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Excited Over Just One Reader

Source: Pixabay

The other day while I was at work I got into a conversation with a patient. I will refer to her as “Maria” in this post. For my new readers, I am a nurse by profession.

As we chatted, Maria nicely asked,

“Vivien what do you do in spare time? Hope you don’t mind me asking” she added.

“No. That’s fine.” I replied.

I read books but mainly write stories among other things.

“Are you a writer?” she keenly asked.

“No. Not yet, am finalizing my first novel which is out soonest.

She immediately became interested and asked me what the book was all about. In my book, I have included stories that my Mum had told me about how people have lived back in the sixties although the majority of the story is fiction. In fact, the former was the primary motive for the novel as I so much wanted to tell my future kids [I have one now though] how people have survived in the past centuries.  However, as the characters developed the story became more interesting and I decided I have to share it with the world.

Back to Maria, she was very touched to hear all that and told me how her father have asked her niece what she wanted from him during a family gathering and her response.

“Tell me the story of your life,” the little girl politely answered her grandpa.

Maria’s father was surprised to hear that but it turned to be the a cherished time for both of them as he shared most of his wonderful life memories with her.

Maria asked for my book’s title and wrote it down. She told me she will look for it in amazon and leave a review. I was blown away by her kind-heartedness and interest.

I was thrilled by mere someone’s genuine interest in a book that is yet to be published. She truly made my day. That day was stressful like most shifts but our conversation made it worth the while. I was happy, still happy about that encounter.

I was amazed because I realized I have somewhat promoted my book in the course of doing my professional duties; which was not intentional. Maria was very happy too as she said I was kind and one of the best nurses she has met in her entire years of going to the hospitals. What a compliment!

“Thank you” I said while my face glittered with smiles.

The book is out next month. I will keep you posted.

The Good Wife

Source: Cdn.pixabay.com

I have a joke for you and it goes this way. A kindhearted woman went to his busy husband who was in a meeting and asked, “Can I see you briefly?”

The man came out hoping no emergency had happened. She continued, “I have a good and a bad news for you, which one do you want to hear first?”

Only the good one the man replied. “You know the new BMW car, it‘s airbag works really well.”
This kind of clever woman is hard to find😄
Have a beautiful day and a fabulous weekend my lovelies.

Who Likes Adversity?

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Source: Ziglar.com

Adversity is marked by periods of misfortunes and distress. Studies have it that we experience lots of adversities in our lifetime.

Adversity has the potential to make one stronger. I came across a story of a lady who said that the challenges she had encountered at a very young age molded her into a hardworking person she has become.

You and I clearly know that no one likes hard times but they are inevitable. Sometimes when we look around, it looks like there are people who are more prone to adversity than others.

In my opinion, I would say try as much as you can to learn from difficult times. It is one of those situations you simply find yourself not that you would have chosen it; if it were down to you.

Be brave, and try to think 🤔 with you head, push your emotions aside. Remember that they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. In addition, it is not permanent; meaning it’s only a phase that will soon disappear.

More so, you are not the first to be in such situation and will not be the last. Take a deep breath. Be grateful to God for sparing your life.

I hope you enjoy this post. See you on my next one.

Dear John

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For some time now, I have been waiting anxiously to hear from a good friend. His name is John. Let me tell you about John.

In my previous blog “Writingisrewarding” I put up lots of post but had a few subscribers. I must tell you at that time I was more excited by posting and wasn’t worried about subscribers. So, John would normally email me almost after every post. I remember the first time he emailed.

I was pleased to know someone had read my story and took out time to write me an email. Since then we kept on exchanging emails. I never asked why he wouldn’t comment or something like that on the website.

I will describe him as gentle man and a man of faith. His words are filled with encouragement and wisdom. He is always grateful for little things.

In his emails, he told me about his health conditions, when he felt better,  and the kind of treatment he had received. He once told me how he cancelled an eye surgery and had gone for laser which he found better as it meant less recovery  and thanked me for praying for him. The last update was to let me know he had series of chemotherapy and one more to go. I continually pray for him and wish he gets better.

Months have passed and I have not heard from John. I have emailed him severally like usual but got no reply. I have missed hearing from him. Sadly, it’s over a year now. I have written a couple of posts I know he would have loved to read but got no email from him. I have missed how we both encouraged each other. I will always remember your kind words.

You will always be in my thoughts 💭 John. May God shower His blessings upon you, wherever you are.

Vivien🙏🏼

Your Imagination [Your Reality]

Imagination is the ability of our minds to be creative or inventive. Our imaginations can lead us very far, even beyond human understanding. Imagination has so many advantages and includes the following:

Self discovery:Source: i.pinimg.com

Imagination starts with an idea and builds up, which can take a great path and open world of opportunities. Psychologists believe that most successive people had imagined their situation before it became their reality. I have always believed that you never know how far you can go till you give something a try. So, come up with that single idea and let your imagination lead you.

