tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43325213269922973812024-03-07T01:24:50.316-08:00Bertha MukodzaniWelcome to my blog. A place where I motivate, inspire and help you build resilence through my writings and experiences. I believe that our experiences and encounters weave into life to form an intricate, purposely designed tapestry. Without each loop, thread, strand and colour, we cannot have the masterpiece, our self-actualised selves, whichever way you want to define it. Our experiences, though painful at times, do not have to be in vain. We can turn our lemons into lemonade. If we know how.Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-80662964062405719022022-07-30T03:22:00.002-07:002022-07-30T03:25:24.503-07:00What I Learnt About Gratitude<p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPKh64-my5xVbORwIRpKky5KVu03aKr8ATsY6j2VhNDygM_3lZiX1o8htI0cIvG3ZQdDL0XYLtz-rBmGevKdC5Wn7RbXu0B742AEVbc939rxTgsxvKY-ToZ6MVr-zCdTsbsr-8C3sDl-aEkl0AuJhQqhRJJayfyZBQEFW4pEjj7MOXFaayQEZkGpfDQ/s1642/293418942_10158698864128457_3340198169689386841_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1642" data-original-width="1642" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPKh64-my5xVbORwIRpKky5KVu03aKr8ATsY6j2VhNDygM_3lZiX1o8htI0cIvG3ZQdDL0XYLtz-rBmGevKdC5Wn7RbXu0B742AEVbc939rxTgsxvKY-ToZ6MVr-zCdTsbsr-8C3sDl-aEkl0AuJhQqhRJJayfyZBQEFW4pEjj7MOXFaayQEZkGpfDQ/s320/293418942_10158698864128457_3340198169689386841_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I must admit; I was one of those people who always look at the glass as half empty rather than half full. Those closest to me often reminded me of the things I’ve been blessed with - a job, health, a roof over my head, to name a few and the fact that I am alive.<p></p><div data-draftjs-conductor-fragment="{"blocks":[{"key":"b1310","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"2o450","text":" ","type":"atomic","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":1,"key":0}],"data":{}},{"key":"amghc","text":"I must admit; I was one of those people who always look at the glass as half empty rather than half full. Those closest to me often reminded me of the things I’ve been blessed with - a job, health, a roof over my head, to name a few and the fact that I am alive.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"el04e","text":" ","type":"atomic","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":1,"key":1}],"data":{}},{"key":"9n17b","text":"Perspective","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":11,"style":"BOLD"},{"offset":0,"length":11,"style":"{\"font-size\":\"24px\"}"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"1b9aq","text":"They would also remind me of the people who lack clothes, freedom and someone to love them. Some are fleeing war, living in war-torn countries, long for three square meals a day and some walk stretches of miles, scrounging for anything to put in their bellies to keep them alive. Things we sometimes take for granted when our focus is not on gratitude. \n","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"73p79","text":"Before I gained perspective on the real issues, I would roll my eyes and sulk. ‘What about my problems?’ I would moan. And it wasn’t until I realised that the more I focused on my selfish wants and needs, the more I continued to lack. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"7k2c6","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"4h0e8","text":"Constantly fixating on our frustrations and that which we lack and wish to have only creates a thick fog around us. As a result, we become engulfed by fear that leaves us paralysed, and we fail to take the steps we need to change our lives. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"i5tg","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"d02f5","text":"Focus on the right things","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":25,"style":"BOLD"},{"offset":0,"length":25,"style":"{\"font-size\":\"24px\"}"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"du0p4","text":"Adopting an attitude of gratitude has been a journey for me—a journey of constant growth, finding new meaning and interpretation. When I learned to walk in gratitude, my perspective shifted, and I began to embrace my life in its state and feel more positive about things.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"cj275","text":" ","type":"atomic","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":1,"key":2}],"data":{}},{"key":"9nosl","text":"That is not to say that I live in a cocoon of delusion which fails to acknowledge some situations for what they are. Of course, negative emotions are real, and they have their place. But maintaining a grateful mindset means not asking, ‘why me?’, ‘what did I do to deserve this?’, but knowing that just because you do not see the sun in the dark clouds does not mean it did not rise. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"2vu3m","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"9m9du","text":"It also means that I embrace situations while keeping an open mind and seeing the times of trials as opportunities for growth and a new awakening. And it means learning and discovering ways to turn my lemons into lemonade because I believe everything happens for a reason. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"evm9m","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"6hos","text":"So, I focus on the lessons and the good things that difficult situations tend to mask. Those lovely, little and rare moments that life presents to us. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"fbrfg","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"ag986","text":"Better Mental State ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":20,"style":"BOLD"},{"offset":0,"length":20,"style":"{\"font-size\":\"24px\"}"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"b662l","text":"I keep a journal to remind myself of all the beautiful moments my human mind may be inclined to forget. Studies have proved that people who express gratitude daily through words, actions and journaling are generally happier and in a better mental state than those who do not. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"a6os0","text":" ","type":"atomic","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":1,"key":3}],"data":{}},{"key":"f42n9","text":"I have realised that the more time I spend focussing on gratitude, i.e. taking time for silence, communing with nature and offering appreciation for life and the blessings I already have, the better everything feels. I’m engulfed with hope, knowing there is more where that came from.\n","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"dj9hr","text":"Gratitude plays a crucial role in digging ourselves out of a deep, dark hole of perpetual dissatisfaction and frustration.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"38aqm","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"46at3","text":"Human beings are meant to grow and evolve; understandably, we will want to expand to achieve more than we already have to fulfil our full potential and reach self-actualisation. Therefore, I feel it is alright to want to do better for ourselves, but it is always healthy to adopt gratitude while working towards it. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"9v13f","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"1pka9","text":"Gets rid of toxic emotions","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":26,"style":"BOLD"},{"offset":0,"length":26,"style":"{\"font-size\":\"24px\"}"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"49ctr","text":"Gratitude opens doors, eliminates undue stress and burnout, and unshackles us from the mental anguish and toxic emotions caused by the drive to push ourselves to the limit, competing against others instead of competing against ourselves. Without gratitude, we are in danger of alienating those around us. For example, how can we embrace our loved ones, see the good in them, and appreciate them, let alone love them, when we don’t feel the same love and appreciation towards ourselves? ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"9tjkl","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"9ega0","text":"A gratitude attitude doesn’t imply turning a blind eye to problems and the areas of our lives that need fixing. It simply means we’ve learnt to embrace the hostile areas while being willing to do what is within our control or power to improve the situation. Also, walking in gratitude means that when we fail, we do not beat ourselves up about it but are thankful for the opportunity to try.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"4gi8c","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"5bedv","text":"So if you ever feel like something is missing in your life, look around with an open mind, and you will find that you have a lot to be thankful for despite what you think you lack.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"dp0ul","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"4gmvf","text":" ","type":"atomic","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":1,"key":4}],"data":{}},{"key":"339vr","text":"Check out my YouTube channel for videos on gratitude, practical tips on how to walk in gratitude and more.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[{"offset":13,"length":7,"key":5}],"data":{}},{"key":"dr7oj","text":" ","type":"atomic","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":1,"key":6}],"data":{}},{"key":"cqcu6","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"b3p6t","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"cbnnn","text":"\n\n","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"9tqer","text":"\n\n","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"e8od5","text":"\n\n","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"dcb5d","text":"\n\n","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"98og3","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}}],"entityMap":{"0":{"type":"wix-draft-plugin-image","mutability":"IMMUTABLE","data":{"config":{"size":"content","alignment":"center","textWrap":"wrap"},"src":{"id":"41fbfa_cc135ee3bad64dd19ffab31a8ae82014~mv2.jpg","file_name":"41fbfa_cc135ee3bad64dd19ffab31a8ae82014~mv2.jpg","width":473,"height":1024}}},"1":{"type":"wix-draft-plugin-html","mutability":"IMMUTABLE","data":{"config":{"width":350,"height":244,"alignment":"right","textWrap":"wrap"},"srcType":"html","src":"<iframe sandbox=\"allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin\" style=\"width:120px;height:240px;\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bertha1-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B09BZZFVDB&asins=B09BZZFVDB&linkId=ec22ce9b1f42f013b92d4a5fe2999bdf&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true\"></iframe>"}},"2":{"type":"wix-draft-plugin-html","mutability":"IMMUTABLE","data":{"config":{"width":350,"height":244,"alignment":"center","textWrap":"wrap"},"srcType":"html","src":"<iframe sandbox=\"allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin\" style=\"width:120px;height:240px;\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bertha1-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=1786859807&asins=1786859807&linkId=f787a3a96cc60ceea645a8cbb721970c&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true\"></iframe>"}},"3":{"type":"wix-draft-plugin-html","mutability":"IMMUTABLE","data":{"config":{"width":350,"height":244,"alignment":"right","textWrap":"wrap"},"srcType":"html","src":"<iframe sandbox=\"allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin\" style=\"width:120px;height:240px;\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bertha1-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B08LR88LK1&asins=B08LR88LK1&linkId=80829fad10ab5547f3cc2a43674d437d&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true\"></iframe>"}},"4":{"type":"wix-draft-plugin-html","mutability":"IMMUTABLE","data":{"config":{"width":350,"height":244,"alignment":"center","textWrap":"wrap"},"srcType":"html","src":"<iframe sandbox=\"allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin\" style=\"width:120px;height:240px;\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bertha1-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=1402238266&asins=1402238266&linkId=e2631162d43493221591aac1b7a8f807&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true\"></iframe>"}},"5":{"type":"LINK","mutability":"MUTABLE","data":{"target":"_self","rel":"","url":"https://youtube.com/c/BerthaMukodzani"}},"6":{"type":"wix-draft-plugin-video","mutability":"IMMUTABLE","data":{"config":{"size":"content","alignment":"center","textWrap":"wrap"},"src":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvUpStxJj84","metadata":{},"duration":153}}},"VERSION":"8.72.10"}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="dgi2t-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dgi2t-0-0"><span data-offset-key="dgi2t-0-0"><br /></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dgi2t-0-0"><span style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;">Perspective</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="41gvv-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="41gvv-0-0"><span data-offset-key="41gvv-0-0">They would also remind me of the people who lack clothes, freedom and someone to love them. Some are fleeing war, living in war-torn countries, long for three square meals a day and some walk stretches of miles, scrounging for anything to put in their bellies to keep them alive. Things we sometimes take for granted when our focus is not on gratitude.
</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="2sk9s-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="2sk9s-0-0"><span data-offset-key="2sk9s-0-0">Before I gained perspective on the real issues, I would roll my eyes and sulk. ‘What about my problems?’ I would moan. And it wasn’t until I realised that the more I focused on my selfish wants and needs, the more I continued to lack. </span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="f880a-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="f880a-0-0"><span data-offset-key="f880a-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="cr17q-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="cr17q-0-0"><span data-offset-key="cr17q-0-0">Constantly fixating on our frustrations and that which we lack and wish to have only creates a thick fog around us. As a result, we become engulfed by fear that leaves us paralysed, and we fail to take the steps we need to change our lives. </span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="83asf-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="83asf-0-0"><span data-offset-key="83asf-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="vgof-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="vgof-0-0"><span data-offset-key="vgof-0-0" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;">Focus on the right things</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="56ooe-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="56ooe-0-0"><span data-offset-key="56ooe-0-0">Adopting an attitude of gratitude has been a journey for me—a journey of constant growth, finding new meaning and interpretation. When I learned to walk in gratitude, my perspective shifted, and I began to embrace my life in its state and feel more positive about things. </span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="56ooe-0-0"><br /></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="56ooe-0-0">That is not to say that I live in a cocoon of delusion which fails to acknowledge some situations for what they are. Of course, negative emotions are real, and they have their place. But maintaining a grateful mindset means not asking, ‘why me?’, ‘what did I do to deserve this?’, but knowing that just because you do not see the sun in the dark clouds does not mean it did not rise. </div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="evr1u-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="evr1u-0-0"><span data-offset-key="evr1u-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="poll-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="poll-0-0"><span data-offset-key="poll-0-0">It also means that I embrace situations while keeping an open mind and seeing the times of trials as opportunities for growth and a new awakening. And it means learning and discovering ways to turn my lemons into lemonade because I believe everything happens for a reason. </span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="6el99-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="6el99-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6el99-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="7k0en-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7k0en-0-0"><span data-offset-key="7k0en-0-0">So, I focus on the lessons and the good things that difficult situations tend to mask. Those lovely, little and rare moments that life presents to us. </span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="peqe-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="peqe-0-0"><span data-offset-key="peqe-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="bqvch-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="bqvch-0-0"><span data-offset-key="bqvch-0-0" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;">Better Mental State </span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="64t81-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="64t81-0-0"><span data-offset-key="64t81-0-0">I keep a journal to remind myself of all the beautiful moments my human mind may be inclined to forget. Studies have proved that people who express gratitude daily through words, actions and journaling are generally happier and in a better mental state than those who do not. </span>I have realised that the more time I spend focussing on gratitude, i.e. taking time for silence, communing with nature and offering appreciation for life and the blessings I already have, the better everything feels. I’m engulfed with hope, knowing there is more where that came from.</div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="5kdiq-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="5kdiq-0-0"><span data-offset-key="5kdiq-0-0">
</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="4vl35-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="4vl35-0-0"><span data-offset-key="4vl35-0-0">Gratitude plays a crucial role in digging ourselves out of a deep, dark hole of perpetual dissatisfaction and frustration.</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="5an0k-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="5an0k-0-0"><span data-offset-key="5an0k-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="sgn5-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="sgn5-0-0"><span data-offset-key="sgn5-0-0">Human beings are meant to grow and evolve; understandably, we will want to expand to achieve more than we already have to fulfil our full potential and reach self-actualisation. Therefore, I feel it is alright to want to do better for ourselves, but it is always healthy to adopt gratitude while working towards it. </span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="abqsa-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="abqsa-0-0"><span data-offset-key="abqsa-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="b3pk4-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="b3pk4-0-0"><span data-offset-key="b3pk4-0-0" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;">Gets rid of toxic emotions</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="dg0g6-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dg0g6-0-0"><span data-offset-key="dg0g6-0-0">Gratitude opens doors, eliminates undue stress and burnout, and unshackles us from the mental anguish and toxic emotions caused by the drive to push ourselves to the limit, competing against others instead of competing against ourselves. Without gratitude, we are in danger of alienating those around us. For example, how can we embrace our loved ones, see the good in them, and appreciate them, let alone love them, when we don’t feel the same love and appreciation towards ourselves? </span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="9s37q-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9s37q-0-0"><span data-offset-key="9s37q-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="9h7sr-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9h7sr-0-0"><span data-offset-key="9h7sr-0-0">A gratitude attitude doesn’t imply turning a blind eye to problems and the areas of our lives that need fixing. It simply means we’ve learnt to embrace the hostile areas while being willing to do what is within our control or power to improve the situation. Also, walking in gratitude means that when we fail, we do not beat ourselves up about it but are thankful for the opportunity to try.</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="2jbh1-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="2jbh1-0-0"><span data-offset-key="2jbh1-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="faom3-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="faom3-0-0"><span data-offset-key="faom3-0-0">So if you ever feel like something is missing in your life, look around with an open mind, and you will find that you have a lot to be thankful for despite what you think you lack.</span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="faom3-0-0"><span data-offset-key="faom3-0-0"><br /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="c49si-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="c49si-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6lfk2-0-0">Check out my </span><a class="_3Bkfb _1lsz7" data-hook="linkViewer" href="https://youtube.com/c/BerthaMukodzani" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_self"><span data-offset-key="6lfk2-1-0">YouTube</span></a><span data-offset-key="6lfk2-2-0"> channel for videos on gratitude, practical tips on how to walk in gratitude and more.</span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="c49si-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6lfk2-2-0"><br /></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="c49si-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6lfk2-2-0">You can join me on my main website: https://www.berthamukodzani.com. Don't forget to subscribe and become a member for more content.</span></div></div><figure class="_2zSkX FSEVs" contenteditable="false" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="3h4o6-0-0"><div class="_1BaDs _1CBud Dsu-b _1au4D f3bms4w _3eCPQ undefined kWFic" data-focus="true" role="none"><div class="Q31CM npP6M f3bms4w" data-hook="videoPlayer" draggable="true" style="padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><div class="_37MeN"></div><div class="NjOn2" data-loaded="true" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;"><div style="height: 100%; width: 100%;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-111="true" frameborder="0" height="100%" id="widget6" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XvUpStxJj84?autoplay=0&mute=0&controls=0&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmanage.wix.com&playsinline=1&showinfo=0&rel=0&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&enablejsapi=1&widgetid=5" tabindex="-1" title="Unleash Your Full Potential Through Courage And Resilience" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></div><div class="aWTlU" data-hook="componentOverlay" draggable="true" role="none"></div></div></figure><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="cphmo-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="cphmo-0-0"><span data-offset-key="cphmo-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="49erd-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="49erd-0-0"><span data-offset-key="49erd-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="9jg8j-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9jg8j-0-0"><span data-offset-key="9jg8j-0-0">
