Part of a Movement: It’s The New Year!

No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible
George Chakiris

As 2021 draws to a close, it has been another extraordinary and challenging year—a replica of 2020. I have taken stock of my life, and I am grateful and blessed to be alive, surrounded by love. Many people aren’t so lucky, and that’s not lost on me.

Our world has changed in more ways than one. We are still battling a pandemic that has taken over millions of lives; I have lost count of the dead. Yet, our world finds a way to renew. When a new day dawn, we repeat living all over again. People fall in love; they fight, bicker, and save lives. People have just been, well, human.

However, I am determined to live my life as part of a positive movement of change. I want to make a difference and foster love rather than hatred, encouraging generations of people who are determined to preserve life, not destroy it.

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. we are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day
Edith lovejoy pierce

I will not make a new year resolution. Instead, I want to put a smile a people’s faces. We all need to laugh more and enjoy every moment of our lives. Why? Because our time on this part of heaven is so short.

Happy New Year to all my friends and everyone reading this. May God bless and keep you all!

Much love, always.

George Floyd’s Tears Echoes Through Eternity!

May29

The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.
Albert Einstein

In the height of ’Jihadi John’ reign of terror, the Islamic State executioner who derives pleasure in executing journalists, that image stuck in my mind because it was widely available online. However, it has been replaced with Derek Chauvin grinding his knee into George Floyd’s neck while the poor man cried for mercy. When Jihadi John murdered several innocent journalists, mostly whites. I was angry and wrote about the atrocities of ISIS. It has come as a surprise that people are eerily silent about the murder of George Floyd, although, after a while, protests has erupted around the world against racism.

Alas, Derek and countless other heartless cops in the US are terrorists protected by the state. The US President has threatened to kill looters but killers like Derek would not have been arrested without worldwide protest. Killer cops like Derek Chauvin are degenerates, racist and divisive.

I grew up in a picturesque little town in Nigeria watching American films, Hollywood portrayed the US country as a land of the free, where everyone is the same, and actors fight for peace. However, that was just Hollywood. Minnesota cop, Derek Chauvin committed murder with people filming while bystanders pleaded, George Floyd also pleaded for mercy. That scene was not from a wild western flick, and yet, the cop was only arrested after an outcry and worldwide protest.

There are so many terrorists like that in the US, terrorising the lives of African Americans. Killing them with impunity, and if prosecuted, Jury always find them doing their job.

I am black British, not American but I have to speak out against this seemingly calm terrorist while the President was also inciting more violence? Looting is wrong, but you don’t encourage more racists to start shooting and killing, and then it becomes an orgy of violence. There’s something called ’dialogue’ even kids do it.

I am very sad for George Floyd, the US has lost the last shred of respect I had for it as a democratic country where the lives of anyone with a darker skin tone is in danger, from an erratic and unstable government to devilish, racist citizens to people who found this difficult to talk about.

Derek Chauvin and other terror cops that has killed so many innocent black people are inhuman, but the brilliant thing about civilisation is this; change is constant.

The Ruins Can Come To Life!

Aug12

‘In life, you can’t walk in a straight line, events have a habit of derailing your plans, so be prepared”.

Peter Nelson.

Well, Peter Nelson was my late dad, and he said these words to me and my husband on our wedding day. Things happen that you may not have control over, so get on with your life.

However, it is easier said than done.

I have experienced loss in a deep and personal way, and in my moment of anguish and pain, I actually believed I wouldn’t be able to go on but I did. Time heals, the pain remains in a way but the miracle of time is that it lessens and you would be able to move on.

This past year has seen huge changes on the global stage, and things would always be changing. My dad’s words always echoed in my mind, ‘be prepared.’ I should be prepared for changes, hopefully, positive changes. Which brings to mind other questions.

How do we truly enjoy life when we’re faced with debilitating circumstances?

Imagine a wife abandoned by her husband, ran off with a younger version of his wife. How would she begin the arduous task of rebuilding her life? Or a woman who fell out of love with her husband and left the family home. How would the man rebuild his life?

What about a young life blighted by drugs? How could such a life be transformed?

The scenarios above may well change. I’ve seen couples on the verge of divorce getting together again, and drug addicts living sane, fruitful lives. Miracles do happen. But often times, we have to create it.

I believe the ruins can come to life.

What miracles are in the offing around you?

Enjoy the rest of your weekend friends!