Boosts ones memory: It sharpens our memory and equally boosts intelligence. Imagination is simply creativity, just like in forming new ideas and images, using our minds. In addition, imagination helps in memory rehabilitation when a person have suffered a brain injury.

Important for children’s development:

 

Source: Blogreadingeggs.com

Another quote by Einstein affirms that imagination is more important than knowledge. It opens doors to possibilities whereby a child can be creative, clever and think outside the box.  According to studies, imagination is not only vital for a child’s cognitive development, it gives them a better understanding of reality later on. More over, it is through activities like imaginative and creative play that kids discover the world.

Makes one empathetic: It makes someone more aware of others situation as you can visualise their condition without experiencing what they are going through. I consider this as a brilliant way of understanding the world; putting yourself in the shoes of others.

There are many benefits of imagination. Lest I forget, imagination transforms dream into reality. “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” Mark Twain.

So I urge you to dream big, let your imaginations flow and you will never know when reality knocks at your door. Whatever you do, stay focused and positive. If you like this post please leave a comment.

Be Prepared For The New Year

Hello Friends, I want to share with you some quotes that will help us keep our hopes high as we enter the year. Thanks to God for sparing our lives.

There are biblical verses that lifts my spirit high regardless of any situation I find myself. I have chosen very few:

Psalm 121 – “I lift up my eyes to the mountains; where is my help to come from?

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This verse reminds me of the supernatural being, the Almighty that foresees our future; including any struggle we might meet along the way.

“My help come from Yahweh who made heaven and earth. May he save your foot from stumbling; may he your guardian; not fall asleep!”

I cannot explain to you how overwhelming this line makes me feel. Those words are powerful. When you solely rely on God, what more can you ask for? It makes me aware of the fact that we are bound to stumble as we walk in the paths of life but He our God will protect us from all harm. God watches over us even we are exhausted from the days activities and fall into deep sleep. He is always with us, not leaving our side.

My bible went further to say: “You see– He neither sleeps nor slumbers, the guardian of Israel.  “… By day the sun will not strike you, nor the moon by night. Yahweh guards you from all harm, He guards your life.”

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We are reassured again that He does not sleep while watching over us and will shield us from all kinds of danger. There is nothing God cannot handle.

I use the New Jerusalem Bible – that’s the reason for the word ‘Yahweh’ if you have wondered where it came from. [I intentionally discussed the chapter without the verses numbers; most times I love discussing my bible that way so long as I have mentioned the chapter].

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “…But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

It is obvious that God strengthens us in hard times. I can relate this to my personal experiences, I would wonder how am ever going to cope but He simply does it, His own very way. He fights our battles. He is right there with us, even at our weakest times.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The Unchangeable God continues to reassure us of His steadfastness. I love those lines ever since I got to know of them. When I think about the future or uncertainties, I remain hopeful because I know God’s words do not change.

In addition, I love some non biblical quotes too:

“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.”

I can’t agree more. We have to be happy with our current situation to enable us flourish in the future. Find a way and be pleased with your present as it goes a long way to create a better future. Happiness is something that comes from the inside, so you have to create it.

The picture above says it all. They say health is wealth, so look after yourself. The information you need is out there. Avoid the things you can and cut down where necessary. You need not to be told about the consequences of ignoring warning signs. Whatever you do, look after yourself. You come first.

There are lots of quotes to help us keep track as it is important that we stay focus. I hope this post prepares you for the new year. Be hopeful for what the year will bring as you have prepared yourself – by reading this write-up😄

I had fun creating this post I hope you enjoyed reading it? Can you share with me your favorite inspirational quotes?

Blogmas – How To Survive Boxing Day Sales

Source: Telegraph UK

Still on the Blogmas spirit. I so much look forward to boxing day sales. Normally, I have lists of things I like to buy or simply names of people, whereby I will look at the names I will find something for them. Nonetheless, at times, I go beyond my list especially  when I see something I consider very useful.

During Christmas, my 25th is basically go to church and have a good family meal. Then comes 26th – the sales, sales and sales day. In the last few years, I would queue up at Next as early as 6.30 am. Even at that early hours of the day I am like number 200 or something above that in the queue.

When I eventually get in, I would browse the entire shop for items that catch my eyes. It’s really fun to see those nice and expensive clothes, purses, gifts and kitchen wares reduced to lower prices. Looking at my lists, you can tell the things I normally go for. I do take my time and fill my shopping bag before the deselection process begins, when am done. Normally, by that time I am exhausted and cannot wait to leave the shop with my latest purchases.