</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="alo64-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="alo64-0-0"><span data-offset-key="alo64-0-0">
</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="6o0km-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="6o0km-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6o0km-0-0">
</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="evqse-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="evqse-0-0"><span data-offset-key="evqse-0-0">
</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Oh89J public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr fixed-tab-size rich_content_P" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="4t107-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="4t107-0-0"><span data-offset-key="4t107-0-0"></span></div></div></div>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-55404070918102992402021-11-07T02:40:00.000-08:002021-11-07T02:40:02.243-08:00The Art of Not Caring What People Think of You<p><span style="font-size: large;">Human beings are gregarious by nature which means that we naturally want to be liked and to belong. We want to know that we have a place in this world and that what we bring to the table is embraced and valued by other people. I suppose it is how we thrive in a world full of expectations and competition. Nothing at all wrong with wanting to find our space in this world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But in a world full of expectations and competition, developing and maintaining the mindset of not caring what others think about you, focussing on yourself and maintaining the confidence to keep trying after falling can become a real challenge. That challenge becomes even more ominous when our gregarious tendencies cause us to do things sorely expecting acceptance, praise and validation. When our needs and expectations are not fulfilled, we get stifled, crippled, crushed and lose our confidence. Sometimes we quit on ourselves and our dreams. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Developing the art of not caring what other people think and not letting their opinion define me and my moves is something I've had to work on over the years. Through doing the inner work, I came to understand that it is a must to give myself that gift of not caring and worrying about what others think of me. Each day I give myself the gift of only focussing on myself, my own growth, understanding that caring too much about what people say or don't say will only get in the way of progress. And that what matters is focussing on my principles, values and what inspires me as an individual, and what moves me and gives my life meaning. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the video below, I go into detail, giving you the tools you need to develop the art of not carrying what other people think of you and to walk in confidence as you go after what you want in life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Click the video to watch </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WpAvPSBsHTs" width="320" youtube-src-id="WpAvPSBsHTs"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-7149279428172000872021-10-10T05:22:00.004-07:002021-11-06T16:06:27.077-07:00How to Pick Yourself Up: The Art of Building Resilience and Dealing with Diversity<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Happy to announce that my ebook is now available to order on Amazon. Click this <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Pick-Yourself-Resilience-Adversity-ebook/dp/B09HYMC7KX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bertha+mukodzani&qid=1633867677&s=digital-text&sr=1-1" target="_blank">link</a> to purchase, and it will be delivered straight to your kindle once live. Don't forget to leave a review!</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><u><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Book summary</span></u></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Our experiences, good or bad, weave into life to form an intricate, purposely designed tapestry. But, without every piece, thread, loop, strand and colour, we cannot have that masterpiece, our self-actualised selves, whichever way you want to define it.</span></span></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Our adversities, though painful, do not have to be in vain. On the contrary, we can use these trying situations to catapult us into a deeper understanding and appreciation of ourselves and what we can withstand. We get to discover and delve into an untapped realm of our Ubuntu. Because let’s face it, some encounters force us to rise to the occasion, whether we want to or not. This process, I call simply growth. A more mature version of ourselves that does not wallow in self-pity. Instead, this mature version turns lemons into lemonade through resilience by ‘playing the card they're dealt’.</span></span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwj7lm8W-lHZPg9XCB2A2Fygpnkz7qVzZVpA-BPWIUDP0aSQF8LMNvCJ6F19F8-iFbFwkM4MzciyFJAYwGgmIOuSlo9-QJDTXXsiv9zeNmE9WhmqcBUmBhznRsRnHHt2aMNB8whLktqbB/s2048/BERTHA+MUKODZANI+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1283" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwj7lm8W-lHZPg9XCB2A2Fygpnkz7qVzZVpA-BPWIUDP0aSQF8LMNvCJ6F19F8-iFbFwkM4MzciyFJAYwGgmIOuSlo9-QJDTXXsiv9zeNmE9WhmqcBUmBhznRsRnHHt2aMNB8whLktqbB/w250-h400/BERTHA+MUKODZANI+%25283%2529.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-30310452627563347932021-08-11T03:34:00.004-07:002021-08-11T03:36:28.675-07:00All about self-love<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It took me a while to believe that I was worthy. That I deserve the good things in life. That I was good enough as I am even though it is okay to aspire to reach greater heights in life. <span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; white-space: pre-wrap;">7 SELF-LOVE Habits and Mindset Shift that changed my life - In the video below, I talk about self-love and the mindset shifts that helped me in my journey towards self-love and self-care. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Perhaps you're at a place in your life where you're looking at how you show up in the world, how you respond to situations and the things you allow in your life. As you do all that, in your own assessment, are your behaviours reflecting an appreciation for yourself as a human being. Are you respecting yourself enough to care for your body, and spirit and walking away from the things that no longer serve you well? Are you embracing all that life has to offer and setting high standards for yourself? Do you know and believe with your whole heart that you deserve the best in life? Click the link to watch my full video and be motivated as you go through this life.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for my weekly videos!</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d-H8c6mrv4I" width="320" youtube-src-id="d-H8c6mrv4I"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-37205866918896305822021-06-01T14:37:00.005-07:002021-07-17T03:05:40.353-07:00Recently, I started a How-to and Lifestyle YouTube Channel. Check it out!<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background: rgb(241, 241, 241); border: 0px; color: #030303; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As someone who has been through a lot in this life, I've decided to use my experience and knowledge to motivate and inspire others as well as provide practical advice, tips and strategies on how to navigate life situations and thrive despite what is thrown at your doorstep. Click here to hear my story: </span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnNCPZMadqc&t=0s" spellcheck="false" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; cursor: pointer; display: var(--yt-endpoint-display, inline-block); font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-decoration: var(--yt-endpoint-text-regular-decoration, none); white-space: pre-wrap;">https://youtu.be/RnNCPZMadqc</a></span><div><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background: rgb(241, 241, 241); border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
For more, <b>SUBSCRIBE and hit the notification bell</b>: I post videos every week.</span></span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SIf6JqHjN4k" width="320" youtube-src-id="SIf6JqHjN4k"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Below is another one of my videos. Click to explore. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FM_XjR31NEs" width="320" youtube-src-id="FM_XjR31NEs"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>More updates later. Take care!<br /><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-70655777175686756432021-04-11T02:35:00.005-07:002021-04-11T03:12:38.730-07:00How Time Has Changed Me<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeT8oK5vQJewSlrPq2IMP6MOJrvKTSC0AtVUkwmtpfrNC_nIdRsJVQ7F5KAo9WnQbR9IwJuu5giZE58M1aaknUfe-DIvfbMPw1_WMjux7DcZKupzUnCwoQQl0sNFKP6FuFsYpzIgIAer_/s1920/portugal+bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeT8oK5vQJewSlrPq2IMP6MOJrvKTSC0AtVUkwmtpfrNC_nIdRsJVQ7F5KAo9WnQbR9IwJuu5giZE58M1aaknUfe-DIvfbMPw1_WMjux7DcZKupzUnCwoQQl0sNFKP6FuFsYpzIgIAer_/w300-h400/portugal+bee.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I can’t say I remember my suckling or
cooing days. Neither can I claim to know for sure if I was a terrible toddler
or not. What I can vouch for are the marks tattooed on my legs and forehead.
Mama tells me they are monuments of the many falls sustained during my tender
years. She has recounted to my horror, my audacious attempts at clambering the
tall mango tree in our backyard at three! And how I slapped other children
across their cheeks and watched them wail, unfazed, devoid of emotion. I am
also told I once chortled and tried to reach for the slithery viper that crept
into our living room. Thank God, Mama was always there to save me from me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">There is a phase my memory has not
deceived me. The time the upbeat, patriotic songs blared on the street corners
and lyrics of Michael Jackson and Grace Jones thumped through open windows and
muffled gramophones. I remember reciting every verse of <i>Nothing is
Gonna Stop Us Now</i> and painting my diary pages with every word. My
interests were innocuous at first. But as the music took on a new meaning, I
was no longer just chanting, scribbling and dancing to the rhythm. To the boy
who sent my pulses racing, I professed <i>I Will Always Love You</i>. When
he shattered my heart into a thousand pieces, I begged him to <i>Come Back
to Me</i>. I was just another <i>Broken-Hearted Girl.</i> Each
melody, each beat, every phrase, became poignant, sacred and meaningful. An
allegory for my life. <br />
<br />
Those in the know say I was just a teenager with raging hormones. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But I swear the world was conspiring
against me. How else could I explain other girls having superior coiffures? Or
that my bulging thighs were an eyesore even in steeply priced habiliments
father bought with his hard-earned cash? By now, I had sassed what calls for
flattery and roused the opposite sex, and it was nothing I possessed. Nothing I
could pin down. Is it any wonder jealousy, self-doubt, and paranoia consumed
me? <br />
<br />
Then I took a stab at engineering my transformation. Skin lightening creams,
hot combs and Palazzos came to the rescue. I am thankful there was no Snapchat
and Instagram to increase the torture. Looking back now, I cringe at the things
I did. What was I thinking? It was inevitable, I suppose, that gradually I
would embrace who I was. It turns out, being me is okay. My looks do not define
me. There is more to me than my hoarse voice and knobbly knees. My intelligence
matters. I could shift my focus towards greater heights. Reach for the stars.
Become the so-called woman of substance. <br />
<br />
There are things I wish I had, <i>want to have like yesterday</i>, but I
try not to dwell on what I cannot change or control. I am learning to trust the
process. Friends and the need to belong are essential to me. But I am also
at peace in my own company. When I experience defeat, my mantra is
to try, try, try again. I pride myself on my resilience. My ability
to bounce back. For how can I grow if I do not fall?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Somewhere within me lies a passion for
igniting. I have something to offer, not only to my family or my immediate surroundings,
but the world. It’s funny how an appetite develops into insatiable hunger. The
realisation that there is an entire world to explore. Something else. I derive
satisfaction from motherhood, wifehood, occupation, and all that which makes me
a grounded being, I suppose, but should I suffer for wanting more? Striving for
more? Geography and responsibilities do not a hindrance make. Personal
expansion is mine for the taking. But first, I must know - what is my
purpose? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">With each season, I become my own
philosopher, pondering, searching and demanding answers to life's tough
questions. I know little, but I have heard and read the success stories. The distinguished
men and women inventors. The DaVincis of our time. Writers and performers, and
those whose names are not visible among the stars but have changed the world
all the same. Who am I to stand in my way? I could write the world's most
celebrated novel or find a cure for cancer. This fire is past kindling. Perhaps
one day, like the cleansing furnace, it will rid me of the disquieting voice.
That constant whisper that nudges me towards greatness and prompts me to find a
reason to live. My purpose. Meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Inevitably, I will enter my twilight
years. Without a shred of doubt, I know that when the time comes, it will be
the cacophony of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren's whines and feet
that will afford me the most pleasure. I will treasure the feel of their tiny
hands, exploring the contours of my wrinkled face. I will attend to their
questions, showing as much zeal as the desire I have to make sense of it all
now. I shall drown in their stunned, twinkly eyes when they listen to my tales.
I will chuckle when they gasp at my ancient words. For it matters not if they
get it or not. Because in the years to come, they will. </span><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">When the time comes for me to slow
down, cross over to the other side, I want to reflect, inhale and exhale,
knowing I did all I could. That I swam with the sharks and survived. That I
swung for the fence, reached my full potential and fulfilled my destiny. Or at
least gave it a whirl. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
Hey, come back soon!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-7027671139472613962021-03-13T10:37:00.014-08:002021-03-16T09:25:39.796-07:00If I Had A Mother - A Poem For Mother's Day<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVRmaC2IMmfv0HUarqKwh-_o0jE75uli5MBnTg0_Qbw_LcFaoxvyyqq02irIa1BRvNfneMdVvaOK-EN_VveH_-Rr4_TmNdtuaXPS7bTo1njdgiIJeIP7AFWCjiXntpydsyxWFherhZ0r6/s2048/20210313_133249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1028" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVRmaC2IMmfv0HUarqKwh-_o0jE75uli5MBnTg0_Qbw_LcFaoxvyyqq02irIa1BRvNfneMdVvaOK-EN_VveH_-Rr4_TmNdtuaXPS7bTo1njdgiIJeIP7AFWCjiXntpydsyxWFherhZ0r6/w201-h400/20210313_133249.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t scatter roses, so the song
goes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I do not mean to rain on your parade<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">And I don't doubt your merits as a daughter or son<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">All I’m saying is,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If I had a mother.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Her grave has long been cold and
hard.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Life’s pitted terrain nothing but a cliché.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">My victories hollow without her.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If I had a mother,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I would savour the sound of her
footsteps,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">clobbering our cobra waxed floors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Run towards her<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">And not scamper to my room,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">to avoid her incessant stories<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">About the women at the marketplace<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">For no song trumped the rhythm of her
traipsing,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">and airy, wishful gait.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If I had a mother<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I would rub her weary flesh after a
blistering day at the market.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Really take the time to pop her
blisters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Observe every crack of her
heels,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pour soothing oil on her bruised
knuckles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">And iron the creases on her forehead,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Until what’s left is nothing but
cackles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If I had a mother<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I would swallow her insipid grits.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">And gobble her dull collard greens.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Munch every crumb of her greasy buns<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">For every serving was a testament to
steadfast love<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If I had a mother<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I would gaze into her glassy eyes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Trace the contours of her jaw<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Really understand the arch of her
mouth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">And every smile behind her tears,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">For that is the shrine in which she interred her story and mine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">If I had a mother<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I would not wail so loud,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">The birds would scramble from their
trees.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">I would not bear testimony,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">To the adulation of my kindred and