Much love, always. 🙂

Walking Through Time

Dec31

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(Photo Credit: Flickr)

This year had been full of surprises. From Brexit to the election of Trump to the continual gluttonous appetite of the world’s politicians. The world was gripped by the drama that was the US Presidential election, and as a feminist, I was really rooting for Hilary Clinton. But that was not her fate, she lost the race.

On a personal note, I’ve experienced nothing but blessings this year. I’ve also had my share of challenges, don’t we all? I’ve had dreams postponed but not denied, I’ve seen plans stalled but not destroyed. I’ve had manuscripts shelved but not forgotten. I’ve met new friends and learned some vital life lessons.

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The great thing is, if you’re reading this, that means we’re still walking through time, our lights are not snuffed out yet, for that, we should be grateful. No matter what you may have gone through in 2016, as long as you’re still breathing, and walking, there is hope yet. Don’t give up!

On that note, I wish all my friends here in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world, may you have a wonderful and prosperous 2017!

Happy New Year!!!

Much love, always. 🙂

Failure Is Not Terminal!

Jun23

(Photo credit: Flickr)

“I really don’t think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don’t mind the failure but I can’t imagine that I’d forgive myself if I didn’t try.” Nikki Giovanni

“No man ever achieved worth-while success who did not, at one time or other, find himself with at least one foot hanging well over the brink of failure.” Napoleon Hill

“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.” Theodore Roosevelt

When we have peace within ourselves, we can think clearly. I stared at this picture for ages and it gvae such tremendius joy!

Just like this amazing creature, let’s pause and gather our strength, we can succeed!

I love these three quotes on what I’ll call ‘the near success syndrome’ a.k.a failure. Life is so dynamic yet mysterious and sometimes, what we call failure could well be delay. My dad used to say that the fear of failure mostly propelled him to succeed. He did failed miserably in some aspects of his life, but he succeeded in several as well. To ignore failure or looming failure, we must have courage. Courage is also borne out of the ability to build on one’s failure and squeeze success out of it, Abraham Lincoln failed continuously before he became the celebrated figure most people adore today.

I also believe that dreams have a way of taunting us if we don’t do much about it, I don’t think losing or failing should discourage or cut our enthusiasm short. Succinctly put, don’t give up! There’s more to learn from failing than not attempting something in the first place. I also believe that success derived from failure is the sweetest of all.

I don’t why I’m writing this, but if it touches someone to continue living and not give up on their dreams, then I’m happy.

NP: I’m still hard at work writing my books, it’s not as fast I would have loved but it’s still worth it. I’ll still ensure I visit all your blogs as time permits. I appreciate your friendship and visits guys, thank you!

I hope everyone would enjoy the rest of this great week!!

Much love, always. 🙂

Change

Apr2

To live well we must adapt to change

(Photo credit: Flickr)

The most constant thing in life is change. Sometimes we may try to fight it, other times, we could do the wise thing and let nature or life, as the case may be, take its course. As Heraclitus, the Greek Philosopher would say, ”there is nothing permanent except change.”

I agree, the only constant thing in life is change. George Bernard Shaw also penned that ”progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

However, how do we enjoy the changing seasons of our lives? How do we glide seamlessly through the seemingly unknown tides of change? We could either attune our attitudes to conform to whatever changes are before us or despair which would do us more harm than good. Not all changes are bad, actually, some things needed changing to ultimately give us a breather in the chaotic life we sometimes lead.

Using myself as an example, I’d deliberately changed some aspects of my life, and life has thrust some changes on me too. Like when my dad passed, or when I left my job, or when I decided to go solo on my career. Those were necessary but not all changes are pleasant though; the death of a loved one, betrayals from people you love, not been able to keep up mortgage repayments, illness, financial worries…

The list is endless but there are good changes too; the chuckling of a baby, the miracle of new birth, finding love, nature, the beauty of life in its entirety. I could go on and on about changes. I don’t think we should shy away from it. Most times, a seemingly bad change in fortune could well be a catalyst for a better and more productive life.

When our situation changes, it will do us well to live in spite of it. Sir Pratchett said it best in the above picture. I think we should live well before it’s too late.

I’ve missed you all, and I hope you’re all well. I’ll be popping by your sites as time permits! Have a great Easter, and if you’re not a Christian, have a great holiday!

Much love guys! 🙂

Memories Of Time Past!

Mar20

(Photo credit: Flickr)

The lashes fell on my skin, burrowing holes through it

My hands gripped the tree as blood flowed freely.

The ground soaked and groaned.

My tears mingled with blood as hope fled.

