Feeling grateful about my life is something I never feel ashamed of; in my opinion, every moment should be cherished. But sometimes I tend to focus on the negative and forget ways to be grateful, even when it feels like things are just not going my way.
You might not be able to control every aspect of your life, but you can control your outlook on it. And what’s a better way to live than with gratitude and positivity?
As soon as you wake up, resist the urge to reach for your phone and check your emails or messages. Make the first thing you do that day be an act of gratitude. If we want to express love and gratitude for others, we have to have it for ourselves first.
Practising gratitude is something you can do easily. For example, you can start making “please” and “thank you” phrases that you use often when asking and getting help from others. You can also spend a few minutes at the end of the day writing down five things you feel most grateful for from that day.
Some days you will write without feeling a shred of gratitude. That’s OK. Just do it anyway. And when you can summon up the feeling of gratitude in your heart, let it pass through every cell in your body. Embody it. Place your hands on your heart. Raise your head, lift your self up.
Move into the feeling. Dance it. Sing it. Aspire to a fullness of heart, no matter what is going on around you.
It does not have to be January 1st to give yourself a chance to make the most out of your day and your life. Today is the beginning of the rest of your life.
Don’t start your day with the broken pieces of yesterday. Everyday is a fresh start. Each day is a new beginning. Every morning we wake up is the first day of our new life.
Today you have a blank slate, a moment for you to create a life you love and that loves you back in return.
Don’t dwell on old news, and things you can no longer change. It is never too late to change things that are not working in your life and switch gears, instead of thinking in the same old ways, hoping for a different outcome.
It is a new day, a new start. The beginning of a new life awaits you.
Every year brings lessons – some good, some bad, and I wanted to share some of the main ones I’ve learned so far. I’m quite sure you’ve heard of some of these lessons, but sometimes you just need some one to remind you of certain things and hopefully I can do that here today.
It’s important to be grateful for each and every year that teaches you something new. Here are the 10 things I’ve learned in 2016…
1. You Have To Put In The Work
Nothing worth having comes easy and nothing will come without putting in the work. It’s really as simple as that. If you want something, you’re going to have to work for it. No excuses.
2. People Change
People will always come to your life to teach you something, but they may not always be there. People will surprise you with their capacity to change. People will surprise you with their capacity to change you. Just learn from them and let go, never feel attached. Sometimes, the best support system you can have is yourself and your ability to find strength from within.
3. Be Creative
I think it became clearer to me this year, that it’s a beautiful part of who we are to create in some way. We are created in God’s image and just look at His creation! Creating and making are built into us, it energizes and refreshes us. Something as simple as cooking can be so fulfilling. Find your thing. Try new things! Whether it’s music or designing. God delights in our creativity and gives us ideas when we exercise it.
4. Children Change Our Lives
Celebrating Maxwell’s First Birthday
When you have a baby you’re absolutely and wholly consumed by it. Starting the year as a new mum totally changed me. Now, I must think about my son before making any major decision. I’ve learnt what it really means to put a person’s needs above my own.
5. The Storm Will Pass
Sometimes, we get so consumed by the tough times we are facing, but just at the right time, God sends help our way. I’ve learnt in no little way this year that the darkest hour is just before the dawn.
6. The Little Things Matter
How much money you have, what you weigh, how many followers you have on Social Media… that’s not the real value of happiness. A simple hello, a warm smile, a family moment… that is truly priceless! What really matters is the number of hours in the day and what you choose do with those hours. You’ll always be able to find value in other things but the true value comes from making the most of all the things that you are, right now.
7. You Deserve To Be Proud Of Your Achievements
I think that’s one thing that I neglected to do. I was so busy on other things: Reviews, Festivals, Awards, Lists… I forgot the simple fact that I directed and produced a socially relevant movie that is touching lives around the world. People have watched my movies. They’re still watching my movies. That’s something. And no matter how good or bad it does, no one will ever take away the memories of working with my amazing team, or my husband hugging me, telling me how proud he is.
8. I Am A Speaker
Speaking at ‘#NotTheCost: Stopping Violence Against Women In Politics’ Conference in New York – March 2016
This year, I’ve had several opportunities to speak in front of world leaders, governors, first ladies, social influencers, couples, youth, students and many more like never before. For years I’ve described myself as “a filmmaker who sometimes speaks.” I still see myself as a creative person first, but this year I’ve come to accept being a speaker doesn’t have to look just one way. It doesn’t have to mean I speak in stadiums to crowds of thousands and it doesn’t have to mean I have to be super polished. From speaking to small audiences to high profile international platforms, my voice has been amplified like never before.
9. Open Your Heart
The good and thing about living and loving with an open heart is that you’re open to receiving everything. You’re open and raw and vulnerable. But here’s the catch: you’re not open and raw and vulnerable so that people around you have power. You’re open and raw and vulnerable so that you can step into your own power.
10. Health Is Wealth
You’ve definitely heard this one before. The problem is, few of us act on this information. This year I have been proactive in taking care of my health. By simply improving on my diet and choosing healthier food, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my health. Compare that with spending thousands in hospital bills and it’s worth it! Feeling healthy is awesome, and it’s cheaper than being sick.
These are my lessons, I’d love to read yours. What important lessons have you learnt this year? Let’s reflect on 2016 and share our experiences.
What better way to wrap up the year than with the cutest magazine cover! And of course you know who makes it ‘cute’ 😻
I’m so honoured to grace the cover of Motherhood In-Style magazine with my precious son, Maxwell! Having a photoshoot with him was really adorable. He didn’t stress us much and he lighted up the photos.
If you haven’t gotten a copy of the magazine yet, please hurry and do so. You’ll find in it my very honest interview about pregnancy, motherhood and family as well as lots of interesting features for the entire family.