strangers alike<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Instead, I would take the time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;">Really take the time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Because life, as we've learned, is all but fleeting.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><br /><p></p>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-67809018569656357562020-12-31T12:32:00.001-08:002020-12-31T23:41:11.918-08:00My End of Year Blog Part Two<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaATj5wPciQsc6KO1MRf-XPV8N8vMpM0fKFmmRStx-VMZSMbftVUboTKqznnTSf5kGVzLsVvlMfF5ZlZzsyeQOUfeoaT51NQfyewHUfV_qyi4wHDNEYdIcUfcL1mb_8h65YwBOrQM6BrXx/s662/love.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="552" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaATj5wPciQsc6KO1MRf-XPV8N8vMpM0fKFmmRStx-VMZSMbftVUboTKqznnTSf5kGVzLsVvlMfF5ZlZzsyeQOUfeoaT51NQfyewHUfV_qyi4wHDNEYdIcUfcL1mb_8h65YwBOrQM6BrXx/s320/love.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I'm thinking of that fateful day in May, when the world watched in horror as George Floyd was murdered in broad daylight in Minneapolis, Minnesota. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The incident, referred by some as a modern-day lynching, came to light when a witness posted the horrific scene on social media. Within hours, a widespread furore had spread across the world. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I recall George's dying words, 'I can't breathe'.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">'I can't breathe later became the Black Lives Matter movement slogan as they took to the streets to protest across the United States of America and indeed, the world.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Here, in the United Kingdom, people of every race, colour, creed, also took to the streets in solidarity of the cause.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">'I am sick and tired of being sick and tired', I tweeted as anger rippled through me. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I could not; still cannot fathom how another human being could do that to another. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For me, it is not just the Africa in African American I could not ignore, but the victim could have easily have been a black man I know and love.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As the events unfolded, I gravitated towards historical documentaries. I lived and breathed the civil rights movements, the emancipation of slaves and notable figures such as Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr and the others. I learnt more about history in the space of two weeks than I did during my days in school - I wanted to understand.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Regrettably, the world is an unjust place. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If only humanity could grasp that you cannot purposely sow seeds of hatred and create an enemy and expect to live in perfect peace. Things do not work that way.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I'm thinking of the rage. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The solidarity I witnessed among people of all races, colour and creed gives me hope. Hope that racism will, one day, lose its traction and become a thing of the past.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Without a doubt, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4332521326992297381/6780901856965635756" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2020</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> gave me something upon which to ponder. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Amidst the gloom, and with no sunny beaches to escape to, I was forced to confront myself and look to the little things for joy and comfort. </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Fleeting moments that, due to the hustle and bustle of life, often go unnoticed. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Sfu_hxwJWuTh2G3rAEvnw9BuyNesJY6GLqFkiiOhU_rZCFBNhuVY5NG5sQWrnDXQEHLOnQ9RktBGiBZkmV0OttxvQ_6coXD3Dh3c01cr2dRT8Jqr2Pz6utNjwRyeF1fbXnDaH3-vz4Ra/s1280/Snapchat-1435992928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="694" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Sfu_hxwJWuTh2G3rAEvnw9BuyNesJY6GLqFkiiOhU_rZCFBNhuVY5NG5sQWrnDXQEHLOnQ9RktBGiBZkmV0OttxvQ_6coXD3Dh3c01cr2dRT8Jqr2Pz6utNjwRyeF1fbXnDaH3-vz4Ra/s320/Snapchat-1435992928.jpg" /></span></a></div><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With no plans to travel, visit friends or go to the cinema, I could sit still at the end of my working week and take stock, reflecting as I dig deep into my deepest fears, desires, hopes and dreams. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzp7kPj56qLofyKiO--CSIjrqillWQY8bVEHxzbe0fSBzYeERXT7rqOu05DA-YIFySJ4P9wqRz384ysrHxL4w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p dir="ltr">I learnt to delight in minor pleasures - going for a stroll in my neighbourhood ad exercising within my four walls' confines. </p><p dir="ltr">Who would have thought the day would come when I got to drive to work in the absence of the dreaded rush-hour traffic?</p><p dir="ltr">With each day that God allows me to breathe, I affirm what really matters and fill my heart with gratitude. </p><p dir="ltr">Each day has been about gratitude. With each day that God allows me to breathe, I affirm what really matters and fill my heart with gratitude. Appreciation for another dawn, another saved life, another chance to try. </p><p dir="ltr">2020 has been a year of virtual dates. The year I saw a boy band perform in perfect harmony online in different parts of the world. </p><p dir="ltr">It's incredible what we could unlock through technology. Where would we be without Zoom, WhatsApp, Teams and various social media channels? </p><p dir="ltr">Lockdown gave me the gift of spending more time with my daughter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0J9NkjREvTztnL-Mk-JfGRA5a0O0hEAva9Ryo3jdvhNcxWe3-FvZceUeaADMMTo64EyDtei8wY5mhUmgpQ4TDBECAhmkFcprZK3tuVfDcI0nOWhHpfnjwiP8cR8K9TzuQlRNI5Qyq36T/s727/20201231_134310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0J9NkjREvTztnL-Mk-JfGRA5a0O0hEAva9Ryo3jdvhNcxWe3-FvZceUeaADMMTo64EyDtei8wY5mhUmgpQ4TDBECAhmkFcprZK3tuVfDcI0nOWhHpfnjwiP8cR8K9TzuQlRNI5Qyq36T/s320/20201231_134310.jpg" /></a></div><p dir="ltr">If, like me, you were fortunate enough to spend Christmas in the bosom of your family, then you will know what a blessing that was. </p><p dir="ltr">The discovery of vaccines has brought us hope. It is too soon to tell what the future holds, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. </p><p dir="ltr">Here's to a hopeful New Year, 2021!</p><p dir="ltr"><br /></p><p dir="ltr">
<br /></p></span><p></p>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-10973842657075303312020-12-31T06:28:00.006-08:002020-12-31T23:25:52.251-08:00My End of Year Blog Part One<p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_sb-rSJtw6M6pVPnjm4G6xa00KRduUtUlBtHxFEmm4isn-XS1V0gjHjgwoG8biNxsMF1rMxsjsdKMKxl-L9q57X_NMUhddL5WsHUB_cfWWpQ0VnbdqaVLs4t5UW_hnkbYPjnoRHjqJ6a/s1280/Snapchat-1145591614.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="694" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_sb-rSJtw6M6pVPnjm4G6xa00KRduUtUlBtHxFEmm4isn-XS1V0gjHjgwoG8biNxsMF1rMxsjsdKMKxl-L9q57X_NMUhddL5WsHUB_cfWWpQ0VnbdqaVLs4t5UW_hnkbYPjnoRHjqJ6a/w217-h400/Snapchat-1145591614.jpg" width="217" /></a></i></div><br /><span style="line-height: 150%;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">It is
stunning how twelve months can flash by in an uneventful second. 2020 not that uneventful. It has been
a year of mixed emotions for me. I have smiled, laughed, cried and felt absolute rage. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Being able to sit still, reflecting on
the significant moments, good, bad, big or subtle, is always good for the soul. For it
is during these contemplative minutes that I can assimilate all my encounters. Encounters which, as I move through this life, shape and define who I become. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Gratitude washes over me as I prepare to hail the new year on this
crisp, winter day: I am alive and well, and so are my loved ones. Need I say
more? </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">I had hoped by the time I pen this blog, 'rona' would have relented. Unfortunately, our invisible enemy still rages.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The disease has me ruminating over the moment when, as a
frontline healthcare professional, it dawned on me, that I had to don my PPE kit and get on with it. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;">As nurses, we are trained to handle medical emergencies. This was a medical emergency like no other. The shift was sudden, and the fear of the unknown had my stomach, churning. </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;">But COVID 19 had declared war on the population, and there was a job to be done. I was not being punished but merely assuming my position. </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1jnnCwKVsHF8jnq_uaa2sFd-RedwJHsH837BqSFLpPDqvTGAJdBRp4LwX0DuX4tt3WSQGM3idQGe1um-xA6B7QB612P4mvtgiRo1PFwELZ3i3lSZon5TxhClaQ-KBdKMT8GpmvTHKVEX/s1920/AirBrush_20200722112659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1054" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1jnnCwKVsHF8jnq_uaa2sFd-RedwJHsH837BqSFLpPDqvTGAJdBRp4LwX0DuX4tt3WSQGM3idQGe1um-xA6B7QB612P4mvtgiRo1PFwELZ3i3lSZon5TxhClaQ-KBdKMT8GpmvTHKVEX/s320/AirBrush_20200722112659.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;">I recall the dragon ride and some of my colleagues' sentiments: 'The first morning, I had the shits. Went four times and in the end, I had to tell myself come on now. It was hard to sleep. I kept waking up and looking at the time. I felt like a corona animal,' one of them said.</span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;">I burst out laughing. Not funny. Not funny at all. </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;">'But it was alright,' he continued. 'It's not all doom and gloom; many patients recover.'</span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"> Another felt embarrassed at first because 'I was thrown into the fire, and wasn't sure what I was doing. Also, it's a new environment, new people, everything is strange. But I always wish the patient to improve and hope my hands do something for them.' </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"> 'When I think about a shift that's going to happen tomorrow, I'm drained of energy. It's not about the work; I can work like a buffalo. It's the environment. But when I look around, I feel like I'm not alone. Everybody is there, and it's not like I'm working 24 hours,' said another.</span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;">For the doctors and nurses, and other healthcare professionals, it was an emotional rollercoaster. Still, we had an understanding: the job at hand was bigger than our trepidation. </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;">I'm outraged by the conspiracy theories on social media. The preposterous assertion that COVID 19 is a hoax. </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;">I hope you never have to live through the nightmare of not being able to hug or kiss your loved one (s) goodbye or attend their burial. </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;">Your thoughtlessness is an insult to those who stood by the roadside to clap and salute departed colleagues as they took their final journey. Oh, the rage! </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;">My heart swells with pride as I reflect on the courage with which we coped with our new reality. In addition to our undeterred spirit, the show of gratitude and constant reminders of our good deeds propelled us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: georgia;">'I never want to see another pizza again. There is food everywhere,' a colleague quipped. I had never seen so many presents in my life. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-style: italic; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The #clapforthenhs soon became a ritual. All done as a way of saying, 'thank you.'</span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The occasional I-don't-eat-the-clapping-I-will-still-have-peanuts-in-my-bank account outburst could be heard in the hallway. (Human beings got needs, I suppose.) </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">'Still, it's nice That they are doing that. It's not always about money,' said the voice of reason.</span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm reflecting, how in our workplace, messages of hope and goodwill poured, via social media and the intranet. How as colleagues, we cheered and praised one another more than we had ever done before. It was this sense of camaraderie that nourished our courage and determination. </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I would have wanted my COVID reflection to be a thing of the past, but alas, this enemy won't yield. Still, there is hope at the end of the tunnel. Vaccines are being rolled out to the population, and something tells we will soon breathe a sigh of relief. </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Soon, we will be able to make plans, travel and reunite with our loved ones. Soon, we won't have to live in constant fear. Soon, we will tell the story of how we overcame. </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Without hope, what else is there?!</span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /></p></span>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-21206056729120210362020-10-07T18:54:00.007-07:002020-10-07T19:14:14.842-07:00Hello Everyone...An Update!<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></p>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBSVNaqkh44WFqJfj4cLA9dvGNWv3LN1U3_yQgDZGTqnmnMeZjNeb9JWk3ms708W58TRgou3_aJ3WuZ4_8apAqQ8eKn1xGvaYVU7048EvnZLFfJ448CFB-IorCvp1FQLkVnEy_OfuZEIr/s960/bertha+latest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBSVNaqkh44WFqJfj4cLA9dvGNWv3LN1U3_yQgDZGTqnmnMeZjNeb9JWk3ms708W58TRgou3_aJ3WuZ4_8apAqQ8eKn1xGvaYVU7048EvnZLFfJ448CFB-IorCvp1FQLkVnEy_OfuZEIr/s320/bertha+latest.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">What a ride 2020 has been, and we still got a few more weeks to go yet!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I hope you have all been keeping safe. To those who have lost loved ones to ongoing pandemic, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. As a nurse, I have seen the amount of suffering </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">first-hand</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">, and all I can say is, 'This too shall pass.' Let us remain strong and hopeful, doing the best we can to keep ourselves, our loved ones and fellow men safe. </span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I know it has been a minute since
I updated this blog. But I have not been sitting on my
laurels. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">As you all know, I am a nurse,
which means COVID-19 has kept me, the other first responders and all those on
the frontline, busy. During the first peak, I did not have much headspace to
write but picked up again once things got settled, if that is even a thing,
considering the current status. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">However...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Since my last blog entry, I have
been able to pen the first draft of a romance (fiction) manuscript and am
currently editing it. And I have to say that I am feeling excited about this
project. Not only have I thoroughly enjoyed writing it, but I have also been
able to discover things about myself during the process. Writing, after all, is a way of self exploring. Many a great love stories have been written, and with lots of similar themes, but what makes writing special is that there are stories that only YOU can write. To me, the project is exactly what the doctor ordered. </span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">When will it be
published? I do not yet know. You cannot rush a work of art, right? But keep an eye out. An announcement may be coming sooner than we think!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ88fvhhfc_K_2YcQmlyNiX7EOdL6Wgt7OQ8pmni22bV7TvbQJIZbiwpOFVjInGaC7_C0OFxnZIfC5CWNTN5fYBonm-W6tTCa5HFVbCwjmjaMlOfdhJuxD6__u-eESwArmszTiuhQ7nzxJ/s241/writing+blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ88fvhhfc_K_2YcQmlyNiX7EOdL6Wgt7OQ8pmni22bV7TvbQJIZbiwpOFVjInGaC7_C0OFxnZIfC5CWNTN5fYBonm-W6tTCa5HFVbCwjmjaMlOfdhJuxD6__u-eESwArmszTiuhQ7nzxJ/s0/writing+blog.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Meanwhile, keep reading. Keep writing. Stay
safe. COVID-19 is still very much with us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Come back soon!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-71621723179934812212020-04-19T12:31:00.001-07:002020-06-10T04:21:24.628-07:00Pandemic: COVID-19: My Travelling Experience<h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkYcHBhrM7H9ADbnz4ci3CfUdQI10Pmbquz7JmfITr8cb2niLUkQ78hULAZTsAQvrD_JS9bnubHAz-1aBP0OQIKwiQCGyfbiCEzP3zOtTVbcvaM2oznHrRsL6gQe2_Lgf0Eh8_AWF4OJT/s1600/20200321_033819.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkYcHBhrM7H9ADbnz4ci3CfUdQI10Pmbquz7JmfITr8cb2niLUkQ78hULAZTsAQvrD_JS9bnubHAz-1aBP0OQIKwiQCGyfbiCEzP3zOtTVbcvaM2oznHrRsL6gQe2_Lgf0Eh8_AWF4OJT/s320/20200321_033819.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aboard Kenya Airways</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I remember a time when I could
not get enough of disaster movies. Watching the world on the verge of utter
destruction, due to an unknown disease or nuclear attack, and watching someone
race against time to save humanity gave me quite an adrenaline rush. </span></span><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 400;">And n</span><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: 400;">ever in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself playing a role in such a 'movie'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div>
</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Except, this is not a goddamn
movie! </span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Coronavirus is real. It is happening, and lives are perishing before our very eyes.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">I remember the moment the fireworks tore the atmosphere, ushering me into the year, 2020. New year. New me. Great decade.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8PZkyzSqRVY2negLf_O7MOjVccWKx5gTA9foXhHoJX5kKFfdkrRs-Vo7ictwrEZUu4SAbKnrP_CS_TNsY-XbXxdD0vuLQV2J39LyHr9q3qg03aBI11Mw_VmxOfqr8Ins04XxJwjIrAu8/s1600/AirBrush_20200321104748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8PZkyzSqRVY2negLf_O7MOjVccWKx5gTA9foXhHoJX5kKFfdkrRs-Vo7ictwrEZUu4SAbKnrP_CS_TNsY-XbXxdD0vuLQV2J39LyHr9q3qg03aBI11Mw_VmxOfqr8Ins04XxJwjIrAu8/s320/AirBrush_20200321104748.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New year. New me. Great decade - yeah right!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">I had already mapped out my plans, starting with my travel bucket list - Spain, Italy and Greece, but not in that order. But when an advert popped up showing cheap flying
deals to South Africa as I was browsing the internet, I ditched the Europe plans and immediately booked a flight to
Johannesburg. You see, it is not very often that I get to travel to Africa for half the
usual price for the time of the year. Perhaps I just missed my family. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Although a part of me believes it
was Divine Providence, given all that has happened. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwB0sJh5ptcyscWTa2imFShpTmKdDbapuEcxMUU71m2DWhninCyJzcQ2A4WCUrDLf-X_mDOSxMwc7_L3-BUooYyOH1tpQWRJd2L5as7NXD7GESJP0OehdK1YrW_AlhPR-3v2eBYK6JfDO/s1600/coronavirus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwB0sJh5ptcyscWTa2imFShpTmKdDbapuEcxMUU71m2DWhninCyJzcQ2A4WCUrDLf-X_mDOSxMwc7_L3-BUooYyOH1tpQWRJd2L5as7NXD7GESJP0OehdK1YrW_AlhPR-3v2eBYK6JfDO/s1600/coronavirus.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corona under the microscope</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">For me, reality first set in during my trip to Johannesburg. I first heard about a virus
wreaking havoc in Wuhan back in December. At that time, I did not pay much
attention. The sceptic in me thought this was just one of those conspiracy
theories or Chinese whispers (see what I did there). We get that a lot, right.
So, as far as I was concerned, this so-called virus had nothing to do with me.
Nothing at all.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Boy was I wrong.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">On March the 5th, eleven days
before my departure, the UK reported its first death. On the day I locked my
front door to set out for my trip to Africa, coronavirus had just been declared
a pandemic. Some countries were already closing their borders to tourists,
others screening upon arrival and implementing quarantine measures accordingly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbruKZQYrIBb9XvbtNOoTUD37GGH-um85dayxe1l5X0O6Pad-IJVqhBLg8OstNUhrwtxsNIERgqYSIWbtxhpNyKKpMgewje3_bp2pj2RdMDEXktl96xgukBu-hgV3wKkSeXKgMxeJdCBCY/s1600/corona+protection.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="960" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbruKZQYrIBb9XvbtNOoTUD37GGH-um85dayxe1l5X0O6Pad-IJVqhBLg8OstNUhrwtxsNIERgqYSIWbtxhpNyKKpMgewje3_bp2pj2RdMDEXktl96xgukBu-hgV3wKkSeXKgMxeJdCBCY/s320/corona+protection.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tools to fight coronavirus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">After checking my temperature for the hundredth time, I packed masks and hand gel, ready to use when I got to the station. When I got there, not a single person in sight was wearing a
mask. People went about their business, thronging at the bus stops and
strolling the pavements as if news of the virus was fake news. All the
while, my boyfriend was texting me, reminding me to wear a mask. Surely, he was just being overprotective if not dramatic. Everyone seemed relaxed, and the
thought of wearing a mask made me feel uncomfortable. So, I kept it tucked away in my handbag. </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w-RF-8gekHY0s5rYwet1kOMMEhcguM76QD3XS3ud6VCi2HweLdu3dT6wqMoPoNNy4VyFaC0uTdxXlQ6UVhaWGMB-Tkvm_-eopYDbwfyQDuuOyiJShRbBEmQxPavxCeb0dZ4llttR0Ntt/s1600/coach.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w-RF-8gekHY0s5rYwet1kOMMEhcguM76QD3XS3ud6VCi2HweLdu3dT6wqMoPoNNy4VyFaC0uTdxXlQ6UVhaWGMB-Tkvm_-eopYDbwfyQDuuOyiJShRbBEmQxPavxCeb0dZ4llttR0Ntt/s320/coach.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to the airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">I had learnt, through the media and various literature on the internet, that coronavirus was transmittable through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. On the coach to the airport, the
only four passengers who had boarded instinctively sat seats apart. No one
coughed or sneezed during the 45 minutes ride to Heathrow - to everyone's relief! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Heathrow
airport, however, provided a different ambience. The place, usually a hive of
