ROOTS...HOW DEEP?

Its quite amusing that whenever I think of my roots the imagery that hits me is that of a.........fruit salad! (Haaaa got ya :p...you like gist). Seriously though, I literally have roots in the four cardinal points of a compass, at times, I actually get confused to say the least lol. You don't wanna know some of the hilarious scenarios that has ensued in the course of this journey *sigh* let's just say some people's ignorance gets the better of them, ok enough about me let's focus on the topic at hand. Scrap the last statement I lied, today is all about me...yea roll your eyes all you want not every day advice! advice!! advice!!! Today "Yours truly" is owning this post like a boss *straight face*...just kidding I play too much let's get serious.

One's roots do not only indicate where you resurrected originate from, it also defines most of your interactions throughout life, from your choice of environment to even a life partner. Hen(s), the need to understand it in depth and embrace the uniqueness of your diversity. I am going to look at mine from a broad perspective...as an African (who else was I to use as case study lol).
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to uphold any race over the other it is based solely on personal experience.

The vibrant and somewhat outlandish display of the rich African culture both intrigues and fascinates me, from the decorative clothes/costumes to the long-held traditions and culture makes for a setting that thrives in apparent strife and discord. That in itself I find very inspiring, that you can find the harmonization of souls and happiness in little, reminding ourselves that the most beautiful things in life come from the littlest. You learn to drop your guards and dance in the wind, emancipate and let sail...*clears throat* ok am going all poetic on you but this got me nostalgic bringing to mind one of my fave poems "African poem- by David Diop".

I seek to further explore this beauty as well as various other rich cultures from around the world and I enjoin you on this conquest...let's get to know one another for there is unity in diversity and the beauty of it thereof. Nonetheless, the delight and fulfillment derived in doing so is priceless. In light of this, I want to use this medium to wish all my "anonyms" a Prosperous and Happy New Year *muah*.

CHARACTER...SELF-EVALUATION

This topic brings to mind an age-old saying; "Paying it forward". As with most quotes or articles I come across daily, I spare a moment to internalize it, so let's also take a moment to "externalize" this shall we? One can have plenty in nothing and nothing in abundance, it all boils down to the happiness that comes with a sense of fulfillment.

It is without emphasis to say that one's character can either make or break you, it sounds pretty simple but it isn't so majority of the time or how else can you explain self-sabotage and why we have more evil than good...haven't the "beautiful ones" been born? Striving to be a better person is a daily struggle that most can not be bothered to embark on...sad but true. Many of us just want to sunbathe on the Riviera while all our dreams and aspirations fall into our tanned laps without lifting a finger...dream on (side note: you can thank me later for the holiday tip, its the season anyway *wink*). If you don't invest in yourself then you really shouldn't expect anyone else to, all you need is to have your good outweigh your bad and work on your self daily...how hard can that be. It is totally normal to take a few steps backward every now and then, but pay that no mind you will make up for that if you keep at it.

Ever had one of those weird encounters where you find yourself in a difficult situation with no hope in sight, only for a helper to show up out of the blues and reciprocate an act of goodwill or just merely on the fact that you "Paid it forward", it sounds surreal but that can be a life-saver. On the reverse side, ever been so close to a breakthrough only to have a bad reputation set everything crumbling, sounds very devastating and it truly is! Lol. There really isn't an almighty formula on how best to live your life (at least am not aware lol) but how to be a better person and positively impact those around is the least you could do.

Long story short guys, the world can do with more of the "good guys" than not and making that list should be a daily effort by all, to that effect I will leave us (myself included :D) with this awesome quote from one of my fave icons: "Watch your thoughts they become words, watch your words they become actions, watch your actions they become habits, watch your habits they become your CHARACTER, watch your CHARACTER for it becomes your destiny!- Margaret Thatcher.

Happy holidays folks.

LGBTQ...A STANDPOINT

Firstly, I will like to state that I am in no way unaware of the sensivity of this subject matter neither do I intend to make light of it (#NoJokesAllowed). This is about the most touchy subject (pun unintended) I have ever considered writing on and I almost chickened out at the last minute but decided to brazen out and take the reins #braveheart lol.