However, lately I mainly buy online and will be doing same this year. I go to the shops later in the day or sometime in the week to see or pick a few good things remaining. Luckily, I live close to a shopping arena, where there is Primark, Next, Sports world and the rest of them.

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Source: Synaptrading

My method of surviving the sales involves the following:

  • Gathering items I like first.
  • Choosing only the ones I need – at this phase, after gathering and I drop so many items.
  • Checking my budget.
  • Scaling down further to make sure I do not spend more than necessary and giving priority to items on list – Guys, I lose a few items at this stage too.  [I use this method online too].

Don’t worry, if I mention lists a lot, I jot down almost any thing.

Finally, by the time am done, I leave the shop with the items I really need. There are a few exceptions to certain things that I see and find very useful even when not included in my list. I will like to know what works for you.

Source: Tyannatells.wordpress.com

I have had so much fun putting up Blogmas posts this period, I even posted more than once in a week like I had thought at first. So, this is my last blogmas post – am not going to say unfortunately,

I wish you Happy Spending – Don’t  over do it.

Merry Christmas 🎄 to you and your household . I’m sending great tidings of love, peace and happiness your way 😊

A little Act of Kindness

Source: I.pinimg.com

There are lots of times I meet people and wonder if they are actually set out to upset any one that comes their way. I wish I can write this post without sounding a bit redundant. I am not going to tell you how much people underestimate the power of being polite towards another.

Show some love to people you come across. Be kind and use polite words. Life is hard on its own, the least you can do is simply a little act of kindness and put a smile on the face of others.

Have you wondered how people seem to be so serious-minded when you walk past them in the streets? Everyone’s mind is pre-occupied and these people have tons of information their brain is trying to process: it could be something that brings them eustress or distress. Either way, there is stress but I can tell you the latter is the commonest.

For instance, today I saw this woman who looked so worried and disturbed. As she walked, she struggled with a bag was carrying, as if the bag was the problem. As I approached her, I smiled -like a big smile- if you know what I mean. She stopped, smiled back, sighed and continued smiling.

Source: I.pinimg.com

At that moment alone, she forgot what was bothering her. I hope she thought of better things to enlighten her day. If mere smile can have that effect what about other little acts?

Times can be hard but we do not need to be hard on ourselves or others. Let’s try and encourage others in any little way we can.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Can you practice being nice to people regardless of your mood or situation right now?

Blogmas – Why Family is Important at Christmas

The remembrance of the birth of Christ is the essence of Christmas 🎄 It is a wonderful time for families to come together as one and celebrate. I appreciate this festive season a lot as it brings relatives together at the end of every demanding year. It’s a way for everyone to relax and forget about what they had spent most of their days doing, be it studies or work.

Most times, we get so got up in our private lives and forget the importance of quality family time. I can tell you that there are numerous families that only meet yearly at Christmas time. Do you agree? So imagine there’s no such period.

As usually, Christmas involves exchange of gifts 🎁 between families and friends and even alms giving. The joy on the faces of people when they are blessed with gifts they never expected is priceless.

Don’t forget, the gift doesn’t have to be that expensive. It should be what one can afford. The important thing is to remember that you can put a smile on someone’s face by being generous to them.

The season allows families to unite and iron out their differences too, if need be. It allows household to reflect on their relationships with one another.

In addition, the holy family of Mary, Joseph and Jesus is worth emulating. During Christmas, families can spend time reflecting on motherhood, birth, nurturing and the upkeep of the entire family unit.

I think Christmas is very important for families.

Merry Christmas 🎄 to you and your family😄

Blogmas – Christmas Favourite Story

Christmas brings a warm feeling of closeness to one another. It’s a time to celebrate Christ’s birth. A time for family reunions. In my culture, people would travel to their hometown to be with their families. It’s time to meet all the extended families too😄

Just their homecoming puts you in a festive mood. Each year, it’s very different as cousins might have finished primary school and preparing for secondary school or even Uni. There’s always something intriguing to discuss. Besides, we all came back from different places. In my experience, I so much enjoyed the brainstorming.

Parents would buy new clothes for their children, clothes for 25th, 26th church bazaar day and New Year’s Day. Guys, that was the peak because even if you don’t get much clothes during the year, you are going to get one at Christmas. [writing this post fills me with childhood Christmas 🎄 memory]

Lest I forget, to the ever-caring Uncles and Aunts who put icing on the cake by being generous with gift items and money, I thank you all immensely.

I pray for Gods protection upon everyone this festive period. May families unite in peace, especially those Struggling. God of all Travellers, lead your people home safely.

Thank God for Christmas 🎄season.

Can you tell me your favourite Christmas story?