activity, was eerily quiet, with the few passengers waiting to board their flights to various destinations donning tight masks and keeping as much distance as they could from the next person. And it was then that the situation became real for me, and I did not need my boyfriend to tell me to wear the mask. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMY-kgmEm7EMMxBfaMf0AXfOZoS61LCr24P1bIYatjlqgh5kBVt6glkKHKEfO5Tx5Ns2S4hF27pVmprkTReP7NHdyjaJe_Dlk2YQskYCv0BKaSLSMlOGLuLhWsruwOxBN_Trz8Yuc5Drv/s1600/mask.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMY-kgmEm7EMMxBfaMf0AXfOZoS61LCr24P1bIYatjlqgh5kBVt6glkKHKEfO5Tx5Ns2S4hF27pVmprkTReP7NHdyjaJe_Dlk2YQskYCv0BKaSLSMlOGLuLhWsruwOxBN_Trz8Yuc5Drv/s320/mask.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mask felt uncomfortable to wear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">After I had moved on from my disappointment at the lack of health check somewhere between checking in and boarding, I took a deep breath, whispered a prayer and braced for the twelve-hour journey ahead. </span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">During transit, the sight of passengers wrapping scarfs around their mouths and noses and donning all kinds of masks, the empty seats between passengers, the lack of casual conversation, the intermittent coronavirus announcements via the intercom and the temperature checks offered a constant reminder that
the world was under attack. Who would have thought that the day would come when flight attendants would greet passengers while hiding their smiles behind masks? But it was happening right in front of my eyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y0I2A0Ol3jOkVYH_CeB33IIhjvpMPU5aJc2rCuyZLQS7t4sRQIjz0lKXIaBjA99JIZJqkpbtwfaOqLGCqP1PkUgsWapJRW6Ea1vmKykZH6PM2yYsaGE-14hlaMyGXqvTTMBQghU3HkS7/s1600/20200315_055340.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y0I2A0Ol3jOkVYH_CeB33IIhjvpMPU5aJc2rCuyZLQS7t4sRQIjz0lKXIaBjA99JIZJqkpbtwfaOqLGCqP1PkUgsWapJRW6Ea1vmKykZH6PM2yYsaGE-14hlaMyGXqvTTMBQghU3HkS7/s320/20200315_055340.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess you could say I had plenty of legroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">On the way, I managed to capture the sunrise, the beautiful clouds and Mt Kilimanjaro, </span><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain in the world.</span><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwaOmuC3FUfawT1Px-nh8T91ZOfVcdgoQ0cARgf44fs6nQJVWhNDLhA56gxAE4w1uLZAr1Is5av9cmVyNzNdQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Click to play video - Mt Kilimanjaro</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Kilimanjaro is also the fourth topographical prominent peak on Earth, and those in the know say that it takes five to eight days at gruelling altitudes to make it to the summit and back. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">And yet, despite, all the beauty and splendour, I was
overshadowed by a sense of dread. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">The United Kingdom had just become a hot spot
for Corona Virus, and there I was, a frontline NHS nurse making this journey to
Africa, a continent not yet crippled by the virus at that time. What if I was
carrying the virus to infect my family? What if someone on the flight gave it to me? What was the use of wrecking my brain with worry? If this nasty disease were going to get me, it would no matter what. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">In the end, I resolved to leave everything in God's hands. In times like these, I find that it helps to lean on a higher power. Something to offer you comfort and hope and keep you sane. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I never feel as though I have truly travelled to Africa if I do not
cross the border to Zimbabwe. It is, after all, the land that birthed me. The
place where I learnt to walk and talk. The place that made me who I am today. But
on this occasion, with all the changes happening due to the virus scare, it was prudent that I remain in one place. I even considered cutting my already short trip short because every day, we woke up to changes, in travel and how we were to live and interact. When the UK announced its border restrictions, I panic set in. I needed to get back home to my daughter. My job also needed me.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Despite my initial misgivings and all the panic, I
had a magical time in the bosom of my family. We were all safe and healthy, and I managed to travel back safely. The pandemic, all the adjusting, the uncertainty and caution brought the family together. We were reminded to practise gratitude and to treasure the little
moments in life - watching a movie together, playing a game, sharing a joke, cooking and dancing.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">For example, I will treasure this bracelet made for me by my two-year-old nephew, whose main goal during my stay was to entertain me and impress me. For me, it is my most prized possession. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcggDuaPJdpB_vPbtssNA_RgoAx7a8c3YR4pffjmOtc5BJpQIw916kjDLYONfvYvNgLv31P1EJBFAavLwIr_sX-MDtWXkbTrwBGaF0sSJ2-uS-FtJTbzPJ_HNJd2Yc3rlBo37Q4y9sbgm/s1600/bracelet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcggDuaPJdpB_vPbtssNA_RgoAx7a8c3YR4pffjmOtc5BJpQIw916kjDLYONfvYvNgLv31P1EJBFAavLwIr_sX-MDtWXkbTrwBGaF0sSJ2-uS-FtJTbzPJ_HNJd2Yc3rlBo37Q4y9sbgm/s320/bracelet.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">There is something about Africa that makes me want to </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMgpaju0qQyAfMExz1KvIfn90yIjbpIjSF5nBMH20OY9QqXqY0hFYOQ5A54OtuDsJaJJFG6Vn0KDPBGJ1ISh7P4kI3as_plbbF6n6Iy2xF5_gyNBBHZkNU9TrEJBB-hqlm9DgFlKuJ5Vs/s1600/rock+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMgpaju0qQyAfMExz1KvIfn90yIjbpIjSF5nBMH20OY9QqXqY0hFYOQ5A54OtuDsJaJJFG6Vn0KDPBGJ1ISh7P4kI3as_plbbF6n6Iy2xF5_gyNBBHZkNU9TrEJBB-hqlm9DgFlKuJ5Vs/s320/rock+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">sit on a rock, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzYhbpJZJVXRLa16_wmiCuE7otG7MC1VIsTAkx15aTLFwsBbUZwvgyaGU23FfedZ5EePfgpxPZgJZlAoCvfDQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">play the African djembe (drum)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaa6VsGm-jjduY1pJhPsEmEwdUoTt4TuD8pb_Q0rB-Mk49oZ-V-VcxgHE-Fq6FfpXUGU2C5VtjHOUf4IcGAxUbJ5YfOiFdxdx3iEds43cZRURjmbyNMCAlVFA13GRJNMFYOanIKuvV1Ub/s1600/mbira.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaa6VsGm-jjduY1pJhPsEmEwdUoTt4TuD8pb_Q0rB-Mk49oZ-V-VcxgHE-Fq6FfpXUGU2C5VtjHOUf4IcGAxUbJ5YfOiFdxdx3iEds43cZRURjmbyNMCAlVFA13GRJNMFYOanIKuvV1Ub/s320/mbira.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">the mbira</span><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">, a musical instrument which is traditional to the Shona people of Zimbabwe,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzIHOpp21ktHtLuq8O_a5BGvBeqCHzp1FCjw0J8aFqSlN_Co1WGAM_qET_b7nFJqRGNxqIKNPOsgAsDkucf4JeBTLYt0HgjZip88a2IYdtw5QwJbrjxtPCpHcbTqqaaexTxucS7xFDzEg/s1600/beggar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzIHOpp21ktHtLuq8O_a5BGvBeqCHzp1FCjw0J8aFqSlN_Co1WGAM_qET_b7nFJqRGNxqIKNPOsgAsDkucf4JeBTLYt0HgjZip88a2IYdtw5QwJbrjxtPCpHcbTqqaaexTxucS7xFDzEg/s320/beggar.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4z1QL0Lz99l-a-x85kPiMj3KdW9GIwA_Gbdg1Jy_LiaxzrQUNFKBp4qDDgXo9KneEHtpaFJss3ZmPD75UoRobJZHu91ePycNCT2ghEH-Zbmmg0hOdwtVieoFRyL3JlcaWyqRnHMMoYOGF/s1600/20200318_114110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4z1QL0Lz99l-a-x85kPiMj3KdW9GIwA_Gbdg1Jy_LiaxzrQUNFKBp4qDDgXo9KneEHtpaFJss3ZmPD75UoRobJZHu91ePycNCT2ghEH-Zbmmg0hOdwtVieoFRyL3JlcaWyqRnHMMoYOGF/s320/20200318_114110.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">strike a conversation with a stranger, a beggar by the roadside, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">or buy a special gift </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6MvZx5N5WxiWs1sLU6LKpUnjpZiXU6FUBMGrJznasO7mXVbIMyeAnBjrgKI0c0fbJPNdsfx4J5ueaGGZxomsD1qpOMSyPuHD-5L8wvC2HfLgluSnUIw8nGxEvMKSwbJM-HlXM1YqdVlg/s1600/20200419_174017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6MvZx5N5WxiWs1sLU6LKpUnjpZiXU6FUBMGrJznasO7mXVbIMyeAnBjrgKI0c0fbJPNdsfx4J5ueaGGZxomsD1qpOMSyPuHD-5L8wvC2HfLgluSnUIw8nGxEvMKSwbJM-HlXM1YqdVlg/s320/20200419_174017.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMy8eTCwSP3l6LO1QEsjOlJnJhowoaJedZn0GeMO1Njfk1qpg74X04cv-fifEC3NoxNlulaqCxw-w2FVB-XJizI_1TtI5c52cX7X6ACEtfzsZwh10NO5jtFO8Edc_sadtEzJSIS_UX_d_/s1600/IMG_20200317_115654.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMy8eTCwSP3l6LO1QEsjOlJnJhowoaJedZn0GeMO1Njfk1qpg74X04cv-fifEC3NoxNlulaqCxw-w2FVB-XJizI_1TtI5c52cX7X6ACEtfzsZwh10NO5jtFO8Edc_sadtEzJSIS_UX_d_/s200/IMG_20200317_115654.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you know, you know</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Whenever I go to Africa, my
homeland, I love how little things bring back a sense of nostalgia. Things such
as a bar of soap or floor polish, and how they can transport me back to my
childhood when I learnt not only how to talk to my elders, but also how to do
the laundry and polish the floor. The time when I learnt to adapt to my
environment and deal with the challenges of life. To me, the days when the
world was as it should be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaWniQ8DnRhjTXecWSq8mvRRWPLZKOB18q6fgijPDG1v0jFIL3Zjzv0z6k5i_5ligoY0oxUtjrdQMujNTcHPD_3q7G8pEMjsgKnB6_4epovqXvipwdv0qYQnAdnqAitBLmN6FE5u_vxiC/s1600/IMG_guokh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="546" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaWniQ8DnRhjTXecWSq8mvRRWPLZKOB18q6fgijPDG1v0jFIL3Zjzv0z6k5i_5ligoY0oxUtjrdQMujNTcHPD_3q7G8pEMjsgKnB6_4epovqXvipwdv0qYQnAdnqAitBLmN6FE5u_vxiC/s320/IMG_guokh.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Because
of what Africa taught me – endurance, the spirit of Ubuntu, respecting your
elders, hard work, making do with what I have - I can embrace the challenges we
face today. And this horrible pandemic that has robbed us of our friends,
colleagues and loved ones is a challenge which calls not only for my
resilience and dedication to my job but for a positive spirit, strength and perseverance.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-7611224467755061852020-02-16T09:01:00.001-08:002020-02-19T10:22:54.226-08:00Brag Without Making Them Gag: The art of bragging<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Brag meaning in context: Congratulate
oneself</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">When it comes to bragging, there can
be a thin line between singing one's praises and being downright conceited.
There, I said it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr0ok9pwL7MYSR_-yyrauxqzuAR1L0hL_mC6TeFUfG_Aq-SJZslESZ9Lb86fUNVi8MwPZEN0YAXcuHueHwbOYmZlWhZQ80Dq8ADNBZF4vUMjuQB02olkPgeDw21oueWUbiAswatPa9N4i/s1600/68ee8358bd232094dd03d05e5aec11ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1131" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr0ok9pwL7MYSR_-yyrauxqzuAR1L0hL_mC6TeFUfG_Aq-SJZslESZ9Lb86fUNVi8MwPZEN0YAXcuHueHwbOYmZlWhZQ80Dq8ADNBZF4vUMjuQB02olkPgeDw21oueWUbiAswatPa9N4i/s320/68ee8358bd232094dd03d05e5aec11ff.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from the internet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpjYpuVuwbamSyf3JNBCs9QhJZYEOyQjqPGZ2YLXuxttjALzEKx1Raz8P4RA9p66F9-aXV_3L6a7gAOFCldqLQwdtfaWdv_mi_Gbd8drBoA2yisG2GneMVw6ROdbwkWPneF9TDCsqzOT4/s1600/queen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; text-decoration: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpjYpuVuwbamSyf3JNBCs9QhJZYEOyQjqPGZ2YLXuxttjALzEKx1Raz8P4RA9p66F9-aXV_3L6a7gAOFCldqLQwdtfaWdv_mi_Gbd8drBoA2yisG2GneMVw6ROdbwkWPneF9TDCsqzOT4/s1600/queen.jpg"
style='width:177pt;height:177pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'
o:button="t">
<v:fill o:detectmouseclick="t"/>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/LAUREN~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title=""/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I am all for singing one’s praises.
Having worked hard and persevered to accomplish a goal or a dream, I feel
it is only right that one should celebrate. Who wouldn’t?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Hiding away only deprives the world
of your testimony. How will we ever learn of your accomplishments and drink
from your well of wisdom and inspiration if you do not shout from the rooftops?
How are we ever going to see the light if it is hidden under a bushel? And
who would we admire and emulate? So, I reckon that one should blow that trumpet
for not doing so would be a sin against humanity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But I have learnt that sometimes when
we brag, we tend to ‘piss’ some people off. We face the unleashing of the
green-eyed monster, and we all know how it operates - it despises you and your success
and wills you to vanish from the face of the earth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Haters and naysayers are what some
call them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASBRY30qrB1xDhVHtL3se_8lSY-r1S5RWEsDa5_ShCNbqJ76ulAAG0nrPv0Pa7UbwjUqIPsnVjHRSVK4K2e49wroCdGxCNlJju-69Ag_iG7BVcE5RNjmOAweb2k7f79AcL8pUccP2sd4e/s1600/queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASBRY30qrB1xDhVHtL3se_8lSY-r1S5RWEsDa5_ShCNbqJ76ulAAG0nrPv0Pa7UbwjUqIPsnVjHRSVK4K2e49wroCdGxCNlJju-69Ag_iG7BVcE5RNjmOAweb2k7f79AcL8pUccP2sd4e/s1600/queen.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whether we realise it or not, when we
brag others will gag!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Take, for instance,
my example: One day, I was having a symbiotic conversation with a friend. We exchanged
details about our current pursuits, and before long, the conversation turned ugly.
My friend accused me of being condescending and implied I had a superiority
complex. We both became defensive, and the conversation deteriorated, turning
into a full-blown slanging match. The incident left a foul taste in my mouth,
and regrettably, I lost my friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Upon
reflection, I realised that perhaps we both had not spoken tactfully. In our
innocent attempt to inspire one another, we inadvertently put a choke on it,
causing the argument. Even though we both felt proud of the other’s accomplishments,
and wanted to celebrate each other, we ended up ruining our friendship simply
because we failed to brag without making the other feel small.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, how do you brag without making others gag?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">|Here are a
few suggestions for different situations: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">a) If you’re going
to blow your own trumpet, then do it within context. Know your audience and
stick to the subject at hand. Make anecdotes and mention some things in passing
if it drives a point home, but let it be the end of it. Only dwell on it if
others want to explore that point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">b) Let others brag
about you. And when they do point out the good you have done, graciously
acknowledge and accept the compliment and thank them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">c) Strike the
right balance when you brag. Usually, accomplishments come after a few
failures, rejections, resistance, and so on. Do not portray yourself as a superhuman who never fails. Doing that will only undermine your hard work,
the effort and determination you would have put into your goals. Showing how you beat the odds will not only encourage but inspire others too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So, my dear friends, by all means,
brag. It is your right and natural to want to do so. Besides, don't you think you owe it to others to teach them how it is done? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But for goodness sake,
do not alienate those around you. Humility goes a long way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-39400115991274151912020-01-18T16:03:00.004-08:002021-05-16T01:40:42.522-07:00#ThinkBIGSundayWithMarsha <div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">‘People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” Zig Ziglar.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv9984483108separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKScTuUnJ040s2SbM3ATCum7fYmyaGok8nDuuw_UZ6uL_S9owf51LDsWA-GMHig1Dmfnacyzati5KCk5gE3yfkwPZ0WVQwY8_IKYquH-vyKNMT1gPOgVqJhowqLuUrZ6AxDyYiXRKYl4W/s1600/thinkBIG.png" rel="nofollow" style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Cj-xebC382s%2FXiOX_ShPryI%2FAAAAAAAAE8I%2FRxpe70rgQVE1-mw04jS-PwgODnzw48WOgCLcBGAsYHQ%2Fs320%2FthinkBIG.png&t=1581258316&ymreqid=f9c2e3c4-3164-7203-1c86-400003014300&sig=FMpgt.tONVG5XeilBryhfg--~C" style="border: none; text-indent: -9999px;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you're familiar with the hashtag, #ThinkBIGSundayWithMarsha, then you know it is that place on Twitter where positive thinkers converge to spread good vibes into the world. Vibes we can never get enough of - love, kindness and peace. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">#ThinkBIGSundayWithMarsha is a place for everybody, regardless of race, colour, creed, or location. The main condition for using the hashtag and getting retweets is that you maintain a positive attitude. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Every tweet on #ThinkBIGSundayWithMarsha oozes love, growth, positivity and embraces humanity as we know it. Everyone is encouraged to be </span><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">respectful, recognising that we are all different and unique and that we all have something to give to this world. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Through the hashtag, we become one, striving for a common goal: to encourage and inspire. N</span><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">o religion, political affiliation, religious views or any other private agenda separate us. </span><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Each participant at #ThinkBIGSundayWithMarsha understands that to </span><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">share these positive vibes using the hashtag is also to gain massive exposure for your company, business and/or any other business.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Let's face it, the world is miserable enough; the best thing we can do to ease suffering is to spread love and light. No one is in denial here or sugar-coating anything. We are simply choosing to look on the bright side and to put sunshine where there is, in fact, rain. We all understand that bad seasons exist and always light at the end of the tunnel. That we can dream big and speak things into existence.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">However, adopting an attitude of gratitude has taken a lot of learning, growing and soul-searching. I’ve learned that one way to rise above some storms, challenges and setbacks is to allow myself consistent dollops of motivation. It is an undeniable fact that if I am surrounded by those that encourage and inspire me, then I have the basics of what I need to face anything.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">So, Marsha's #ThinkBIGSundayWithMarsha on Twitter is my go-to place for motivation and inspiration every Sunday. On some Sundays, I may not participate. But you can bet I will be scouring those feeds for motivation and inspiration - a nice little recipe to fill me up for the day. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<div class="yiv9984483108separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgtzD7sf-r7YXY-XqK-HaZ4YUXpVibeyLhrIzPkC2FPO0rkv2rp5QW0gsOsZG-vjymejSpBtp-BrQFtU6qC6V5O4eX_llP0gTv0lDtiD50HbGsHzzLlPfsyHepsFgHwB1J4f9IRGDXzQZ/s1600/positive-vibes-only.jpg" rel="nofollow" style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Mcm_qVl2kF4%2FXiO_t4A0okI%2FAAAAAAAAE8c%2FRCHMKvGDsT8NFE7uySkZJsuUYjc9s1McgCLcBGAsYHQ%2Fs320%2Fpositive-vibes-only.jpg&t=1581258316&ymreqid=f9c2e3c4-3164-7203-1c86-400003014300&sig=Cu9OGxdEARJbi1NeWuTJYg--~C" style="border: none; text-indent: -9999px;" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">So if you're struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel, for your project, for your inner peace, or simply want to stalk some good people, whatever, search for the hashtag #ThinkBIGSundayWithMarsha on Twitter and witness the magic and the chain reaction that comes with spreading a little bit of kindness and tenderness into the world.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">#ThinkBIGSundayWithMarsha creates a large force of light directed towards hope. Scrolling through the quotes and testimonies, you will get to witness the potential humanity has to simply become what this world desperately needs today - love and light.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: old, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Join the fun!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-61697793345517889202020-01-17T04:41:00.001-08:002020-01-19T00:25:04.150-08:00To Forgive is Divine<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
It is the beginning of the New Year and a new decade, and what better way to begin than on a clean slate. Set new goals - get into shape, break patterns, raise your standards; indeed, forgive those that have hurt you and move on.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br />
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP824fIzzP6geA8XXkWo9y-3s1Y-Wa5j7Xavz8amfsBUmVDpmNuefkwU_aJRwEdzOLzdmSG-ubjXMeHUwjcjIiB5zvrKwaRvKoZhTY85JhRMCtXcRXS_bljfd5sQMYbq1YsKB1i2CTu0DC/s1600/forgive.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP824fIzzP6geA8XXkWo9y-3s1Y-Wa5j7Xavz8amfsBUmVDpmNuefkwU_aJRwEdzOLzdmSG-ubjXMeHUwjcjIiB5zvrKwaRvKoZhTY85JhRMCtXcRXS_bljfd5sQMYbq1YsKB1i2CTu0DC/s320/forgive.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Have you ever felt so angry, hurt and disappointed that you lie awake at night, tossing and turning? Blood courses through your veins as you mull over what they said, did or did not do. Your heart races, your face transforms into folds of fury at the mere mention of their name. You may even make a loud, contemptuous snort or look away at the sight of them.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> And, when they are finally out of sight, you exhale a sigh of relief, thinking – </span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">that showed them</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. That knot in your stomach unwind, and your body rests for you have proved a point and revealed to the person just how much you despise them. And, that feeling of satisfaction finally disperses the lump in your throat, perhaps bring back that spring in your step.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Alas, the feeling does not last. It never does. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Before long, the anger and hurt come rushing back. Your body goes into a frenzy as it slips back into another whirlwind of emotion. The actions of your so-called <i>nemesis </i></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">begin to torment you once again. The words they uttered during your row keep ringing incessantly inside your head. Their actions or lack thereof gnaw away at your soul, and may even chirp away at your confidence. Your body becomes paralysed, robbing you of everything good – joy, creativity, gratitude - because your object of torment has now become your sole focus. It is all you can think about.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You are hurting, and that is understandable. </span><br />