One mantra I go by is; Before I am *insert race* I am Human, and that is the mindset I go about my daily interactions. I don't see colour, status, sexual orientation etc, all I see is the person within and if ever there is a fall out it is based solely upon such perception...nothing else. I am not trying to impose my beliefs on anyone (not like I will succeed if I tried lol) but just sharing a message of peace and love because honestly, that is what is wrong with this world. This is by no means to say that our sexual orientation do not identify who we are but should that define us and how we are perceived? I strongly disagree. Who really is to say what is wrong or right anyways...of course a lot of religious books have a standpoint on varied sexual orientation (we kid ourselves not) but the same books preach the message of peace and love which compels me to ask; are we to choose one stand point over the other and on what basis do we justify this choice? All those who outcry racial injustice yet spread hate based on sexual orientation, are to me "The biggest hypocrites"...Discrimination is same across all spectra.

No one created themselves nor knows exactly how their lives is going to pan out...we just live by the day with hope and optimism in our hearts of what is to come. On our path we are faced with decisions, some we are proud of others not but the mere ability to do so in itself is the greatest gift. This is why it breaks my heart to see innocent lives lost based on societal prejudice who are none the wiser! Regardless of how we try to morph it, a hate crime will always be what it is and that blood never washes away, how did humanity become this cruel.

For those unaware or ignorant of being culprits of this dastardly act, check your "Assumed priviledges", for if you recognize the existence of such in the first place then you have your answer staring you right in the face. No matter how high you set your standards, you will never attain perfection and the sooner we realize that is the moment we start to drop all antagonism towards others we "perceive" to be different. Always strive to be the person you will love to meet...say NO to discrimination *drops mic*.

FASHION SENSELESS

Greetings my fellow fashion bloggers, I apologize in advance for this post it is in no way a "shayd" at you, just sitting here minding my business *sips green tea*. Hmmn...can you imagine if I was actually a fashion blogger! #EpicFail lol. True confession is, I tried to but then immediately realized that wasn't my calling so respected my grey hair myself. Let's dive right in shall we? I still haven't gotten a hang of the fashion statement "Less is more" (of course I can read! *rme*), and I am pretty sure a lot others either don't understand it or simply don't concur, whichever way, we shall all feign understanding abi. If we truly understood it then we wouldn't have adults walking around with next to nothing clad on and still tell you "Less is more"...errr that is about everything right there! *confused face*. Fret not! I am not here to preach neither am I a fashion genius (not even close lol), just trying to address a few abnormalcies for the sake of posterity :D.

The aforementioned trend is not nearly as disturbing as the "Colour blocking" trend, this not only gives me the creeps but also a huge migraine every time wrongly done, a percentage of which will startle you! Or how else can a single person wear all the colours of the rainbow all in the name of fashion...pity us now. Some school of thought states that, for a well coordinated outfit, you mustn't exceed four colours at once. Regardless of the justification of that statement, common sense should tell us what is and isn't applicable...scrap that...what isn't wearable #QED. Any outfit that serves as a kaleidoscope in itself has no business being on your body except you are at the circus. The mere fact certain outfits look attractive on the runway doesn't qualify them a daily wear or one to be worn outside the show for that matter! Dressing to suit your body shape and size can not be over emphasized neither is it rocket science...figure what best suits your physique and stick to that. If you have a bulkier physique avoid horizontal patterns, for skinnier physiques avoid paneled cut-outs...blah blah blah (google can help with the rest ;).

Another trend being martyred, is the new "Retro" style (for those not conversant with this, its simply wearing what your ancestors wore! ehn we can continue), I don't know which is more sad: The fact that these folks will be turning in their graves in dismay or the fact that they actually wore it better than most people do presently! *sigh*. If you are not TRULY fashion forward or avant-garde, please (x10) stick to the norm...there is no going wrong with that lol. On a lighter note, never would I have imagined the trend of mixing African prints or wearing those outfits on sporty footwear will happen in my time! Hehehe. The results are truly beautiful when creatively done...ahhh don't you just love fashion. So here are a few pointers that might help before we end the sermon:
- Dress per occasion and when in doubt it is better to be over dressed than under dressed.
- Varied prints never go together, no need to have two animals fighting in your outfit.
- "Less is less" and "More is more", unless you truly understand the complex version please stick to the simpler side of life.
- Coordinating your belt and shoe on a formal outfit is a MUST dear men!
- Last but not the least CLASS IS EVERYTHING!

Enough said...stay beautiful folks.

LOVE...ITS TRUE ESSENCE

Yay! Got an adrenaline high on this topic alongside those who will pretend not to! Lol. So "let's talk about love baby" (P.S- If you don't know that song please you are not supposed to be here #18+...kidding not). Is anyone truly an expert at love!? I really don't think so neither are the views contained herein intended to reflect such :D.

