I will be heard. I will contribute to the growth of my life and my community.
I bring value to every position. I am respected, loved and understood.
I am a solution to someone’s problem. I am part of decision-making. I will not waste my life and my time.
I will serve a greater purpose for mankind, but first I will affirm myself and believe in my abilities.
My seat at the table is for my tribe – those who may not be represented, I will speak for them.
The room belongs to us. The table is big enough. This seat belongs to our voice. I will occupy it and make the best use of the opportunity – this seat at the table will bring healing to many.
I am helping many when I sit at the table. The opportunity to have a seat at the table will bring my purpose to life, and bring happiness to many lives I may never meet.
I will sit at the table – this table will feed many.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? We ask five women:
“My uncle told me: ‘You wouldn’t need destiny helpers or favours if you are disciplined with growing your talent.’ I didn’t understand it then but I understand it now. You can’t keep running around looking for someone to make your dreams come true. If you stick to your skills and continuously show up for yourself, you will make your dreams a reality without losing an ounce of your dignity. I appreciate that advice.” – Jacqueline
“My boss told me once: ‘It doesn’t matter how much you explain how you want your life to be, if you are explaining to someone who doesn’t have the mental prowess to understand or imagine greatness, you will waste your time and still leave the conversation as if you lost virtue. Don’t be afraid to leave people behind.”’ – Rasheedat
“My mum used to say: ‘You get to meet people for a reason, as much as possible try to be kind. The memories of kindness will heal you through your entire life and the lives of your children. Kindness is key.”’ – Oby
“I never forget how hard I worked to where I am, so I don’t live a reckless life because I would hate to lose it all because of recklessness or lack of principles. It was a constant reminder by my father to be smart with life, and not be my own enemy.” – Divine
“I read this somewhere: ‘Manage your expectations of others. People will always fall short but if you are not relying on them to decide your value, you wouldn’t be broken when they disappoint. So manage your expectations and be the person you wish others could be – for yourself.” – Nneka
Today, April 10, is National Siblings day. We do not get to choose our siblings, they are gifted to us by God, which makes it a very special relationship that should be nurtured with understanding and love.
This is a special day to let your siblings know how much they mean to you. Shower them with appreciation in any form – whether gifts, kind messages or take them out for a nice lunch, where you can share some of your stories growing up. Bond all over again. Find ways to reconnect, and celebrate your love for each other; re-devout yourself by promising to have each other’s back. Your sisters and brothers are a huge part of your life.
Here are heartwarming sibling messages:
*My brother is my strength and even if he is not with me I can feel him heartily.
*Siblings are made to face any situation of life together.
*My sister always sees her superhero in me and I’m proud to be her brother.
*A sister can be your mother, a teacher, a guide, and a friend.
*Without a sibling-like you, my childhood would be incomplete.
*I have a sibling and therefore, I have a friend for life!
*The reason behind my unforgettable and awesome childhood is you, my sibling!
*Whether we are side by side or apart, we are still siblings and keep on remembering from the heart.
Today, April 6, is International Day of Sports for Development and Peace. The global theme is: “Scoring for People, and the Planet”.
“Sports are an integral part of society as it keeps us physically active, competitive and fit. Playing sports can boost confidence and provide lots of life lessons. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) takes place on April 6 and is observed to celebrate the role of sports and physical activity in our individual lives and communities across the globe.” – news18.com
We totally agree! Sports are unifying activities. They bring people and society together. The benefits of participating and promoting Sports are endless:
Sport can help people to become more social.
Sport can help to reduce obesity.
Sport can help to reduce depression.
Sport can create happier people.
Sport can help to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.
“GRATITUDE helps us see GOD. Gratitude opens our spiritual eyes. There’s a beautiful cycle in giving God thanks: the more we thank Him, the more we see Him working in us and around us. Gratitude helps us sense God’s presence, His personal care and His perfect timing.” We find this words from Lisa Appelo blog to be instructive.