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLAhyphenhyphenaObfrmBwG-UUL25DRUqgMgdVaXz6mT7IA7RvzQQxDLS-kSj9lufeD9zqM6-RUjz7EfjO2fv5a0d9jlGaMP4EDeAi1RErZkQn7UOmrfnCY7Px9Yz_U9z2oGBKFKD1Mt4wEfYpQnx8/s1600/forgive.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLAhyphenhyphenaObfrmBwG-UUL25DRUqgMgdVaXz6mT7IA7RvzQQxDLS-kSj9lufeD9zqM6-RUjz7EfjO2fv5a0d9jlGaMP4EDeAi1RErZkQn7UOmrfnCY7Px9Yz_U9z2oGBKFKD1Mt4wEfYpQnx8/s1600/forgive.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illustration by Nichollekobi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But I have news for you. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">More often than not, the person that dumps rubbish inside your heart and soul forgets about you the moment their back is turned. They go on to lead their lives and on their terms while you are left reeling, broken and debilitated. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Emotions are necessary. For example, anger and hurt can alert to that which we do not like. By experiencing them, we get to reflect, and in some instances, they can become the motivation we need to make changes in our lives. But anger, hurt and disappointment, if not well-managed lead to bitterness, resentment and hate. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Science informs us that anger as an intense emotion triggers that fight and flight response. The body recognises that something is wrong and releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to help it cope – your blood pressure rises, your heart rate soars, and the gut becomes compromised as the brain shunts blood away from it and towards the muscles as it positions itself for a physical attack. If this happens long enough, your body gives way to disease - headaches, digestion problems, stress, depression, heart attack, stroke, and so on. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So how do you liberate yourself from this soul-destroying mission?</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The short answer is you forgive. </span><br />
<br />
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You do not have to shake a person's hand, give them a peck on the cheek or let them know you have forgiven them. Exhale and let it all go because forgiveness is about you, not them.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And, there are steps you can take, which are:</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1) Realise that you cannot control someone’s actions, thoughts and behaviour. But, you can control yours.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2) Embrace your feelings and allow yourself to feel what you feel. You are human, after all.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">3) Practice gratitude, because no matter how bad things get, we all have something to be thankful for.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">4) Think positive and breathe life into your soul - this boosts your confidence and self-esteem and you will need this to tackle the next stage which is;</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">4) Do not give value to hurtful words and actions. If someone knows you go on a rampage whenever they push your buttons, there may decide to amuse themselves by playing with your emotions. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">5) Instead of reacting negatively, turn things around. One way you can do this is by being kind. Kill them with kindness as the saying goes. A mean feat, but doable. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">6) Work on your negotiating skills; talk things through and find common ground if it is something you can agree on.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">7) Last, but not the least, consider the possibility that you could be wrong about a person and their intentions. Sometimes people hurt us unintentionally, therefore, having an open mind allows us to see things from a different perspective. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As hard as it is to do, you can forgive. The only person you have power over is yourself. When you learn to let go of that anger and resentment, you take back the reins of your life. Other people’s actions can no longer haunt you. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhNWwtDhjsIoBXwyc2-M4JsgDhXyfG9S1_8Yimu-mOsV3Emza3faknd3LjoHk6-8RpyA6B3YrYVfEUtlUDSCYrxcKYKoLAQH17hxO3_egQvA5UML1Ar3YycVv50BGrfQWXWotE12tcmcH/s1600/let+go.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="434" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhNWwtDhjsIoBXwyc2-M4JsgDhXyfG9S1_8Yimu-mOsV3Emza3faknd3LjoHk6-8RpyA6B3YrYVfEUtlUDSCYrxcKYKoLAQH17hxO3_egQvA5UML1Ar3YycVv50BGrfQWXWotE12tcmcH/s320/let+go.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">To quote the words of the wise: “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
</div>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true"></span>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-67230197308643209142020-01-15T08:19:00.000-08:002020-01-17T15:38:47.489-08:00How Time Has Changed Me<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0Lv1W4S5BDU6-hGLiLvoZ-2yuQ67pLY5RYQNrsCwCCYedOmB9gtjJFV5Kiuan2MPHgQ72fNweD0fq7-MS29qrvTwzlaNceAddjJGhMkdIIgPpcH2s4Q8hQ_yHhpaSLVa9JyZ6gzRT7hW/s1600/portugal+bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0Lv1W4S5BDU6-hGLiLvoZ-2yuQ67pLY5RYQNrsCwCCYedOmB9gtjJFV5Kiuan2MPHgQ72fNweD0fq7-MS29qrvTwzlaNceAddjJGhMkdIIgPpcH2s4Q8hQ_yHhpaSLVa9JyZ6gzRT7hW/s320/portugal+bee.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">I can’t say I remember my suckling or cooing days. Neither can I claim to know for sure if I was a terrible toddler or not. What I can vouch for are the marks tattooed on my legs and forehead. Mama tells me they are monuments of the numerous falls sustained during my tender years. She has recounted to my horror, my audacious attempts at clambering the tall mango tree in our backyard at three! And how I slapped other children across their cheeks and watched them wail, unfazed, devoid of emotion. I am also told I once chortled and tried to reach for the slithery viper that crept into our living room. Thank God, Mama was always there to save me from me.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">There is a phase my memory has not deceived me. The time the upbeat, patriotic songs blared on the street corners and lyrics of Michael Jackson and Grace Jones thumped through open windows and muffled gramophones. I remember reciting every verse of <i>Nothing is Gonna Stop Us Now</i> and painting my diary pages with every word. My interests were innocuous at first. But as the music took on a new meaning, I was no longer just chanting, scribbling and dancing to the rhythm. To the boy who sent my pulses racing, I professed <i>I Will Always Love You</i>. When he shattered my heart into a thousand pieces, I begged him to <i>Come Back to Me</i>. I was just another <i>Broken-Hearted Girl.</i> Each melody, each beat, every phrase, became poignant, sacred and meaningful. An allegory for my life. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">Those in the know say I was just a teenager with raging hormones. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">But I swear the world was conspiring against me. How else could I explain other girls having superior coiffures? Or that my bulging thighs were an eyesore even in steeply-priced habiliments father bought with his hard-earned cash? By now, I had sassed what calls for flattery and roused the opposite sex, and it was nothing I possessed. Nothing I could pin down. Is it any wonder jealousy, self-doubt and paranoia consumed me? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Then I took a stab at engineering my transformation. Skin lightening creams, hot combs and Palazzos came to the rescue. I am thankful there was no Snapchat and Instagram to increase the torture. Looking back now, I cringe at the things I did. What was I thinking? </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">It was inevitable, I suppose, that gradually I would embrace who I was. It turns out, being me is okay. My looks do not define me. There is more to me than my hoarse voice and knobbly knees. My intelligence matters. I could shift my focus towards greater heights. Reach for the stars. Become the so-called woman of substance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">There are things I wish I had, <i>want to have like yesterday</i>, but I try not to dwell on what I cannot change or control. I am learning to trust the process. </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Friends and the need to belong are essential to me. But I am also at peace in my own company. </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">When I experience defeat, my mantra is to</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> try, try, try again. I pride myself on</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> my resilience. My ability to bounce back. For how can I grow if I do not fall?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">Somewhere within me, lies a passion for igniting. I have something to offer, not only to my family or my immediate surroundings but the world. It’s funny how an appetite develops into insatiable hunger. The realisation that there is an entire world to explore. Something else. I derive satisfaction from motherhood, wifehood, occupation, and all that which makes me a grounded being, I suppose, but should I suffer for wanting more? Striving for more? Geography and responsibilities do not a hindrance make. Personal expansion is mine for the taking. But first, I must know - what is my purpose? </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNApU4aky172_k3yvgBB9HTkUlHkjz2rSwy0nEFn3OhNlAUOKTOmg3ogcVpjvhl37fd-r5i2A7wy2WJM-cG-RA4cc7ppuP1637PfuHnojh0fxVja1TqbE99urWPlYBnQwnFtc-OoOOPLFs/s1600/bee+ponder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="787" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNApU4aky172_k3yvgBB9HTkUlHkjz2rSwy0nEFn3OhNlAUOKTOmg3ogcVpjvhl37fd-r5i2A7wy2WJM-cG-RA4cc7ppuP1637PfuHnojh0fxVja1TqbE99urWPlYBnQwnFtc-OoOOPLFs/s320/bee+ponder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">With each season, I become my own philosopher, pondering, searching and demanding answers to life's tough questions. I know little, but I have heard and read the success stories. The great men and women inventors. The DaVincis of our time. Writers and performers, and those whose names are not visible among the stars but have changed the world all the same. Who am I to stand in my way? I could write the world's most celebrated novel or find a cure for cancer. This fire is past kindling. Perhaps one day, like the cleansing furnace, it will rid me of the disquieting voice. That constant whisper that nudges me towards greatness and prompts me to find a reason to live. My purpose. Meaning.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">Inevitably, I will enter my twilight years. Without a shred of doubt, I know that when the time comes, it will be the cacophony of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren's whines and feet that will afford me the most pleasure. I will treasure the feel of their tiny hands, exploring the contours of my wrinkled face. I will attend to their questions, showing as much zeal as the desire I have to make sense of it all now. I shall drown in their stunned, twinkly eyes when they listen to my tales. I will chuckle when they gasp at my ancient words. For it matters not if they get it or not. Because in the years to come, they will. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">When the time comes for me to slow down, cross over to the other side, I want to reflect, inhale and exhale, knowing I did all I could. That I swum with the sharks and survived. That I swung for the fence, reached my full potential and fulfilled my destiny. Or at least gave it a whirl. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<br />
Hey, come back soon!</div>
Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-32049378172625923432019-12-31T11:51:00.001-08:002020-01-03T03:54:40.999-08:00My Year in Books - 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ihtEaIXscO4qD6Aw38A6PdfpZWJ6woZjr37npu_hWLk3yH-WEjeHbPnjLNavOLznD4YclZO85Mx7IMQ7LLrRnJDc31RIP3EIz8-qtFcbvivlQ5K3qWcgfvLA9zrIalPRAB0ESmTM0cnH/s1600/read.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ihtEaIXscO4qD6Aw38A6PdfpZWJ6woZjr37npu_hWLk3yH-WEjeHbPnjLNavOLznD4YclZO85Mx7IMQ7LLrRnJDc31RIP3EIz8-qtFcbvivlQ5K3qWcgfvLA9zrIalPRAB0ESmTM0cnH/s1600/read.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I’m
ashamed to admit that this year I didn’t read as much as I would have liked. Life
does take over, I suppose. Better to have read something than none at all,
right? So, here is my 2019 book list starting with the latest to be read:<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">10. The Wedding</em></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Nicholas Sparks</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY808RPiG31UGDXxaXlkiLNHMu_-mvybEcbpCFyIMa2FmmaLEXqsXx10L9kBP-Z5_1aSZ7dxHguc2I8Nd3ImRMFW-W_nCe_SUIBjbx0N0zYzpmxi3TjF-6CG_5D7NyeSNcBTnEHqz4n3w/s1600/nick.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY808RPiG31UGDXxaXlkiLNHMu_-mvybEcbpCFyIMa2FmmaLEXqsXx10L9kBP-Z5_1aSZ7dxHguc2I8Nd3ImRMFW-W_nCe_SUIBjbx0N0zYzpmxi3TjF-6CG_5D7NyeSNcBTnEHqz4n3w/s1600/nick.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><i>What does it take to win the love of your wife?</i></b></span><br />
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It was the day after Christmas when I found myself craving a bit of romance, and there was only one guy to satisfy my needs. Nicholas Sparks has the knack of transporting me to an idealistic world. A world in which I wish to reside. A world that, quite frankly, few ever get to experience. That world, I sometimes call it, a place of bliss. In this tale, the author does not disappoint. I always love Nicholas's simple and yet sophisticated way of writing. A story about a husband who successfully rekindles her wife’s fading love for him. I was mesmerised by the husband’s creativity in making his wife fall in love with him all over again. How effortless, once he had made up his mind to win her once more, the process became compared to when he didn't care. I was enthralled by the way the writer made references to my all-time favourite, the mother of all romance stories - <b><i>The Notebook.</i></b> The story took me on quite a journey, and I found my spirit soaring. Tears dripped from my eyes. And I fell in love with love. Indeed, Nicholas knows how to deliver just the right concoction for the romantic at heart, and what a perfect finish to my reading year. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">9. An American Marriage</em></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Tayari Jones.</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pxVn4_4CqnSDzA4XoEkxeLowHJWe0O-NsLpV4A5fpjuwLapCyVb1f0NVUOGU2xv0ZxFnuy4TVx9WfdvEjgc2asMeNgO1iGcfHJ7dGTjs1SeLSCI2RWUFINc8ECy4kVSQx-AgXLKuU00C/s1600/marriage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pxVn4_4CqnSDzA4XoEkxeLowHJWe0O-NsLpV4A5fpjuwLapCyVb1f0NVUOGU2xv0ZxFnuy4TVx9WfdvEjgc2asMeNgO1iGcfHJ7dGTjs1SeLSCI2RWUFINc8ECy4kVSQx-AgXLKuU00C/s1600/marriage.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: "guardian text egyptian web" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px;"> </span><b><i>"A black man, in the wrong place at the wrong time, will find retribution meted out swiftly and unquestioningly."</i></b><br />
<br />
Had someone not Tweeted about this book, I would not have discovered it. Winner of the Women's prize for fiction, this story pulled at my heartstrings, to say the least. Celestial and Roy, a newly-married couple, are on the verge of realising their American dream when it is cruelly snuffed away when Roy is wrongly accused of rape by a white woman and ends up incarcerated. Heartrending and unfortunately, a poignant reflection of the plight of the black family and our society in general. Bound by their love, the newly-married couple is determined to make things work. They send letters back and forth to each other, and this is how the writer tells the story. Through the characters’ correspondences, which I thought was quite creative, we delve into each character’s head and glimpse into their feelings, attitudes, fears and motivations. The book delivers themes that spark passionate conversations about the black family, love, betrayal, abortion, the relationship between the black man and America's police force and more. As one can expect, there is always conflict, a twist or two in every story worth telling, but I did not anticipate the ending. Being an idealist and a hopeless romantic, I imagined the couple making it despite the challenges of being pulled apart by time and distance. Such is life, I guess. *sigh*</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">8. Slay in Your Lane: The Journal by Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinene </em></strong></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></em></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rL4cy5nLECcQMVqOQMje8NySzFgIm80PvmaYP92vePmbc5MqMSbYQOqyf-v8BjlwOpfAnh4iHWpoIlognn9glVikZa4G5uuL_Nlw0xQyIpuI7uXRG6YY1OKl-lD3GglW_AlCicR2t8hP/s1600/slay.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rL4cy5nLECcQMVqOQMje8NySzFgIm80PvmaYP92vePmbc5MqMSbYQOqyf-v8BjlwOpfAnh4iHWpoIlognn9glVikZa4G5uuL_Nlw0xQyIpuI7uXRG6YY1OKl-lD3GglW_AlCicR2t8hP/s1600/slay.png" /></a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></em></strong></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The book delivers exactly what it says it is: The Black Girl Bible. </span>Black women and girls do face a lot of challenges. We are misunderstood, labelled as angry, and sometimes find ourselves at the bottom of the food chain in other areas of life. If you are a black woman in need of some motivation, this is the book you will want to read. The book also gives real-life accounts and testimonies of those who have ‘made it’ in life. It demonstrates how to navigate societal prejudices, how to attain the right level o education, how to get employment, and how to simply to get ahead in life. A great read, but difficult to swallow in some parts as I found myself reliving some of the harsh realities of my life as a black woman living in Britain.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">7. Queenie</em></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Candice Carty-Williams</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwgRXa3PV8r_1wY0_8YA_pkSkWXzotnf6rkb7LIwhO0br2jKnvfiko5faMVJibNKU6yBEbhrYtGqXFB8aPBW0-VwTMkni5J3I1gRMTfrzmlsvP9_4eHIRt4XnV2mueFMgYTgd5ui6H79a/s1600/queenie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwgRXa3PV8r_1wY0_8YA_pkSkWXzotnf6rkb7LIwhO0br2jKnvfiko5faMVJibNKU6yBEbhrYtGqXFB8aPBW0-VwTMkni5J3I1gRMTfrzmlsvP9_4eHIRt4XnV2mueFMgYTgd5ui6H79a/s1600/queenie.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Dubbed by some as the black Bridget Jones, I found this book funny, gripping and a compelling read. The writer uses light-hearted language to depict serious issues. She explores her Caribbean family, and even though I am from Zimbabwe, I can identify with her experiences in matters of life in general, love, race, relationship break-ups, disappointments, societal attitudes and misconceptions about certain groups of people and family. Told in simple language, humorous and yet compelling way. I concluded that the writer's aim was to enlighten, teach, inform as well as entertain and Candice did just that. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">6. Washing Black</em></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Esi Edugyan</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2fGxGJ0E7UeewnNwaS-a6vm6cccUcTAI15BwDT8QJLE8Lj2mZrSfpuYdJq1jacH5CouObQkhlD2gxIwqUi84lQF-L8JzXKRW6qe8SZeAQeSB0pG_00774mQncgSDZE0rFvZIHWrk3lhx/s1600/washing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2fGxGJ0E7UeewnNwaS-a6vm6cccUcTAI15BwDT8QJLE8Lj2mZrSfpuYdJq1jacH5CouObQkhlD2gxIwqUi84lQF-L8JzXKRW6qe8SZeAQeSB0pG_00774mQncgSDZE0rFvZIHWrk3lhx/s1600/washing.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I was drawn to this book because it was nominated for the Booker Prize, and most people were raving about it. In the opening pages, Washington Black launches the horrors of slavery at sugar plantations in Barbados. But he does not dwell on slavery. Instead, the author drifts towards the experiences of the free young slave who is chosen to be the helper of his master’s brother. As they explore their relationship and adventures together, Washington Black discovers that he is talented. He soon embraces life as a free man. A man, perhaps, seen as an 'equal to the white man'. I don’t know what to make of this story as the ending left me craving for more, wishing it was more. Something else. Oh, well. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">5. The Kiss Quotient</em></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Helen Hoang</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUivyXQClim9gVqwqrSV3lKBSwqFnI7a8c69qrltnynsle6rLMJavDZmV_SCyYGHvwhmB7l-Ns-M2eovXgFdpblx33rQR1aTcMEju7X_Ihyphenhyphen9f14lK3nKtC3Im_fbZmo9REFtxD82PbfEb/s1600/kiss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUivyXQClim9gVqwqrSV3lKBSwqFnI7a8c69qrltnynsle6rLMJavDZmV_SCyYGHvwhmB7l-Ns-M2eovXgFdpblx33rQR1aTcMEju7X_Ihyphenhyphen9f14lK3nKtC3Im_fbZmo9REFtxD82PbfEb/s1600/kiss.