So here's the JAMB question: what is Love? Errr...before you answer please refer to the statement above hehehe. There are 99 feelings you can define but love ain't one of them (Notice how lyrical am being! Haa..baddest ;). Love is simply that feeling you can't define, you experience it, it overwhelms you but defining it is akin to trying to catch smoke. You can describe it but you can't define it...makes sense? (or try holding your breathe for a while it will come). We might be tempted to define love as those butterflies in your stomach, adrenaline rush, senseless acts etc, stereotypical of a "Boy meets Girl" story but to say that is out of scope will be an understatement. True love...in its purest form is that in which reciprocity is not expected, it lasts a lifetime...it never dies. True love is helping that homeless person without any gains, sheltering that child from harm's way just because you want them to experience a better world than you have and various other selfless acts.

Most definitely there is romance...wild wild Romance (this is not why we are here though lol) but then there is True love, not to say the two don't entwine but let's not confuse both...very important. What a sad realization it is, knowing that so often is the word and its essence abused with reckless abandon yet we wonder why hate rules! Ever noticed how you transform when you genuinely harbor love in your heart...the glow is contagious but remember you can not give what you don't have, so overdose on self-love and watch it spread. I can't think of a better way to end this topic than with one of my favorite quotes: "To befriend your friend is easy but to befriend one who considers himself your enemy is the quintessence of true religion, the other is mere business"- Mahatma Gandhi.

#OneLove

TALENT OR BLUNDER?

How many people delve from one business/ job to another all in the name of discovering your talents!? Isn't it clearly overrated? Or does it stem from the fact that while growing up our loved ones always drummed it in our ears, how "Multi-talented" we are and destined to be the 8th wonder of the world! Eh...aunty please can you help me with just two of my 1 million talents so I can actually see what to start with...or who isn't with me on this? Hehehe.

Please don't allow any one have you running around like a headless chicken, looking for what was never lost! Truth is everyone is unique in their own way and whether you try hard at it or not, your true talents...the ones actually given will surely come to forefront. Last I checked, no one died from being talentless, at least you can "keep calm" and  have your peace of mind. This brings to mind some supposedly adorable baby videos uploaded on social media depicting the sheer exploitation of a toddler's innocent goofy moments confused as "talent search"...they just leave a sour taste at the back of my tongue! Please note am an ardent lover of kids but this humiliation...is crime to humanity :(.

How difficult can it be to understand that not every activity in life is a prized talent? Majority are merely a part of your everyday life as a human here...valuable info for your "grey matter". While it is ok to try out at a few things, kindly stick to the said few and work extra hard at them instead of the "wild goose chase" predominant these days or simply abandon everything and accept your fate! Lol kidding. Kindly indulge me...please take a moment to peruse certain profiles you come across daily, a single human being with same two hands and legs will list 15-20 occupations as "presently doing"! Are you Omnipresent, Omnipotent or Omniscience? (P.S: I am not a life coach but issues like this just has to be addressed...Haba).

Infact this is how am stopping this episode today...unfinished (I don vex). I still love you though *muah* Stay talented folks!

LET'S TALK ABOUT HYGIENE

Reader discretion is advised! (Lol...I watch too many movies). Seriously though we are going to pick every "hair strand" on this topic so brace up folks ;D. As simplified as this topic might sound, it has caused more harm than is imaginable (World War II & things! Hehehe). 

It is a sad realization to note that a lot of people merely "mimic" this act without justly doing so, or what is the essence of taking a shower & still walking around with a stench! As an adult male/female, you should be well aware that it is your responsibility to "effectively" carry out your daily hygiene, regardless of social strata, sparing the Universe unnecessary discomfort *rme*. Why don't we dissect this from a gender perspective...sounds good? (We were forewarned o :D). 

Ladies! Ensuring your privates are clean & odor-free is not a crime to humanity! Invest in feminine care, floss daily, go for regular check-ups to stay in tune with what is going on in "there", refresh at intervals throughtout the day especially at that time of the month as doing so once will not make the cut. It really isn't just about outward appearance (never has FYI)...what is going on inside is just as important if not more! Please grooming yourself in public is a no-no (x10), it is both uncivil and disturbing...your mannerisms are what states if you are a lady without doing so. That weave does not need to be unkempt or stay on your head forever! If no money for a redo, abeg go natural (guys are totally into that *wink*). Manicure & Pedicure should be a norm and not just reserved for special occasions! Pamper yourself to a spa treat, detox, spritz on that soft & flowery fragrance (P.S: this is #keeping your man 101...you can thank me later). Ofcourse there would be bad hair days, but rock that look as best you can or better still just "hibernate" on those days ;p. Remember you aren't just doing this for you but also for the well being of those around you...it is absolutely worth the hassle. 

