should you be afraid to use what God has deposited in you? He didn’t give you the spirit of fear but of a sound mind. Stop being afraid but believe God will give you all you need to succeed.

Well, with these four cardinal points in mind, nothing should stop you from bearing the best of fruits with the seeds God has planted in you. God created you for a purpose and you don't have to rack your brain trying to figure it out. He reveals them to us in different ways: through talents, skills, gifts, feelings, convictions, interests, hobbies, what people say about you, revelations, dream and other numerous ways.

Make sure you set goals for yourself and make the best use of your time, your resources and the opportunities each day presents. Always do your best and let God take care of the rest.

Remember, when you walk with God you are like a seed planted by the riverside and watered by God himself. 

Memoirs of a Nigerian Youth Corps Member-Episode 5

Having shared my NYSC roomy experiences with you, let us go straight to my Place of Primary Assignment proper. Anytime I think about it, I still feel very sorry for the inhabitants of Bataki-Idiya, the village where I served, especially the younger ones who have so much ahead of them. Not one of them could speak the English language fluently, as Yoruba language was their means of communication. Their lifestyle was outdated and void of civilisation. 
There was no good source of water supply. They drank coloured water straight from the well. What they called a stream was a pool of dark-coloured stagnant water with spirogyra growing around it. There were some days I had to use sachet water to have my bath. This occurred mostly during the rainy season when the well water became muddy after downpours. 

The telecommunication system was so poor that we had to go to certain spots to get network. I literally hung my phone with a scarf close to my window to get network. They used sacks to make their beds and most of them used firewood to cook (only few could afford a kerosene stove). There was no electric power supply in the entire village though few had generators. To be more explicit, Ibadan was their London and Cornflakes was strange to them.  There was no structure to attract anyone to the village; they just stayed in an isolated world of their own.

However, one beautiful thing about them was their attitude. They were very accommodating, respectful and generous. They never discriminated. They respect individuals for who they are and don't force their culture on anyone.
As for the younger ones, the beautiful thing about them was their willingness to learn. The students were always excited in class and showed genuine interest in what they were taught. I taught Basic Science and Mathematics to the Junior Secondary School students. I could have taught Chemistry but there were no resources to teach the science. There was no laboratory and in my opinion, Physics and Chemistry would scatter their head-Fela.
I was as patient and practical as possible when explaining because, that was the best way they could understand. I remember vividly when I taught them about the different forms of drugs, I had to take some drugs to the class such as capsules, tablets, creams for illustration. They found it difficult to relate with me when I taught them ICT-Information Communication and Technology,  as they were not familiar with computer systems let alone the internet. A funny incident was when I asked them to give me an example of a carbohydrate and a group of students confidently chorused ewa (beans in Yoruba language).
After school hours, most of them went to the farm, hawked goods or went to sell in shops at the expense of their studies. I could not blame them as their parents saw those activities as more important since they brought food to the table. To them going to school was just a routine.

Below are some pictures I took when I was in the village.

a cross section of the students in assembly-look at that boy in the 3rd row posing for the camera

the staff room

a female student sitting in front of the staff room during break

a student getting ready to go to the farm for Agric practical

the head boy

a villager wishing us goodbye

It is no surprise corps members posted there refused to stay. I thank God I served there. At least, I can talk about it and I learnt a whole lot. Though I am not abreast with the current state of affairs in the village, I would love the Government of Oyo state to look into that village under Ido LG. They are humans like us and deserve a better life, as least for the sake of the children and youths who are the leaders of tomorrow or today. They deserve a better telecommunication system, power supply, standard houses, and most importantly a better formal education and civilisation. Hopefully I will visit there in the nearest future and keep you all posted.