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This #ownvoice romance novelist delivers a classic tale about Stella, who is an ambitious, intelligent, </span>autistic young lady. Stella's mother keeps nagging her about finding a boyfriend. She wants her daughter to be 'normal', I guess. In the end, the sequence of events drives Stella to hire a male escort to show her the ‘ropes’ of love and sex in preparation for her real man. Now how many would do it I suspect, but hey, whatever works. An energetic, light read, a little bit predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. I am always drawn to heartwarming stories where love prevails.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">4. Sycamore Row by</em></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> John Grisham</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ik_CZBGztPLgZ1SvEUiitcxXSw-OohJdp830biKQnieZYC5Lafhe-1zhL3BaFZZAdoGBUBqakHL7J558ZTTXrt7AixH2dB2EuE_elNX-AT8xaN5iVBnjVHLIHILk_-X0CzJH8uwccjiq/s1600/row.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ik_CZBGztPLgZ1SvEUiitcxXSw-OohJdp830biKQnieZYC5Lafhe-1zhL3BaFZZAdoGBUBqakHL7J558ZTTXrt7AixH2dB2EuE_elNX-AT8xaN5iVBnjVHLIHILk_-X0CzJH8uwccjiq/s1600/row.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This book grabbed me by the neck right from the beginning. A timber tycoon decides to hang himself from a sycamore tree as the title suggests and we soon discover that his handwritten will leaves a significant part of his fortune to his black housekeeper, not his children. You can imagine their horror. What causes even more of a stir is that another will written before the suicide rewards the children quite handsomely but excludes the housekeeper. The writer of the will was on Demerol, and this begs the question – did he have ‘testamentary capacity?’ As always, Grisham delivers a compelling legal case and I for one, love not just a good murder but a stirring courtroom drama where you sit at the edge of your seat, rooting for a character and praying for justice to prevail. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">3. The Good Immigrant</em></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Nikesh Shukla</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV-rpDvrkE9NFFHxK1e-wE38ID0McmgCdZSLjua9o4PYzFm381o2gkCxG15O2uEUqcQ0Rig3u8xJR9bY82WmkgDQ-Tz5j8j4q9JOmBCedza6ieltFKht_7HnDGpHBe13lpHorsGCexTDo/s1600/immigrant.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV-rpDvrkE9NFFHxK1e-wE38ID0McmgCdZSLjua9o4PYzFm381o2gkCxG15O2uEUqcQ0Rig3u8xJR9bY82WmkgDQ-Tz5j8j4q9JOmBCedza6ieltFKht_7HnDGpHBe13lpHorsGCexTDo/s1600/immigrant.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><i>“If Africa was a bar, Zimbabwe would tell the story of how it fought bouncers to get inside.”</i></b></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You know why I just had to slip that little excerpt in there, right?</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Different writers, one Zimbabwean, of course, write unflinching essays about what it's like to live in a society plagued by racism and prejudices, among other things(Britain.) Just like the book, Slay in Your Lane, the book requires one to have nerves of steel for it takes no prisoners. If you can swallow some harsh truths of life, then this enlightening book is the one to pick. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2. Her Last Move</em></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by John Marrs</span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo3YxCxrEDV2wbqxG-o-gf2BWTEMeS2Uxq9tHwxSvvAKYZ5sqzmfz1PY_swhj4Sj9V0NIZRCUl2cNA9Df9IFnuXiPIv3mT5guVi-DDTjln0Vp80zrLC0kSdWPqi-zyduKyE-iyeolSmjZ/s1600/her+last.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo3YxCxrEDV2wbqxG-o-gf2BWTEMeS2Uxq9tHwxSvvAKYZ5sqzmfz1PY_swhj4Sj9V0NIZRCUl2cNA9Df9IFnuXiPIv3mT5guVi-DDTjln0Vp80zrLC0kSdWPqi-zyduKyE-iyeolSmjZ/s1600/her+last.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I love a good murder! And the darker, the better. After reading the blurb, I was hooked. DS Becca is chasing a killer. The killer is watching her every move and is always a step ahead. As bodies continue to drop like flies, Becca's life gets in the way, and she has no choice but to seek help from experts in other fields. As the drama unfolds, one is taken on an adrenaline-pumping adventure. And Mr Marrs doesn’t disappoint.</span><br />
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Besides the books I’ve listed above, I also read Becoming by Michelle Obama,<b><i>War Room</i></b> by Chris Fabry (again), </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A Time to Kill</em></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> and <b><i>The Rain Maker</i></b> by John Grisham and <b>The Foundling</b> by Paul Joseph and Fronckzak Alex Tresniowski. </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Okay, so none of my reads made Obama's list this year, who cares?! </span><br />
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's to wishing you all a Happy New Year filled with many opportunities to read! </span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-23066501826073353662019-11-17T07:08:00.002-08:002021-02-24T14:11:46.231-08:00Finding My Writing Voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Stephen King says, ‘If you don't have time to
read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. He is right. Nothing
fires me up to write like reading a good book. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfdrprmQH18VCW0YYyLDHS3lqYmtPkwWOwFm9TaQ1dLAE-CmTBvcqbIBdFuyZLnEerSzgj-t4Z039jtzNre-44B-cTam22ZMPQ4kbGiP077Lb_OtTogXHEDJlShDvUydB5-PU8GxdrPdF/s1600/writer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="811" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfdrprmQH18VCW0YYyLDHS3lqYmtPkwWOwFm9TaQ1dLAE-CmTBvcqbIBdFuyZLnEerSzgj-t4Z039jtzNre-44B-cTam22ZMPQ4kbGiP077Lb_OtTogXHEDJlShDvUydB5-PU8GxdrPdF/s320/writer.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0JH8R5ibJccoJ0_nqWO1OqYNixgb01BEV7GfoUll9H1aYDy34FpWke7391UTVHNKbW4U0hty-RGxr6DqlVmF0TBBJAboDIOHhoFJ_r-vrBdhYnnhLaIiXubX4TOb1tQsOinqNTkeBniF/s1600/writer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""century gothic" , sans-serif" style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></span><span face=""century gothic" , sans-serif"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""century gothic" , sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I reckon writers, seasoned or
burgeoning, will do well to read others and to explore all kinds of writing
styles and genres. There are authors whose works have inspired me and informed my
appreciation of the art of writing over the years. Authors that include Bryce
Courtenay with his African tales, Tess Gerritsen, the former surgeon who draws
from her medical experience, Christian author Chris Fabry, Maya Angelou, Chinua
Achebe, Alice Walker, Naomi Alderman, to name but a few. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">
But writers who want to grow and expand their horizon will understand that it
is not enough to just read a good book. They should sit down and write, for it
is only through the practice of writing that one gets to explore their thoughts
and feelings, experiment with the various writing styles, and ultimately
establish their own unique writing voice.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjuFoeqPkQMlVu3KYAmxCxN8bcRB9dvejDo3xXDcpKXtDqtWLCULr-RTrkEiKgtTuWHrNbWR9IVnqyOCBZRqnphqyKLgTMfmctjt3S9GwolHe5bfl2167n0bv8ve08gwXuD1tKfBJTMzm/s1600/IMG_xw08l9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjuFoeqPkQMlVu3KYAmxCxN8bcRB9dvejDo3xXDcpKXtDqtWLCULr-RTrkEiKgtTuWHrNbWR9IVnqyOCBZRqnphqyKLgTMfmctjt3S9GwolHe5bfl2167n0bv8ve08gwXuD1tKfBJTMzm/s320/IMG_xw08l9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My writing has evolved over the
years. Finding my writing voice has been and still is. The process can span for
years as one seeks to perfect and establish their uniqueness in the writing
world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Even though I cite other authors in
some of my writings and find their works intriguing, I relish being able to
create original content of my own: a quote, a poem, a blog, an article or indeed
a novel. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I like to depict my own version of
life as I draw from my own experiences, choose my own words and expressions.
Over the years, I have discovered that writing is not so much about the words
or phrases I use, but rather the way I use those words to depict the world
around me that give character and authenticity to my writing. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My kind of writing's exact nature
should provoke, in my reader, specific thoughts and feelings. This way, the
reader experiences what drives me and explore my heart and soul.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 12pt;">My experiences are my most
significant resource from which I draw knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. I
am a product of my own interpretation of the world. How I embrace, receive and
digest my experiences determines the ‘product’ which is my message to the
world. The end-product, which becomes palpable and tangible in all my writings</span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUVYaArD8UL1KsFnuRKK-UqfxmYJ2H5CrJ6LKdHbiDbyrhCF1vUNjJ2fFaE-GkeSC0Xxs6O8hO4SnNtlBMtt2mAOo0obBIGeCb2aBRVvTpqASq-2dqK1J6xkLsNWoNnLaxpbGtWbbZzYl/s1600/read.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="720" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUVYaArD8UL1KsFnuRKK-UqfxmYJ2H5CrJ6LKdHbiDbyrhCF1vUNjJ2fFaE-GkeSC0Xxs6O8hO4SnNtlBMtt2mAOo0obBIGeCb2aBRVvTpqASq-2dqK1J6xkLsNWoNnLaxpbGtWbbZzYl/s320/read.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54X4LJ169BX_Ou7kIMc4VIfRJsLBhYhrNg1kJy-VdnsaQXR6zfHL7Hq5olFzVizXIcJ4m0zT5Z-M26_BMSeT7hYMeWtvd-xPr6g2fpQNWpu0Srhmb3i9ptFsJpAwgUEMUONJ4R_M5z6wZ/s1600/read.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""century gothic" , sans-serif" style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a></span><span face=""century gothic" , sans-serif"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span face=""century gothic" , sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""century gothic" , sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My voice is the rhythm, the tone and
the vibe the reader gets when they absorb and digest my works. It is that
uniqueness in quality that separates me from other writers. It is writing in a
way that does not seek to deceive or betray my personality or what I represent.
When, in an instant, a reader recognises that vibe and uniqueness the second,
they open my book to read. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As a reader, I tend to gravitate
towards certain books. My mood and needs at the time often determine which book
I choose. I also want a voice to appeal to my senses and to speak to my
soul. Therefore, developing and establishing a reliable voice as a writer is
your gift to the reader. It is your unique voice that gives the reader the
motivation to pick your book over another. And the only reason a reader will
keep coming back for more is the satisfaction and the established chemistry. In
other words, they are getting, from you, something unique that no other writer
can provide. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16px;">When this kind of familiarity begins to happen, a writer can claim to have established their authentic writing voice. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I am a versatile writer. I weave a
blog is not the way I write a poem, an article or a novel. I derive pleasure in
exploring different writing styles, offering different perspectives to diverse
audiences. I should delve into uncharted territories and continue to
evolve and not remain stuck in my comfort zone. I should be able to let loose
and allow myself to explore the strange realms of imagination and create works
of art. I am a writer, after all. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">
But moving from my personal experiences and letting my imagination soar does
not, in any way, take away my authority as a writer. If anything, stretching my
creativity will take me to new and greater heights and allow me to develop
facets of my character that I never knew existed. Not only do I extend my appreciation
of the world at large and grow as a human being, but I also discover a new
potential within me. This process of expansion, if I allow it to happen
organically, believing in my powers and letting my personality shine, could be
the unveiling of a ‘new self’. The self I was meant to become all
along. </span></p>
</span></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
<span face=""century gothic" , sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcCx2gakCJhtlwlW-sjnOARh_PLqGHRJtzcBRGu3Kk-3HQInTPpVlcWOK-oVbp7IQJzyur59pkMmPjVLHtSb4C8DHCUmiAQb7OIPT0KAmyZzXnoiak8W2AQhbIYIfDjaJPO0wev8lxX_Y/s1600/%2540Bertha.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcCx2gakCJhtlwlW-sjnOARh_PLqGHRJtzcBRGu3Kk-3HQInTPpVlcWOK-oVbp7IQJzyur59pkMmPjVLHtSb4C8DHCUmiAQb7OIPT0KAmyZzXnoiak8W2AQhbIYIfDjaJPO0wev8lxX_Y/s320/%2540Bertha.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span face=""century gothic" , sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><br />
And perhaps, just perhaps, I get to become the kind of writer the world has
been waiting for all along!</span><span face=""century gothic" , sans-serif"></span></div>
<br /></div>
Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-79261383244640586182019-11-03T08:30:00.003-08:002020-01-11T17:10:07.946-08:00What It's Like To Go Home<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">If like me, you’re settled in a country other than
your country of origin, then you will know how exciting the holiday season can be. That time of year, when most of us are preparing to visit our loved ones back home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvcUC5am-hPXGUCKW9JWQBOiQvU3a-zFyPETqheNsb5rWela-wirw_ePDGp3hTzFmstZgfNu7P4AJ7XbVhdaMondR-TrQBUSm5UuoiHNAPjiKs3RnZ3JS9SCjmI7OXNh5HB2orki9P_1T/s1600/harare.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvcUC5am-hPXGUCKW9JWQBOiQvU3a-zFyPETqheNsb5rWela-wirw_ePDGp3hTzFmstZgfNu7P4AJ7XbVhdaMondR-TrQBUSm5UuoiHNAPjiKs3RnZ3JS9SCjmI7OXNh5HB2orki9P_1T/s320/harare.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harare International Airport (now Robert Mugabe)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I come
from Zimbabwe. As most of you know, it is the country in Africa that borders
South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia. It is also the home of one of the seven wonders of the world, Mosi-oa-tunya, commonly known as Victoria Falls. But that is not
what my blog is about. I’m here to take you through what it is like for me to visit my
home country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPEN_j9amU3ODf7ea-cSlmP7RxKr0WskBDtyRuQ86lciPdjHVe-n5r_XoNeZrVsjtrsw61BCpN_Nc9yRfnXEZFyEbFUZavj00Cy99Jk7j5YOIx9BY5Y-Qk3WmHagHbL-ZvVWxGx3DNPFi/s1600/christmas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPEN_j9amU3ODf7ea-cSlmP7RxKr0WskBDtyRuQ86lciPdjHVe-n5r_XoNeZrVsjtrsw61BCpN_Nc9yRfnXEZFyEbFUZavj00Cy99Jk7j5YOIx9BY5Y-Qk3WmHagHbL-ZvVWxGx3DNPFi/s320/christmas.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's beginning to look like Christmas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">As soon as I get off the plane in Harare, I fret about unreliable Wi-Fi, sometimes settle on being hot spotted by those in my
company, usually my brother or his wife. Once that business is taken care of, I finally decide how I am going to
spend my holiday. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I can be </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">organised,</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> but
I have since come to the </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">realisation</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> that planning
my activities in advance when I go to Zimbabwe is a futile attempt. For
example, every time I visit, I tell myself that I will not move from house to
house greeting the neighbours, relatives, friends, their cats, and dogs, all of
whom I will not have seen in many months, and that instead, I will let them
come to me. I tell myself that I am the visitor, so I am going to act like one and that my only motivation
for doing anything is to relax and indulge in every possible way. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Alas, I always seem to break my own promise. Because
the moment I place my suitcases in the house, I am already knocking on doors. There
is something about the African soil that just won’t let you sit still.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Back home, I do not need Facebook or Twitter to
announce my arrival. All it takes is Jonasi down the road to notice me and
the whole neighbourhood is buzzing with news of my arrival. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXaNzDg2DTET1h1tX6o3iSex9_3XRsJ1Q9DM6GVfjkawtl_yB2EuaZUDwmnhnAgIaHrkFA3Bel4p3Lls4-DWnGz13lQSPOC6IaVo5J8gCEl47vwiJab162zv0zUg7uWAtNFfD9QjK4zw7/s1600/mango.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="502" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXaNzDg2DTET1h1tX6o3iSex9_3XRsJ1Q9DM6GVfjkawtl_yB2EuaZUDwmnhnAgIaHrkFA3Bel4p3Lls4-DWnGz13lQSPOC6IaVo5J8gCEl47vwiJab162zv0zUg7uWAtNFfD9QjK4zw7/s320/mango.jpg" width="167" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You had me at mango!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">When I am in Zimbabwe, I delight in the little things. Things such as plucking out a
ripe mango from a tree and eating it at my leisure, knowing that I can pick
another and another, whenever I want.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I love the Zimbabwean markets, especially during December, the rainy
season. Not only do I get to bask in the soothing sound of rain as it splatters
on the roof when I am in my bed at night, but it is also the time I find my trips to the
market the most rewarding. I love viewing the stalls with their bountiful
stashes of available merchandise, from clay to brooms.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I love scouring these markets for the vegetables and fruit I cannot get
from the garden and orchard in our backyard. I delight in the taste of wild fruits such as mazhanje, the flavour of which leaves a lasting taste in my
mouth. </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH96mrqZRRweEsUx1Mq9RYD2Yk3N_MWZs3Dl_Q6cI6nWboiXMdKMRGon4-JkMFPDwC693BoNeCtV2bBr7BNsczozY9XIHhFQklNjjbEicMWciRiHEbIV1PB2DTSBfLzwm8T-CsJcTfOTY8/s1600/mazhanje.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH96mrqZRRweEsUx1Mq9RYD2Yk3N_MWZs3Dl_Q6cI6nWboiXMdKMRGon4-JkMFPDwC693BoNeCtV2bBr7BNsczozY9XIHhFQklNjjbEicMWciRiHEbIV1PB2DTSBfLzwm8T-CsJcTfOTY8/s320/mazhanje.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me holding mazhanje (wild fruit)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The markets in my hometown, Chinhoyi, are always buzzing with
excitement - from the man who uses comedy to lure customers to his stall to the chubby-looking woman who quietly flashes you a ‘come hither’ smile as you pace
up and down, perusing through the merchandise. Then there is the aggressive
vendor selling from the back of his truck parked outside the
market, who yells to remind you he is not going to hang around forever. </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Often, in my silence and stealth contemplation, I imagine the chubby woman wondering how she will feed the grandkids
she’s left at home if she does not shift her goods. I imagine the animated man who paints the marketplace with his antics willing his ancestors to open doors
for him for they know he is the sole breadwinner. As for the aggressive vendor,
I see in my mind’s eye, the frown on his boss’s face as he reminds him how
precarious his position in his enterprising business has become because he
cannot sell everything. These people do what they need to do to survive.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I mean, come on, you’ve got to love Africa and her resilience. </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZjDuLiF-1yHzbs3nBg7VGpMPCFagLoJT1nD29kAg01C1bb5-hdxbikENrsTQe9ZmHG7ewTO9v8Y4nX8NxdUQQf0odaGoBysalH1Gt1Gwh9G_4o0rt92gxDttKW_o-hWvG9midic6Iaq_/s1600/roaming.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="492" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZjDuLiF-1yHzbs3nBg7VGpMPCFagLoJT1nD29kAg01C1bb5-hdxbikENrsTQe9ZmHG7ewTO9v8Y4nX8NxdUQQf0odaGoBysalH1Gt1Gwh9G_4o0rt92gxDttKW_o-hWvG9midic6Iaq_/s320/roaming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">For some, including myself, you cannot go home and not visit the grandparents in the rural areas, if only for a day. It is almost a ritual. You see, in Zimbabwe, you cannot live in the city/town and not have a rural home. Having a village to go to means you know your roots. It separates you from the foolish. That's just how it is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I'm fortunate that my grandfather only lives half an hour from my hometown, so a day trip is entirely possible. When I go there, grandfather delights in showing me around. He treats me as if I am visiting for the first time. Together, we will explore the fields, the borehole, the cattle kraal and he will show me all the new buildings in the neighbourhood. We will even visit the graveyard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For me, it is the colourful people the culture and the spirit of the
extended family that makes me appreciate home. Back home is the place where people greet strangers in the street and stand on the sidewalk to discuss their children or the state of their garden. It is the place</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I get to
appreciate the little things. Playing the role of a doting aunt, basking in the sunshine, and just being able to stand and stare, grateful to be alive. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Going
back to the town where I was born and raised always makes my heart sing with
joy. I glow, and the experience ignites within me, a deep sense of longing. I often
find myself longing for my childhood days. Days when my parents were still
alive and saw to my daily needs. Days when life was as it should be. Beautiful.