Thanks again to Motherhood In-Style and the awesome team behind the photo shoot.
Here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas in advance! 🎄
Credits
My Jumpsuits: @yuteeRone
Maxwell’s Full Outfit: Ruff & Tumble
Fashion Stylist: Styled by yummie
Makeup: BeautyFix
Hair Stylist: Laben Hair Concept
Photography: Gbenga Akindele for Kelechi Amadi-Obi Studios
The leading Chinese automaker GAC Motor, has unveiled its hi-tech GS4 series at an elaborate event which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event which took place on Monday 12th December was graced by several dignitaries including the Minister of Information & Culture Lai Mohammed, the Oludo of Ido Oba Adeen Adedapo Aderemi, the Chinese Consul General Chao Xiaoliang, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, the General Manager of GAC Motor Yu Jun, Chairman of CIG Motors Chief Diana Chan, Founder of Nike Art Gallery Nike Davies-Okundaye as well as Nollywood stars like myself and Kate Henshaw.
The GS4 model becomes the first GAC-branded vehicles to be assembled in Nigeria since the auto firm ventured into the Nigerian market in 2013. Rather than importing directly from its plant in China, GAC Motor partnered with the SKD Project to build a plant where the vehicles were assembled locally. The SKD Project was introduced in Nigeria this year through CIG Motors, the sole distributor of GAC Motor in Nigeria.
During his address, Lai Mohammed lauded GAC Motor for their innovation and creativity, adding that he admired the company’s commitment to the development of the creative industry in Nigeria. He commended Chief Diana Chan for her generous donations to the promotion of Arts & Culture in Nigeria and called on the Nigerian people to embrace the GAC Motor range of cars.
The General Manager of GAC Motor, Yu Jun, who was visiting Nigeria for the first time thanked the Nigerian people for their warm welcome and urged them to extend that welcome to the GS4 Car. He reassured the people of the GAC Motor’s commitment to quality and safety adding that the car is an excellent choice for use on Nigerian roads. “I would like to reassure the African people, especially our customers here in Nigeria, how seriously GAC Motor takes the quality and safety of its vehicles. We are very passionate about our goal to provide a safe transportation experience for all drivers, passengers and pedestrians.”
Chief Diana Chan, who happens to be the first Chinese woman to receive a Chieftancy title in Nigeria described herself as a Nigerian at heart and reassured the people of the CIG Motors’ continued commitment to providing great service to the people of Nigeria.
The launch was a successful and entertaining one with lots of music, dance and side attractions. The host of the event, Dare Art Alade, kept the audience entertained with some music and jokes alongside other performances.
The highlight of the evening was the official unveiling of the car which was greeted with a huge applause and loads of fireworks.
As a fast growing automaker with an average annual growth rate of 80 per cent in the last five years, GAC Motor has sold 335,000 cars from January to November, 2016. This represents 111 per cent year-to-year increase. In the coming year, GAC Motor has plans to increase to one million sales.
Automobile lovers are in for an exciting time as China’s GAC Motors franchisee in Nigeria will be unveiling its premiere GS4 brand next week Monday inside the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.
A delegation from China led by the General Manager of GAC Motors will be making their first visit to Nigeria for this high profile event. It will be hosted by the award winning musician Dare Art Alade who would also be giving a stellar performance at the event.
Speaking about the vehicle, Diana Chen, Chairman of CIG Motors and chief host of the event said “Applying sustainable and eco-friendly technologies in vehicle production and automotive decoration is one of our primary goals.’’
She said that all cars manufactured by GAC Motor follow the highest standards and use only the best quality and environmental friendly materials. Diana Chen is the first Chinese woman to receive a chieftaincy title here in Nigeria.
The Unveiling is expected to be an event of pomp and pageantry as select stakeholders of Nigeria’s auto industry, captains of industry, celebrities, political leaders and heads of corporate organisations have confirmed attendance.
Some of the celebrities who will be gracing this occasion include my humble self and the award winning Movie Director, Kunle Afolayan.
The GS4 brand has scored many firsts in the C-ECAP assessment and became the first SUV vehicle model to receive the gold medal. This best-selling model has just made its debut to Lagos, Nigeria where it is currently been assembled.
It has optimal fuel efficiency with a combined fuel consumption of 6.3-liter/100 km (37.3mpg) and only 36dB in idling noise to provide undisturbed driving space for car owners.
So we’ve been offline for a while and now you know why.
I am so excited to share this new look of StephanieDaily.com with you my lovely readers. This blog will be nothing without you and I’m ready to take it to another level.
Get ready for more fun, inspiration, tips, giveaways and interaction.
Christmas is just around the corner. We have every reason to celebrate! Even though it’s the last month of the year, I trust God that your dreams are gonna come true even at the last minute.
Welcome to a season of good cheer. Welcome to the new look of StephanieDaily!
💛💛💛
SL
PS: I’d love to hear from you. What do you think about the new look of the blog? What kind of stories and features will you like to read here?
I hope your day has been interesting and blessed so far.
On Friday 11th November, I was honoured to spend some time with school children at the 18th Lagos Book and Arts Festival (LABAF) where I headlined the “MENTORSHIP” programme. I had a really interesting time with the children and young adults where I spoke to them on the topic “My Encounter with the Book”. This was a session where I talked about the impact of books and reading on my life as well as how it has helped shaped my career.
The real fun started when I began to interact with them during the Q&A session. Truly, these future leaders have very bright minds and are at such a crucial stage in their life where their character is being formed. I was amazed by how much they are exposed to already, but the beautiful thing about these young ones is that with proper guidance, they can grow up to be great men and women. It was really good to be in their midst.
I must say a big thank you to the organisers of this event for putting together something so enriching and for honoring me with an invitation.
Here are some pictures from the event which took place at the Freedom Park in Lagos:
