Christmas Boxing day

History made us aware that today is the day gift boxes are given to people who earn less in the society. This could be servants, tradespeople or those considered as poor. Some said it is a time when churches collect money for their less privileged members.

This is a good way of making impact in the society. I have come across people organising cookouts for today. This is highly commendable. All these consolidates the fact that Christmas is a period of giving regardless.

As a child, I looked forward to the church bazaar on this day which is accompanied by Grandma buying us rice from her women organisation. We would go from one canopy to the other. She get to show off her grandkids too.

Oh! This is accompanied by meeting different uncles, aunties and friends to celebrate Christmas by means of giving cash. We would literally say “gbara m Christmas”. This means celebrate Christmas for me by giving me something. It was fun as we turn out to get richer by the end of that day.

Anyways, one of the things I enjoy the most about Christmas is the Christmas carols. I love the songs as they bring so much memories.

More like these songs take you home to NazarethšŸ”

How is your Boxing day going? I wanna reread from you.

May all you want this Christmas ā›„ come through ā¤ļø

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Lots of Love

Viviensvoice

Wishing You A Merry Christmas

It is that season of the year. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

The key message today was about PEACE in families, relationships and in the society at large.

We genuinely need peace in our dealings with people.

I hope this celebration reunite homes and many more.

Did you travel home this period or not?

May you all have wonderful reasons to celebrate Christ this seasonā¤ļøšŸ¤ā¤ļø

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Finding Inner Strength: Embracing Life When Times Get Tough

There are ways around all of these. You are not alone.

How are things going for you lately?

At times, life can be challenging, and situations may leave us feeling overwhelmed and defeated. However, it is during these moments that we have the opportunity to tap into our inner strength and find the resilience needed to move forward.

Let’s look at different strategies that can help an individual find the strength to live and thrive when faced with tough circumstances.

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions

When faced with difficult situations, it’s essential to acknowledge and accept the emotions you are experiencing. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated. Allow yourself to process these emotions, as denying or suppressing them can hinder your ability to move forward. Embracing your emotions allows you to release them and create space for healing and growth.

2. Cultivate a Supportive Network

Seeking support from others is a powerful way to find strength during challenging times. Surround yourself with a network of friends, family, or support groups who understand and empathize with your struggles. Sharing your thoughts and emotions with trusted individuals can provide comfort, guidance, and fresh perspectives. Remember, you don’t have to face difficulties alone.

Vivien in African bottom. What a combo!


3. Practice Self-Compassion

Be gentle and kind to yourself as you navigate through tough situations. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging that you are doing the best you can under the circumstances. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a loved one. Allow yourself moments of self-care, whether it’s taking a walk in nature, enjoying a hobby, or simply giving yourself permission to rest. By nurturing yourself, you replenish your inner strength and resilience.

4. Focus on the Present Moment

When facing challenging circumstances, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by past regrets or future uncertainties. Instead, shift your focus to the present moment. Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help anchor you in the here and now. By being present, you allow yourself to observe your situation objectively and make decisions based on what is within your control.

5. Find Meaning and Purpose

Difficult times often provide an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Consider the lessons you can learn from your current situation. Reflect on your values, passions, and goals. Rediscover your purpose and align your actions with what truly matters to you. By finding meaning in your circumstances, you empower yourself to overcome adversity and emerge stronger.

6. Set Realistic Goals and Take Small Steps

When faced with tough situations, it can be overwhelming to think about the future. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, more manageable steps. By focusing on achievable tasks, you build momentum and gain a sense of accomplishment along the way. Celebrate each small victory, knowing that every step forward brings you closer to a brighter future.

7. Seek Professional Help if Need be

Sometimes, the challenges we face require more support than our personal network can provide. Professionals give information from knowledge gained through trainings and extensive researches. Your friends or relatives might not know all of that. If you find yourself struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Mental health professionals, therapists, or counsellors can offer guidance, tools, and strategies tailored to your specific needs. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and it can be a crucial step towards regaining control of your life.

Conclusion

Finding the strength to move on and live when situations appear tough is a journey that requires self-compassion, support from others, and a focus on personal growth. Remember that tough times do not define you. By acknowledging your emotions, cultivating a supportive network, practicing self-compassion, staying present, finding meaning, setting realistic goals, and seeking professional help if needed, you can tap into your inner strength and embrace life’s challenges with resilience and determination. You have the power within you to not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

If you like this post, please comment, share and subscribe to my blog. Have a look at the category for topics that suit your current needs too.

Let’s grow together

Viviensvoice šŸ§”

God is Love

When life challenges happen, be consoled. Have some faith knowing that love conquers all.

I love yesterday’s reading.

All of it.

The popular verses we hear often were read in churches.

Isn’t it amazing to know that God already knew all of us before we began to exist?

He knew what we currently are and all we are yet to become.

We are prophets! This isn’t the first time the scripture refers to us as prophets.

By baptism, we are made prophets.

So, look deep down and ask yourself if you are in anyway serving this purpose?

Before I digress, the other popular verse was center bout love. This verse was used mostly on valentine’s day or birthday Cards.

“Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, it is not pompous,
It is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.

It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.”

They sound so familiar right?
Who doesn’t love love?

In marriages, patience will be tested over and over again.

You will have to become resilient. You will be offended countless times.

Yet, you need to trust your spouse.

Then, we are reminded that Love never fails.

This same love rekindles trust.

It is important that we know that we have religion for consolation.

When life throws it’s pains and sorrows, we need some consolation.

Religion is there to see us through it all.

For relationships and marriages experiencing difficult times, may your love for another never end.

May our faith bring us comfort and consolation despite challenges.

God is Love.

Let’s grow together

Viviensvoice

Be Nice to People



In this live we found ourselves, do try your best to be nice to people regardless of the circumstances.

I have always know this lovely lady from work. We see a couple of times and exchanged greetings. Well, you will understand better if you know how most people in the UK simply mind their business most times.

It happened that during summer heat wave there was an alert encouraging staff to wear scrubs so, this she came to my unit for scrub as her tunic was so hot for the weather.

Unfortunately we ran out the other day so when she came my unit was not willing to share with other departments.

I saw her begging but no one said no; including myself. Minutes later I saw her still wandering then, I called her to the side and gave her one. She was happy and left.

We met recently and got talking only for her to disclose to me that she lost her other half 7months ago.

ā€œAnd you are back to work already?ā€ was the first thing I asked her. I couldnā€™t believe this lady, her predicament and her courage…

I donā€™t know what you are going through but do realise there are people who are going through a lot and still manage to wear a polite face.

We are all faced with challenges in this world.

Do remember that the world rotates.

Be nice to people

Be nice to self toošŸ˜„

Lots of Love,

Viviensvoice

P.s:

This post was originally posted in Pencliff where I’m a co-author.

Living With HIV



Hello Friends, Iā€™m posting a health related post today. Hope you had a great weekend?

I will be taking about HIV and our perception of sufferers.

I cared for a man who was in his late fifties last week. He was diagnosed with HIV about eight years ago but over time deteriorated as he wasn’t taking his medications judiciously as required of him.

ā€œVivien you always treat me very differentlyā€ he said to me. ā€œPeople are always in a hurry to leave my room but you take your timeā€

I told him I was only doing what was required of me. This gentleman was so frail and needed lots of persuasion. In my opinion, it was quite draining especially emotionally, as he at times declined most nursing acts and I could see he was weak. He would tell me he wanted to be left alone.

Genuinely, I think anybody ill will want to get better and would comply with medical advice but when I come across patients like this I tend to believe that they are fighting a battle with their condition and even the tiniest acts can upset them. My first day with him was challenging but days went by and I had him again.

He was happy to see me this time, like old friends, we stayed friends all through that day. I felt fulfilled and better compared to the first day.

As a health personnel, we all become very protective and extremely cautious when we know patients have certain conditions. Please don’t blame us because no one would want to jeopardise their health in the course of saving the lives of others.

Nevertheless, I will urge my fellow nurses, doctors and other health staff to show love and affection to HIV/AIDS patients. With standard precaution measures; which ought to be part of our everyday practice, one should be able to practise safely.

The condition alone is a cross for them, let’s not make it any worse. They know what they have, they wake up every day and the condition is still same, any act to take their mind of it is much needed.

I don’t want to stress much in this post about the stigmatisation associated with HIV, it still exists regardless of the numerous awareness programmes. Unfortunately.

I have previously discussed HIV/AIDS in details. The post outlined what HIV/AIDS is, it’s symptoms, prevention and stigmatisation. It can be found here.

I will like you to read that too.

I have a soft spot for this condition, I’m happy to discuss and answer questions. Do leave a comment or contact me if you are affected by this post.

Other health posts can be found in the health category.

P.S: Confidentiality was strictly maintained throughout this post.

Do not be deceived by ā€˜Loveā€™



Image Source: Disciplesofhope.wordpress.com

Love is one of the commonest words weā€™ hear. For instance, someone must have said to you, ā€œI love youā€ or you must had heard people express their love for each other.

I have learnt that we should love another especially for the fact that we are all created in the image of God.

Regardless, lots of people have been deceived by the word Love. I have close friends who have been hurt, deceived or betrayed by someone who they loved simply because they have believed that nothing would go wrong by the mentioning of Love.

This shouldnā€™t be happening but sadly, it does happen. There are people who in my opinion have either lost their mind or simply have no conscience because of the way they treat their fellow human beings. The rate at which lives have been ruined by the the usage of the word love is appalling.

I am not saying we shouldnā€™t believe people who profess Love to us but I want us to love sensibly. I know they say when you are in love you donā€™t think well or reason properly. Guys, itā€™s just like saying thinking with your head and and not be carried away by emotions.

I know itā€™s good to be in love and trust me, itā€™s one of the best feelings in the world. However, I urge you to guide your heart ā£, look after it and make sure that the person you trust with it knows the true value.

Finally, whatever you do, do love sensibly. I hope your love brings you true happiness.

If you like this post, you will like my book Happiness At Last.