Uncomplicated. Fun. And predictable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Even though I have been there a dozen times, each time I visit the Chinhoyi
Caves, I always learn something new. There is always a different tour guide to take you through the monument, but what remains constant is the way their eyes glint with pride
when they recount the legend of the Chirorodziva Caves. This is a story I have
heard many times, but hearing it being told by a different person and with such
passion and conviction, always installs in me, some degree of novelty to my
understanding and feeling towards this tourist attraction.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWS1mVTqJ-36N7PnebzaTr1zjesSQ7gNkIvg4hPhvLzAMtF5exgSRFOpFzAviEjLeOfHvg4svjAty8vMuJVPsqHe0SFZpa8BuF_OsryBHu2xUKH8YmH4AVct98HzdduwDorI3F9XPMZQ_/s1600/caves.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="549" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWS1mVTqJ-36N7PnebzaTr1zjesSQ7gNkIvg4hPhvLzAMtF5exgSRFOpFzAviEjLeOfHvg4svjAty8vMuJVPsqHe0SFZpa8BuF_OsryBHu2xUKH8YmH4AVct98HzdduwDorI3F9XPMZQ_/s320/caves.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staring at the sleeping pool at Chinhoyi Caves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">So, whenever I go, I tour the two caves with a fresh pair of eyes knowing
that my experience will be just as thrilling, inspiring and intriguing as
those viewing the caves for the first time.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">At home (UK), I am forever telling my daughter about our African culture.
I wish to pass on and to instil in her the values of our tradition. The thought
of her not knowing what I grew up knowing terrifies me. I want her to develop
and to enshrine within her soul, the same pride that I have as an African. I
want her to be inspired by the stories of my childhood. </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">During our trips, I have the pleasure and privilege to show her. I tell
her how I spent my typical day as a child growing up in Zimbabwe. I recount, at
times demonstrate, to her dismay, how fun it is to climb up a tree. I sat with her on
the same veranda where I spent time playing with my home-made dolls and where I
played ‘nhodo’ (jakes so I’m told) when the ground was too wet for me to sit. I
make her taste the liberating experience and the freedom of walking barefoot, allowing
nature to entertain you instead of relying on gadgets and social media.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">With each visit, I discover that many things would have changed. People grow
old and die, some mature and leave for greener pastures, infrastructure is built,
some destroyed. What remains constant, however, is the way people still
treasure the little pleasures in life. Pleasures such as sitting in the park and
taking pictures. People still greet each other with a firm handshake and
inquire about each other’s day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Back home, you quickly realise that life is but a mixture of sadness, wonderment, faith, hope and joy. But one thing</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> we are guaranteed is that the sun will rise regardless of what season it is. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzNFDBKv5g9s5SeWh7oArY4Xkg20z6DDS_P3DPPpIMrp6QY4qliAUQANXOgBnq8zQdCE4VB6UYpjg1ooXLkKw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> Playing a game of nhodo</span></div>
<br /></div>
Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-55722150244418041262019-10-29T12:31:00.000-07:002020-01-01T12:49:06.322-08:00Dear Mystery Man,<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcsU6mi_vVYFClkJSFSpeXWd1ytK6xlRV620kKEMaK3W-x2eK2YaFhNiT-QXi9UKLDC82kTx4XA8ov6xm1lei5pf7IjjYmqeTMFKkEplafAdZL4SrCc0edUoqrjprpxjCSbHsSvK1sLv9/s1600/Me+and+flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="960" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcsU6mi_vVYFClkJSFSpeXWd1ytK6xlRV620kKEMaK3W-x2eK2YaFhNiT-QXi9UKLDC82kTx4XA8ov6xm1lei5pf7IjjYmqeTMFKkEplafAdZL4SrCc0edUoqrjprpxjCSbHsSvK1sLv9/s320/Me+and+flowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I don't know how long you have been following my blog, but if you have, then you will know by now that I’ve
been in love with love for as long as I can remember. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You would have learnt that despite the unfortunate things that have happened to me, I remain
optimistic, idealistic, almost to the point of being foolish. I suppose you
could say, I have the faith of a mustard seed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But for a while there I wasn’t sure you had read
my blog entitled: To the Man Who Will Love Me. I wasn’t sure
you had grasped what I had stated in my open letter to you. And for one
horrible moment, I doubted you even existed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was wrong. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You are out there, perhaps wishing upon a star.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In case you're wondering what I am on about, well, let me break it down for you. A few days ago, the dandiest thing happened: I was at work when a colleague
came to tell me there was a man outside, looking for me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Was it a relative? A friend? A bearer of bad news,
perhaps? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It turns out, it was just the delivery man. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I must tell you, Mystery Man, that y</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">ou fulfilled one of my fantasies. Thank you for the gorgeous flowers, for Mr
Teddy who has since become my most treasured companion, the beautiful message
on the card and the voucher which I will squander with little guilt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeRFTel06xXNmaa9ij5q9vNSNC4_fBJf_MbRSi1gILGd8wySKnlLfHqk2FnuQHzzrHK9gBqPDwyhLurkJbFMoIKBdHi7Dp9mCiPYnSg-PLqNzI5L6YphL4_FFX3oFPw991DmxL5T51H3k/s1600/teddy+and+me.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="865" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeRFTel06xXNmaa9ij5q9vNSNC4_fBJf_MbRSi1gILGd8wySKnlLfHqk2FnuQHzzrHK9gBqPDwyhLurkJbFMoIKBdHi7Dp9mCiPYnSg-PLqNzI5L6YphL4_FFX3oFPw991DmxL5T51H3k/s320/teddy+and+me.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Could this be the beginning of something amazing? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Clearly, I am over the moon, but let us not get ahead of ourselves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am not naïve, thanks to this thing called life. The path to
true love, I've learnt, is never easy. I’ve tried and failed before. But I have learnt from
my mistakes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And this is what I've learnt:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Passion and emotions can swell our hearts for a
time, but it is through some seasons in our lives that truly capture the very essence
of the kind of love that our hearts long for so much. Seasons when nothing
seems to be working. When nothing makes sense. Seasons when we find ourselves uttering the words, 'w</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">hy won’t he/she hear me?' 'How will we ever get through this?'</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">So, what do you do when that
happens? Do you give up and hope that one day you will once
again stumble upon another opportunity at amazing love? Or do you stay and
fight?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRPTiobI0_RMZWcw_ENDlgqZJEC37LbEbk6ZfUk_nNwtdjN6vwM08_urbumB_PSTuwPc1ggxQjUA6P7YdSrwhfuz4BZq1rCRD3IJygcQu4fn79VIt21PCXlyeF5mtIJqLe_G3SluY8D6S/s1600/card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="657" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRPTiobI0_RMZWcw_ENDlgqZJEC37LbEbk6ZfUk_nNwtdjN6vwM08_urbumB_PSTuwPc1ggxQjUA6P7YdSrwhfuz4BZq1rCRD3IJygcQu4fn79VIt21PCXlyeF5mtIJqLe_G3SluY8D6S/s320/card.jpg" width="219" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Sometimes people drift apart. At times,
pride gets in the way. But love is a decision. A decision to stay. Life will test you, and there may come a time
when you will need to fight for that love.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Speaking of fighting, here is what I believe one needs to win the battle:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Loyalty </span></b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Isn't it the essence of true love? Being on the same team, fighting for the same result? </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -18pt;">A good friend can weep with you in times of trouble, but if your
tears keep falling, and the sun remains set, it is the
one who stays with you to the bitter end that loves you the most.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Compassion</span></b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Understanding the other person and how our words
and actions impact the other’s ability to love and understand us. When we
aim for the same resolution, it is easy to stop each other with compassion and
understanding when a line is about to be crossed. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Trust/Respect/Communication</span></b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">earned
and built through honest communication, resisting the urge to entertain the negative voice which says, ‘do not believe anything they say.’</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Broaching whatever subject with patience, love, and understanding. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 21.3333px; text-indent: -18pt;">Lay your cards on the table. </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Holding back = willing your partner to fail.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Giving clues on how to fill that hole by being honest about your feelings and
thoughts. The truth may hurt but being on the same teams makes it easier to ride the tide. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Reassurance</span></b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Reassuring
each other of our devotion, commitment and love. Things may be hard right now,
but if we know love and appreciation is there, then we are assured of their commitment
to try no matter what.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Change.</span></b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Willingness
to make amends, doing whatever needs to be done to improve the relationship. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Recognising that change does
not happen overnight, therefore, giving the other person space and
time to process everything. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Rewarding
positive change; showing gratitude and being genuine in our thank yous. And
when we change, remaining consistent. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Forgiveness</span></b><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Genuine forgiveness does not keep
dragging up the past when new conflicts arise. It is not that we fight, but it is how
we fight. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Love gives you the courage to lay bare your soul and be vulnerable.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">L</span><span style="background: white; color: #14171a; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">ove is not the loudest voice in the crowd of supporters? It is the voice that is still there after the crowd has gone home. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 21.3333px; text-indent: -24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 21.3333px; text-indent: -24px;">You can be diseased, stripped naked by the burdens of life; but it is the one who remains by your side that loves you the most. </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 21.3333px; text-indent: -24px;">For how can genuine love only be shown when times are good?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">That, Mystery Man, is what I think.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSdIFCRpDGVI9SQZbFwpqrrKFSltiS8n6y8O5kHqFIe1QIdf0cgLP3WM6e-OCEkFf0tPXf8LBEVbHZH-MDgZIj99lWZGx9liXGkj-zUxHLL8uu7dAv6u7IsRQkDTxH17s45tNrl4F0Pcp/s1600/gratitude.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSdIFCRpDGVI9SQZbFwpqrrKFSltiS8n6y8O5kHqFIe1QIdf0cgLP3WM6e-OCEkFf0tPXf8LBEVbHZH-MDgZIj99lWZGx9liXGkj-zUxHLL8uu7dAv6u7IsRQkDTxH17s45tNrl4F0Pcp/s320/gratitude.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-5595815450083959142019-09-29T02:31:00.001-07:002020-01-01T12:46:56.461-08:00To the Man Who Will Love Me,<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">I don’t know
who you are, where you are or what you’re going through right now, but this is from me to you.</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjud8kGnYyZoyrhLmnAwy6sw8IVf9WS4c7ZEn1WY66BrgsN5jsAaDgcXoFRb1bh8wUxdvHbq4kEnBXKxURL83sNH_APBm2kyzsRrMbrxE7IGEj4glyY2UGjmL1pGhnFdnmEzl0q54qrhyj1/s1600/true+love+black+.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="578" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjud8kGnYyZoyrhLmnAwy6sw8IVf9WS4c7ZEn1WY66BrgsN5jsAaDgcXoFRb1bh8wUxdvHbq4kEnBXKxURL83sNH_APBm2kyzsRrMbrxE7IGEj4glyY2UGjmL1pGhnFdnmEzl0q54qrhyj1/s320/true+love+black+.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from the internet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m a stickler for romance.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Even though I’ve
been hurt in the past, I still believe in love. Not just any love, but real,
guttural kind of love. Love that makes you weak at the knees.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
Either that or my entire relationship with Mills and Boons, Harlequin and
Silhouette was a lie?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
You see, there was a time I could not get enough of romance novels. The time
when my love affair with romance began. Even though I knew how each story would
end, I felt an insatiable appetite for the clichés. I became starry-eyed,
envisioning a great love written in the stars for me too.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Perhaps it
was my fascination with the characters’ determination to navigate the pitted
terrain of love that ignited my romantic idealism. How boy and girl conquered
the challenges life threw at them.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And so, I figured,
if the flawed characters portrayed in the novels I read were anything to go by,
I had a pretty good chance at meeting you, the man of my dreams. You, the
cliched tall, dark, handsome stranger destined to sweep me off my feet and sail
into the sunset with me.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thanks to
These happy endings, I have relationship goals. Call me crazy. Why the hell not? I am woman enough with a lot of love to give. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
I am not naïve. Life has since taught me that nothing is handed to me on a
silver platter. We do not always get what we want. And sometimes we have to
fight for things.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let’s face
it, it would be easy for me to just crawl under a rock and hide behind the usual platitudes: a relationship does not define me. I don’t need a man. I
can be happy and whole on my own. Jesus has my heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I get all
that, I really do.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But try
telling that to my grandmother who has been married for sixty years. Try
telling her about online dating, and how it has become the modern-day art form
of throwing the handkerchief. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I want to see you try explaining how we do the courtship dance while hiding behind the keyboard nowadays. How easy it is to end a relationship using the 'block' button.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">You see, my
grandmother cannot fathom how impossible it has become for us to meet, let
alone establish a relationship. She would rather have me see a ‘sangoma’ to fix me and
to hasten our union. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">My friends, out of love, tell me to get rid of ‘the list’. No
man is perfect, or I will have to marry Jesus Christ himself, they say. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Speaking of
lists, my definition of love is:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Bearing all things, forgiving all things, trusting love to handle our deepest fears and desires, and always willing to support each other's dreams.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Allowing vulnerability and picking each other up when we fall.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The ability to see the tears behind each other’s smile.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The secret glance we share across the table, the twinkle in our
eyes, the inside joke that explodes our lungs, but one that no one needs be privy
to.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Willingness to fight, standing toe to toe until an issue is
resolved.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Being patient, compassionate and kind.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">- Worrying about the other person.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">- Embracing flaws, warts and all.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">- Till death do us part.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There is more to this list, and I don't care what my friends say. Love is many things to different people,
but one thing it is not is uncertain. Love just knows. I hope you will agree.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Someone once
told me that love is not meant for everybody. They say, what are the chances</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">that all of us will meet the love of our lives and live happily ever</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face", serif; font-size: 14pt; letter-spacing: 0px;">? </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So, what are
the chances that I will meet you, the love of my life? I shudder to think that
you could be roaming this earth, scared, lonely, unable to find me, or worse,
stuck in a relationship you have no business being in. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Go figure.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And yet,
despite that, I get myself out there and take the risk, trying to find you. I
still cling to hope that one day, fate will unite us. I hope to God that when
that happens, little damage would have been done.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-75924432727954872922019-06-23T06:01:00.000-07:002019-07-16T13:05:05.863-07:00My Long Lost Love...Poem By Bertha Mukodzani<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9i40dUBDW2-QsqvETVD2t6LnwsUVLvJn4MOjD01H0IfZLO0M_ZqKnaFko4zK0-3GCtzRhYrwY3cRKOpzB3JdHxNxFN_MYBNGRPVQeYshsDfjbeLgm66KWrwJ-1D6ephyguWSCE8g1eud/s1600/broken+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="531" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9i40dUBDW2-QsqvETVD2t6LnwsUVLvJn4MOjD01H0IfZLO0M_ZqKnaFko4zK0-3GCtzRhYrwY3cRKOpzB3JdHxNxFN_MYBNGRPVQeYshsDfjbeLgm66KWrwJ-1D6ephyguWSCE8g1eud/s320/broken+heart.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internet Image</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I keep a trunk under my bed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Occasionally crack
its rusty lock <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">to reveal bundles of epistles from yesteryear,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">before the winds of
separation tore a rift so wide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I remember the
sound of your footsteps,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">as you tracked behind me after school,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">the warmth of your surreptitious
hand,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">as you slid a page into my pocket, </span><br />
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face", serif; font-size: 14pt;">the sound of your unassuming voice,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">and the look in your eyes,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">that finally jolted my heart into
submission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There is something about the earthy pages,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">that reminds me of our first heady
kiss beneath the tree,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">on that sweltering summer’s day,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">when due to sudden terror, I spoke of
Baba’s menacing rage,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">should he unmask the designs of our <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">hearts.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Tender-aged, I had no business falling
in love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Still, I harboured faith in your stamina,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">your determination to confront his disdain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The world could hang for all I cared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">What we’d planted could never be
uprooted,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Love that survived our aching bellies,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">when savage locusts stripped the fields
bare,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">and the treacherous terrains we
scaled<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">barefoot for our daily dose of tutelage,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">not to mention the green-eyed monster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We plodded along,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">dodging every peril like soldiers in
the Gulf war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We had glorious plans to sheath our
minds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Plans for our future,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">And it was not long before you gained
your worldly ticket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Perseverance and sagacity had finally
granted you victory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Now, seasons have rolled into
decades,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">and all I have to show are these
yellowing sheets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Tears have dried, and yet the heart
still bleeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As I dissect every word, phrase, and sentence wreathed with the promise -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I shall return</span></i><span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">, <i>I will marry you someday.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I exhale a huge breath, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #121212; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">A breath of exasperation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-30388077793546116092019-06-19T12:33:00.000-07:002020-01-01T12:50:35.549-08:00The Price of Going Viral<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFeOosfPF0hB1o_isVi138PurZHYFt50pDOS2zjblO5VtOy-7gYM9cl7sJDCnuYVdy4HxBlGxaugTkY4DLLsfGNG_EvvNDvz5xbTcq2eKZLDJTth3USAD5yZAWoHEQFtjO41xtQpE-dNj/s1600/viral.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="499" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFeOosfPF0hB1o_isVi138PurZHYFt50pDOS2zjblO5VtOy-7gYM9cl7sJDCnuYVdy4HxBlGxaugTkY4DLLsfGNG_EvvNDvz5xbTcq2eKZLDJTth3USAD5yZAWoHEQFtjO41xtQpE-dNj/s400/viral.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Courtesy of the Internet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A while ago, a friend
of mine forwarded me a video of a man lying on the floor, foam seeping through
his mouth, begging his wife (the one shooting the video), to save him as he was
dying. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fast forward, 2 months
later, as I scrolled through my Facebook wall, I saw several other videos - a woman being beaten to a pulp by her husband, a husband exposing his wife for
the whore she was, announcing to the world he was divorcing her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You would think that's all fake news, wouldn't you? No. None of it was, and I can’t help but wonder about the kind of
society we have become. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Granted, unfettered
access to platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook have opened doors
for many, myself included. Social media:<b><u>
</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Introduces us to people we would not otherwise meet
in real life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reunites long lost friends while blessing us with
new ones.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">For burgeoning writers, social media broadens one’s
horizon. Had I not embraced Twitter, for example, I would not have taken part
in pitch contests for my yet to published manuscript or received the valuable
feedback I need.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Social media has also become a place to unwind, air
one’s views, share knowledge, experiences and gain inspiration and insight into
the world at large. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As every honest, adept social media user will tell you, there is something soul-stirring about seeing the number of views for your
video rise. Of seeing that ‘like’, ‘love’, ‘retweet’ and ‘comment’ notification pop
on your screen. A chemical called dopamine is released into our body, and we
can’t help but feel a surge of pleasure that comes with it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Humans are gregarious creatures and with that
comes the occasional craving of validation. We revel knowing that our selfies, motivational messages and videos are
well-received and that we have secured our own little community. One that
embraces our so-called brand.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What’s not to like about following someone’s
journey to Timbuktu, watching videos of animals being rescued, men surprising
their girlfriends with marriage proposals, a baptism perhaps? </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve seen people gain instant fame and success via
social media. Sometimes all it takes is sharing a status, tagging someone,
retweeting and a mention for the right person to discover raw talent. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Beautiful things
happen when human beings embrace their uniqueness, authenticity and creativity,
offering something no one else can to the world. Isn’t that what we all desire?