Guys! You can quit laughing now...its your turn! *smirk*. I still can't figure out where the misconception of it being cool for a guy to have a little odour "manly smell" came from! Ofcourse you can't be walking around smelling like Cinderella but kindly erase that myth...a disgusting one at that for the sake of humanity! (Yes...I have zero chill on this o). You are not doing anyone a favour by deciding to leave your privates "primitive"...please take that hair off. If you must keep an Isrealite beard kindly spare your fellow humans the sight & keep it groomed, flossing goes with brushing it isn't optional, invest in those products...you won't lose an arm & a leg doing so! There is nothing sexier than a well groomed man with a nice fragrance *drifts into dreamland*...yes, that is not where the world ends but is comes pretty close! Hehehe. This might also come as news to some, but regularly having a manicure & pedicure is very necessary (without the nail polish o...Hehehe) & not just a feminine thing. Same goes for a spa massage. 

After all said and done, it is without emphasis to say that "Looking good is good business" which includes INWARDLY! Till our next gist column...Stay fresh folks!  

ITS NOT THAT SERIOUS...OR IS IT?

True confession; I didn't have any "serious" thing to write about when I thought of this topic! I just felt this deep compassion for people who take life too seriously that I had write do something about it ;(...Yea am that nice! It is worthy to note that no one takes you that seriously not even life...so why should you? I don't know about you but laughter is food to my soul and at every chance I get I take a big piece of that "meal".

We use something-something million muscles to frown (google can help with that :p) and the barest fraction of that to smile, so what is the fuss about! *drops mic*...just kidding I need it to finish this gist :D. Believe it or not, most times we are the architects of our own problems. We build all these "castles in the air" and hold ourselves to unrealistic high expectations that we perpetually find ourselves falling short! Totally avoidable if you ask me (even if you don't am the one holding the pen). Please understand that it is very necessary to dream, dream big by all means, as far as your imaginations can take you but be sure you are realistic about it (Preaching to the choir right?) but it is one thing to hear it and a totally different thing to actualize it.

The one person you should constantly be in a competition with is nobody but yourself! Because no matter the amount of "greatness" you achieve there will always be someone who bests you (I also wonder if these people are spirits! Haba! Can't you allow me be great! lol). Let us stop holding ourselves in so much contempt that we end up existing instead of living. I mean...no one is going to get out of life alive anyways so why the rush? I know right about now, the superstitious ones will start snapping their fingers backwards...can't laugh.

One of my favorite quotes is "Live, Laugh, Learn, Love" as bare as that quote might seem, its in-depth meaning is beyond beautiful, it is like a "survival guide" to living as best you can. Not wanting to sound mean, (too nice for that) just bear in mind that your prayer point is someone else's offering so keep calm! Let's quit the "all my haters" jazz, Strife, Envy, Jealousy, Competition, Malice, Hate, Bitterness, Anger etc because all this only eats up the person harboring it and no one else and instead live your life likes its Golden! *insert other precious stones*.

#Dasall folks, can't risk sounding like a broken record...Hehehe. Till our next gist, riding off into the sunset on my flower bike ;D

 

NATIONAL REFLECTION: INDEPENDENT OR NOT?

Arise o compatriots! (Yea am starting the post like this...Hehehe). With a show of hands, how many of us can confidently recite the FULL National Anthem and Pledge? Please note...no need to embarrass ourselves *rme*. Even though I was one of those annoying kids who sang atop their voices on the assembly ground because they actually knew it (eat your heart out :p) for the sake of peace and unity I will join the "Olodos" cool ones at the back :D. Seriously though, it is such a sad realization that not only are those words lost in space, the essence for which they stand is not put into practice in the barest minimum and yet you ask Her to move forward?! By what means?! Wouldn't it be such a shame to see the "Labour of our heroes past" being put in vain?