A quick gaze upwards and the sky mocked me.

What sins have I committed?

What atrocities would call for such retribution?

Then like a glimpse in the night,

I saw a new world.

Different from my present.

Free from pain of the field and labouring for the proud.

A spasm, a breeze, a sound.

And mercy reclaimed my soul in a faint.

………………..

On Saturday, I went to watch the acclaimed drama, ’12 Years A Slave,’ directed by Steve McQueen. I wished I hadn’t watch the film, it was brutal. I ran out twice, it was very difficult to watch. As a writer, I’ve got a hyper imagination, and as the lashes landed on Patti’s (played by Nyong’o) bare skin, I flinched, I saw myself tied to the tree in her place, my cries of mercy rending the air. The horrors of slavery would live forever, and it’s even inconceivable that over 21 million people are still enslaved today!!!

I know we live in a very complex world but one by one, day by day, we can make a change, reclaiming sanity on our streets and nations. Thank God slavery is officially abolished. Thank God Hitler is dead but changing our world is everyone’s responsibility. A change to obliterate slavery, poverty, racism, murder… All sorts of evil lurking beneath the soul of men.

I WILL do my part. Will you?

Much love, always!

Seyi David

Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days, Months, Years!

Feb28

(Photo credit: Flickr)

”I hope everyone that is reading this is having a really good day. And if you are not, just know that in every new minute that passes you have an opportunity to change that.”

Gillian Anderson

This is perhaps the longest post title I’ve written since I started this blog. I believe we have the will power to do something about how we’re feeling. It’s up to us really, to see the beauty of creation; or war! But before I stop and close my laptop, I remember a C.S Lewis’s quote that I stumble upon a few years ago, it goes like this:

”It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.”

(Photo credit: Flickr)

These two quotes means different things. I wonder what you think of each one. How do you think it applies to you and me?

Ruminate on it this weekend and do let me know your thoughts! 🙂

Also, a blogger friend plastered my shy face on his blog a couple of hours ago, please do me a favour and hop over to read it. Chris Graham has a heart of gold (we all do! 🙂 ) And he did this out of the goodness of his heart. Please like and share it! 🙂

http://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2014/02/28/guest-author-seyi-david/comment-page-1/#comment-7790

I sincerely wish you all a beautiful, restful, and joyful weekend! 🙂 ( too many ‘ful’ 🙂 )

Much love, always!

🙂

The Man (Or Woman) In The Mirror.

May13

I stared hard at the mirror, studying my well-shaped eyebrows. I smiled, I frowned – I did all sorts of things. Like widening my mouth to expose my teeth. I saw all my flaws and my only spectator was my twenty-four month old son.

Why was I doing that? You may wonder. I was doing a bit of soul-searching. During my ‘man in the mirror moment,’ all sorts of thoughts went through my head.

I have been hurt.

I have hurt other people (unknowingly!)

I have been fearful!

Others have robbed me of things.

I saw a fairly pretty woman (believe me I had to make serious effort)

I saw a kind-hearted woman.

I saw a lover.

I saw a wife.

I saw a mother.

I saw a friend.

I saw a woman who wanted to change the world in her own little way.

And then I saw other people as well.

My husband (I love him! even when he refuses to take out the trash!)

Friends, bloggers, writers, (even some of my characters crept in)

I saw the homeless, the orphans, the rich, the Queen, and I zoomed in.

And I saw myself.

And then the song of Michael Jackson slowly fills my mind ( I love his music!)

”I’m starting with the man in the mirror,

telling him to make a change!”

What about you? What do you see when you look in the mirror…

I love you guys, let’s all make a change!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

🙂 🙂

A Woman’s Sphere…

Jan16

”They talk about a woman’s sphere as

though it had a limit;

There’s not a place in earth or heaven,

There’s not a task to mankind given,

There’s not a blessing or woe,

There’s not a whispered ”yes” or ”no,”

There’s not a life, or death, or birth,

That has a feather’s weight of worth

without a woman in it.”

Kate Field, Poet. (1838-1896)

I love this poem and I thought, why not share it and affirm to those words that I’m proud to be a woman (and a man too if you’re reading this), I’m proud of the fact that I can effect a change in a world filled with corruption and darkness, a world where demons walk in broad daylight and evil is extol with relish. I’m proud that when I effect a change in my world (family) I’m translating and infusing life and love into people of all ages. I’m proud to be a woman who chose to love people irrespective of who they are!

Are you proud of who you are?

Thanks for reading my post:)