To bless the world with our gifts and talents, and to show what we bring to the
table. Social media has made this dream even more accessible to most of us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But, during my years
of scrolling through my timeline, I’ve noticed an eerie trend. A much dark side of social media that causes us to sacrifice </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">our rationality, humanity and dignity for instant gratification. One must be heard and be seen now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <i>“I have a three-strike rule. If I
post 3 times and you don’t like, I’m unfollowing you,” one Twitter user wrote.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> “To all my haters who only read but
never like or share, f**k you,” another ranted.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One Facebook user,
after going live and getting 12 views, deleted their video and suspended their
account. They were done!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The problem with dopamine
is that it is addictive, which means we must continuously seek the same level of
attention to remain satisfied and sane. It is no longer about seeking our
hearts and doing what’ right. It’s about how big a tribe can I pull by doing
this? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Unfortunately, for some of us, that means resorting to deprave means to
gain popularity and the following are some of the pitfalls:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our hearts have become somewhat hardened, and we
become immune to human suffering. For example, what would be one’s motive for standing
in a crowd, hiding behind a camera, acting aloof while recording a painful
incident instead of coming to the rescue? </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We all want our fifteen minutes of fame. To be the
one that saves the day by providing evidence or highlighting a situation, but
at what cost? Why is it no longer enough to do a good deed in secret and still be satisfied? </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The so-called ghost accounts have made it possible for people to settle scores via social media. Information shared in confidence is shared needlessly, giving little regard for the consequences. We no longer know how to confront issues in person and resolve
conflicts behind closed doors. Instead, we seek justice by airing our dirty laundry in public. When we've all logged out of our devices, no one spares a thought for the ruined lives. a</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thanks to smartphones, we have mastered the
art of doctoring images to name and shame or out of revenge. Even if one eventually proves their innocence, isn't the damage already done? This little regard for human dignity has been the cause of many a suicide. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">§<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -18pt;">Need I remind you of the terrorists who showcase their work on
social media?</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 54pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I once read an article
that claims inhumanity has always been ingrained in us, and that social media
has just brought things to light. That may be true, but now that we are aware
of the consequences, isn’t it time that we work towards curbing the problem and
going back to the basics?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-4879959599930606462018-11-04T04:39:00.000-08:002018-11-04T04:39:06.043-08:00The Unwanted Stranger...Flash Fiction by Bertha Mukodzani<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">‘<i>Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that
matter</i>.’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Martin Luther King Jr.</span></i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_30j0zll"></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fLWOHIeS8kuOg3_Ly6kftrsgYyeX-eWjQjMaybdRGp4FuOYEGrX1G_olU_6asteoFy3P0n8Op98ngjrLWQDwqZaOnlPB2Cr7HqiSheW-IV0b0Y8WFQCNvz0BARdZOEq-VW8FuI6y-Rv7/s1600/sad+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="610" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fLWOHIeS8kuOg3_Ly6kftrsgYyeX-eWjQjMaybdRGp4FuOYEGrX1G_olU_6asteoFy3P0n8Op98ngjrLWQDwqZaOnlPB2Cr7HqiSheW-IV0b0Y8WFQCNvz0BARdZOEq-VW8FuI6y-Rv7/s320/sad+girl.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image From the Internet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">The man clenched his jaw. He circled me as he scanned my body, examining my arms, thighs, chest and behind. This unwanted stranger, who had not uttered a single word since he slithered into my bedroom, carried himself like he owned the air I breathed. Something in his eyes and the way his mouth contorted told me I disgusted him. Why was he even here?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> ‘I suppose you will do,’ he finally muttered.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His voice was soft. Too soft for a man, I thought. His dull green eyes resembled the colour of frogs bundled in the corner of a riverbank. When he leaned closer, I wilted under his gaze.<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> ‘Don’t be scared. I don’t bite</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.’ He grinned, the wrinkles under his eyelids deepening. The scar sliced horizontally across his forehead shifted towards his hairline. <span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pivoting on my trembling legs in the middle of the room, I gathered my nerves and glared at him.<span style="color: #26282a;"> </span>‘I am not scared, Sir.’<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> ‘Then we have nothing to worry about,’ he said with a smile.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> His teeth were flawless. Neat rows of pearly whites. From the look of his clothes, shoes and accessories, he was from a wealthy background. He looked and smelt better than the others. The kind of man who could hand out a big fat cheque without wincing. Not that it mattered or changed anything. I did not know my worth; I was not to know.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> ‘Nice hair,’ the man said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I jerked my hand towards my head covered with a triumphant carpet of long, brown weave. ‘Thank you, Sir.’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Adrenaline coursed through my veins at the thought of what was coming.<span style="color: #26282a;"> Even though </span>I had spent the entire morning steeling myself for this man’s arrival, seeing him undress me with his lecherous eyes made me realise just how unprepared I was. This was indeed happening, and no pep talk would quell my anxiety.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> ‘This will be a quick one. I have a meeting with my boss around lunchtime. After that, another briefing with a colleague. Can you imagine? What a drag.’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> It amazed me how the men Derek sent my way expected me to care about their lives. They </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">griped and grumbled, sharing their problems as if it was part of the package. As if my grasping of their world somehow legitimised their presence. But I knew my place, so I put on my usual Oscar-winning performance. <span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> ‘I wouldn’t know, Sir, but it sounds interesting. You must be a very important man, Sir.’ I forced a smile.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> Derek Thomas insisted on perfection.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nausea rose in my stomach when the man unbuckled his belt, dropped his trousers, and laid bare what was underneath. <i>Oh, God, why me? </i>My chest tightened, and I struggled to breathe. <span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> Using a blue handkerchief, the man wiped glistening sweat from his forehead and tucked a wisp of ginger hair behind his ears. ‘Don’t worry. I am a simple man. Just take your clothes off and turn around. I will be done in a jiffy, as they say.’ He gave a nervous laugh. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> There was nothing simple about this man. Or any of the clients I had seen, for that matter. Hesitantly, I turned around as instructed</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. To my surprise, the man paused. Had he changed his mind and wanted to talk instead? Alas, my hope was in vain; he then ordered me to bend down. With fearful bewilderment rising inside me, I did as I was told and primed myself for what was coming. <span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> Grabbing me by the waist, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he thrust his manhood into me and rode me like a horse. To avoid wailing, I gritted my teeth and ignored his hot breath and the perspiration dampening the small of my back. I willed my mind to wander. Back to my childhood, living with my parents. Back to the time I used to play <i>skip </i>with my friends in the school playground. I imagined myself inside my mother’s kitchen, sampling her fried, pumpkin leaves and sadza. My happier days, when life was simple. There was nothing I would not give to go back and undo all the things I had said to my parents when they tried to teach me right from wrong. If only I had listened to their ancient stories, which at the time seemed far-fetched. I felt a wrenching inside. A sadness so encompassing I wanted to die. I had brought this upon myself. All of it.<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> A jerk and a groan later, it was all over. I </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">came back to reality, watching the wretched man clean himself dry with the handkerchief he had used to wipe his face. Then he quickly got dressed.<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> ‘Mind if I smoke?’ </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he asked, already dipping his hands into his pocket.<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> Shivering like a reed, I </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">shook my head. <span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> He drew a cigarette from a shiny silver case, inserted it between his lips, and lit up a match. Smoke billowed around the room as he took a drag and released. Despite feeling the comings of a headache, I kept my face choreographed to his taste.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> ‘I’m Patrick, by the way. You are?’ </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He ejected another puff into the air.<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> ‘You already know my name, Sir</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.’ I dodged his eyes.<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">‘Yeah, yeah, I know your business name. I meant the name your parents gave you.’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> If this was business, then I was Oprah freaking Winfrey, I thought. ‘I am Maka</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Short for Makanyara.’<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> Patrick dipped a nod. ‘I don’t know what </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">that means, but it sounds nice. I dare say it’s pretty. And, well, enterprising.’ His compliment curdled into mocking.<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> I managed to feign another smile, despite the loathing in my heart. According to Derek</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s word, I was to conceal my emotions, withhold opinion, and avoid getting personal with my clients. My utterances were restricted to casual pleasantries, unless the men insisted on more. I was a robot.<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> Patrick ambled towards the window, opened it, and tossed the burning cigarette on the lawn outside. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then, he walked back to where I sat curled around the contours of my plump, fluffy pillow, unable to move. He glanced down at me, tossed a wad of notes in front of me, and sauntered towards the door. As he reached for the handle, he turned around and beamed. ‘I shall be requesting your services again. I think I like you after all. Something about you.’ <span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With those words, he slammed the door behind him.<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> Despite his smile and his voice, Patrick had a hard look about him. He reminded me of the previous client who slapped me across the cheek for refusing to be tied to the bed pole. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That nasty man had made a complaint to Derek and removed himself from the register. I welcomed his departure, but he left a yoke around my neck. For a month, I wasn’t allowed to take advantage of my weekly chaperoned shopping. The only time I tasted the sweet smell of freedom, though tense and awkward it was.<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> I collapsed on the bed face down. Unable to contain the </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">pressure in my head, the throb between my legs, and the ache in my heart, I sobbed. I sobbed for my sorry little life. For what I had become. <span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I was about to take a shower when another intrusive knock struck the door. Patrick </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">must be returning for some item he had forgotten in my room, I thought. I sprang to my feet, shifted my eyes around the room, lifted the pillow, rolled back the rug, scanned under the bed and checked behind the door. There was nothing that belonged to Patrick. As I darted out of my room and towards the front door to allow him back in, something dawned on me. Without making a sound, I peeped through the keyhole and saw two men in black uniform standing on the other side. The men had portable radios stuffed in their pockets. One of them held what appeared to be a notebook. A diary, perhaps. I had heard stories about the men in uniform who patrolled the neighbourhood and made impromptu home visits. At the time, I did not pay close attention. People said a lot of things, especially my fellow immigrants. ‘Don’t do this. Don’t say that. Always carry this.’ It was as if I were a child. Looking at the two men outside, though, something in my stomach churned. <span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> With my heart pounding, I tip-toed back to my bedroom, slipped under the duvet cover, coiled my body up in a fetal position, and held my breath. The tapping persisted, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">sending disquieting vibrations into my stomach. It had been years since I ditched my nail-biting habit, but my thumb found its way into my mouth, my teeth tearing at the fingernail. After moments of quietly begging the good Lord to put an end to the incessant knocking, my head went into a spin, and an ache shot across my forehead. I suppose my nerves could only endure the terror for so long before my body went into a violent protest.<span style="color: #26282a;"></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 14.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> After what seemed an age, the knocking stopped. I crept out of my room, teetered towards the front door, and pressed my ears against it, listening for movement. Any sound to alert me to danger. To satisfy my mind, I peered through the window in the living room and inspected the driveway. I exhaled, and my thrumming heart rested when I saw no car and no shadow of the two men. Sinking into the couch in one corner of the room, I covered my face with both hands and stilled my body, digesting everything. Then I let the tears seep through my fingers. When was this going to end? </span></div>
Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-45869873075955513282018-07-01T05:22:00.002-07:002018-07-01T05:23:53.848-07:00My BBC Radio Berkshire Interview...<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Tune in to </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bbc?source=feed_text" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">BBC</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/radio?source=feed_text" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">Radio</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/berkshire?source=feed_text" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">Berkshire</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> tonight as I chat with the beautiful presenter, Bridgitte Tetteh from 8 pm to 9pm. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We discuss everything from African culture to politics and immigration. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I also read a poem I wrote. You really don't want to miss it. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Click the link to listen online and for the podcast <a href="https://t.co/2Qi0xPrmxL" target="_blank">BBC Radio</a> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDtYNSUnpBS-fxUZB03FgGxiiTrEZJe7CG00uXHp9DtgnXavKQky2FzUfK9ujbO8xLHU6ie3C6xZRJeEbEfHZ8F17MMfVB3i0akd4IdHhAN8tVV72gY8P8tx-XxlHF9DE9bnhTvAreRKt/s1600/36302498_2009786015720897_778976728121868288_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="1024" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDtYNSUnpBS-fxUZB03FgGxiiTrEZJe7CG00uXHp9DtgnXavKQky2FzUfK9ujbO8xLHU6ie3C6xZRJeEbEfHZ8F17MMfVB3i0akd4IdHhAN8tVV72gY8P8tx-XxlHF9DE9bnhTvAreRKt/s320/36302498_2009786015720897_778976728121868288_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332521326992297381.post-51997216152665577482018-04-22T06:12:00.000-07:002020-01-01T12:51:52.912-08:00Dear Dad,<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">I am writing to tell you why the month of April haunts me.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">It is the month we bade you a final farewell, all those years ago. At your funeral, people wailed, I wailed, and songs depicting your character tore the atmosphere. Finally, you were at peace. Since then, the memories you left behind have become taxing on the heart and soul. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">We were close; as close as father and daughter can get. You were not one for gushing, but your love was noticeable in the little things–your smile, your lousy jokes, your far-fetched tales, your warm gaze when you thought no one was watching, and in the way you hammered into me that the only inheritance worth having was a sound education. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">I get it now, I really do.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">You entertained my curious mind, all that endless talk about my dreams, and you believed I could become whoever I wanted to be. You said all I needed was to be grounded, to have the faith and courage to hold on to my authenticity and uniqueness. To cement your words, you reined in on my immaturity and over-inflated confidence by recounting poignant moments where you had experienced failure, missed an opportunity and took unnecessary risks. However, you were quick to heighten my spirits by stating that life had not denied you some glory. From your overflowing bag of wisdom, you drew upon your success stories. How you scaled your trips around the world; and navigated the challenges of diversity as you interacted with people from all walks of life, among other things.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">Of all the things I remember about you, it is your belief in your ancestors that I found staggering. I was a Christian; you regarded yourself as more spiritual than anything else. As I write this, my mind recalls one of our conversations where you spoke in riddles:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">‘Can you see it?’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">‘See what?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">‘The future.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">‘What? In your palm?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">‘Yes, and yours, my dear child, is as bright as the morning star. Look, right there.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">I creased my brow, laughed, shook my head in disbelief at your unearthly utterings. It was utter nonsense, and yet I hung onto every word. You became my muse. Now, having experienced life as I have, I know why you did it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">The last day we talked, you ditched your usual eccentricity and crammed your speech to give me the abbreviated version of your sentiments. You did not mince your words for you knew we had limited time. I treasure those final words. Sacred words of the dying every loved-one seeks to find closure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">I wish I could say that the adage <i>time heals all wounds</i> rings true for me. It does not. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">After your untimely departure, I rode the dragon of grief, just like everyone else. I heeded the advice you gave me over the years. I am grateful for your preparation which gifted me with the resilience to withstand tough times. The foundation you laid, cultivated in me, a rooted sense of self, and the propensity to accept that, in life, we do not always get what we want, when we want. You taught me that sometimes down is up and lost is found.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">And yet, the ache of longing for your presence never fades.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">During my rueful moments, my mind threatens to explode with pent-up emotions. I have things to say. Things to show you. If only you could feast your eyes on what I have achieved. It is not much, but you would have rejoiced and reminded me, with a smug look on your face, of the day I dubbed you a crazy old man because of your weird prophesying. I regret you are not here to listen to your grandchildren’s insane stories, perhaps teach them a thing or two. I want to whine about my problems, share my joys with you, and seek your advice, draw from your well of wisdom, but I can’t.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">Your face has become elusive in my dreams. I see your lips moving, but your voice is distorted, and I do not understand the words you speak. There is a misty fog billowing around you, and my eyes cannot penetrate through it. Everything has become a blur.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">You</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"> were not the most perfect dad in the world, but in my eyes, you were kind and prudent. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">Despite your flaws, you insisted on my schooling. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">You were by no means the perfect parent, but you were the one who stayed. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">There have been many seasons since your passing, but I am still consumed with rage. My heart still jolts from the harsh reality–you are gone forever, and all I have are the relics of my heartache, the constant reminder being the tombstone under which you lay interred in the cold grave.</span></div>
</div>
Unleash Your Full Potenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05811472981136041942noreply@blogger.com0