We could go down memory lane, recounting every dictatorship government we've had and pretend to understand their individual effort on nation-building or lack there of but let's leave all that jazz for the National dailies. Instead, let's talk about us...yep you & I (Ok maybe more you though lol). It's no hearsay that the major problem of Nigeria is Nigerians...or last I checked we are not governed by spirits *raised brow*. The "Lame man" on the streets walks around with a sense of entitlement and always in a bad temperament, believing they are owed something and wouldn't even spare a second to the voice of reasoning. The "Elite" on the other hand, no doubt vast in knowledge will rather extenuate the apparent woes abound in their inner caucus while having a tasty slice of the 'national cake' than actually put that knowledge to good use (please pardon my German).

Marginalization, of this manner though, will be a grave injustice to both our rich diversity as a People, as well as the commendable efforts of well-meaning individuals whose impacts are wide spread. I can hardly contain my excitement at the prospects of this New Era and the optimism that is simply contagious (Judging by the mindless bants on Socials...Hehehe). So here's where the real change should begin...our mind sets "A beautiful mind has no borders"-Yours Truly. There is a limit to the effect of abstracts on reality, so let's set aside the chants and do the real work or at least keep the peace while others do! Because whether we like it or not...North, East, South, West, this is HOME!

Till we chit chat again, remember to love one another (or pretend sha) and HAPPY INDEPENDENCE NIGERIA #MyBelovedCountry.

 

 

OFFICE POLITICS OR "POLITRICKS"

I particularly find this topic most amusing...whether its based on experience or stories from others, really can't tell. This is a fact, how well you understand the dynamic of office politics determines whether it is gonna be a "fun place" or "war zone" for you (except your village people are on your matter tho :p). There are various categories of colige colleagues you encounter daily but for the sake of webspace, we will discuss just a few.

The "Genius", these are the acclaimed professors on a janitorial job, don't make the mistake of asking for help from these crew because that will be your job for the whole day! they seem to know all the permutations and combinations of carrying out your individual functions while remaining on the same pay grade for decades! (these folks I always reserve panadol for).

The "Whiners", typically the long serving employees who are so disgruntled they wear it like an outfit. They know the organization better than the CEO! walking around with a frown all day, complaining to whoever cares to listen but never leave anyways! (these folks I keep in my prayers).

The "Snitches", they are usually a far (x10) distant relative of the boss or just a mindless busybody, whichever way you always have to refrain yourself from giving them a beatdown! These "monitoring spirits" will snitch on what you don't even remember doing while all day long they are actually busy...doing nothing! (these folks teach you patience...Hehehe).

Last but not the least, the "Lazy flirts". Usually the cute or seductive ones...they never want to lift a finger to do their job. Instead they prey on their "victims" to do all their bidding and pride themselves in doing so. You know all those folks that can speak all the english in the world but can't write a single sentence of? Good...those very ones! (these folks I wonder if they will make heaven ;(.

This is a public announcement o, if you fall into any of the above categories, kindly change ya ways or better still "jejely" become an enterpreneur and give those that deserve it the chance to work *rme*. For those pondering what group "yours truly" falls under? Think no further, am the one who writes about you! *tongue out*. Till our next episode folks, stay awesome.

First of all...Introduction

Sitting here chewing the tip of my golden pen, thinking on how to start this Intro, just have to figure how to get out of my head and start anyways...lol. Ok so here's the scoop about this blog, its basically about topical issues in our everyday life, projected from 'yours truly' view point and spiced with a dazzling jazz of humour! (Very rich words yea? Am bad like that...Hehehe :D). Some might be insightful while others just plain random! *insert emoji*.

Now the pressure is off, we can relax into the main gist. Starting this blog practically 'witch-hunted' me for months! (Still don't know who I offended) Amidst going back & forth of what its essence should be, how impactful,  blah blah blah, I decided to take the bull by the horn (lol kidding...will I wait if I see one!) because I mean...we now live in a world where there are more bloggers than humans! *straight face* so this is either me joining the band wagon or discovering the best thing since sliced bread, time will tell.

I really don't want to make this a lengthy read, afterall I called it an "Introduction" and unless its going to Eradicate Hunger in Africa or Ensure World Peace, then you don't need to keep reading either! Without much ado, let's get the ball rolling and stop the talking 'cos as they say "Talk is cheap"...seriously (Consider this blog!).

Stay tuned regularly folks, this is gonna be a long ride *wink*.
P.S: Comments and constructive criticisms are beyond welcome...keyword; BEYOND.