God moves with the level of your gratitude. Spiritual doors are open when you drench yourself in gratitude. There are so many benefits to staying grateful. As you move through the tides in a difficult situation, remember to be still and practice gratitude.
Here are some of our favourite bible verses that puts us in the mood of GRATITUDE:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. – Psalm 9:1
THEREFORE we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16
EVERY good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. – James 1:17
FOR everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. — 1 Timothy 4:4-5
AND let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. — Colossians 3:15
WHATEVER is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. – Philippians 4:8
COME to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28
LET them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. — Psalm 107:8-9
YOU will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. — 2 Corinthians 9:11
On Thursday March 30, Stephanie Linus acclaimed actress, filmmaker, and women and girls advocate was the featured speaker at a briefing at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The event, which was sponsored by Pathfinder International, Catalyst Global Strategies, What to Expect Project, UN Women, UNFPA, and Stephanie’s nonprofit organization, Extended Hands Foundation, highlighted how U.S. government- supported global health programs improve the lives of women and girls in the developing world in ways that extend beyond improving health outcomes.
As a UNFPA Regional Ambassador and founder of Extended Hands Foundation, Stephanie discussed her work with several gender-based awareness and intervention projects across the world.
Stephanie led a discussion on how lack of health care access and overlapping areas of inequity keep girls out of school, limit educational opportunities, and keep them from living the lives they choose.
The briefing also included remarks by Lydia Murithi, Senior Global Technical and Strategy Advisor, Pathfinder International; Crystal Lander, Chief Strategic Engagement Officer, Pathfinder International; Annie Toro, President and CEO, What to Expect Project and Sarah Craven, Chief, Washington Office, UNFPA. The event was coordinated by Algene Sajery, CEO of Catalyst Global Strategies.
It’s the second quarter of the year, where have you visited? Life is all about experiences that become memories – memories that make your life full and gives life meaning.
Travel is such an important part of living. If you are frustrated by the process of getting visas with your Nigerian passport, maybe you should start by exploring countries that do not need exhaustive requirements.
For Nigerian passport holders, there are 26 countries you can visit visit visa-free:
Barbados
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Cabo Verde
Chad
Cook Islands
Ivory Coast
Dominica
Fiji
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
Liberia
Mali
Micronesia
Montserrat
Coco Ocean Resort, The Gambia
Niger
Niue
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Gambia
Togo
Vanuatu
There also countries you can visit with e-visas: Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Albania, Zambia, Djibouti, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Moldova, South Africa, Bahrain, Iran, Oman, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Bahamas, Malaysia, Australia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Uganda… and more!
Do you practice GRATITUDE always? Here’s why you should:
Gratitude improves your sleep, your mood and immunity.
Gratitude is like medicine that cures different ailments. It decreases depression and anxieties. Life is so much more beautiful and less difficult when you know how to be grateful.
Gratitude towards people in your life will improve your relationships.
Gratitude helps your self-esteem. It is a promoter of good mental and physical health.
When you practice Gratitude, you sleep better because your heart and soul is in a good place.
Gratitude is the ultimate self-care.
Never stop being grateful. Approach each day with joy and Gratitude!
Songwriter, singer and actress, Lady Gaga was born this day – March 28, 1986 in New York. Her real name is: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. From her fashion statement to her can-do spirit, Lady Gaga is an inspiration.
Here are some of her quotes we consider life-changing:
“Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.”
“All that ever holds somebody back, I think, is fear. For a minute I had fear. [Then] I went into the room and shot my fear in the face…”
“Sometimes in life you don’t always feel like a winner, but that doesn’t mean you’re not a winner.”
“I am my own sanctuary and I can be reborn as many times as I choose throughout my life.”
“You have to be unique, and different, and shine in your own way.”
“You define beauty yourself, society doesn’t define your beauty.”
“Ignore all hatred and criticism. Live for what you create, and die protecting it.”
“Don’t be insecure if your heart is pure.”
“Even if the whole world turns their back on you, you’ll always have yourself.”
“I’ve been searching for ways to heal myself, and I’ve found that kindness is the best way.”
