Murder Mystery : Who Killed Alice ? (1)
It was around past midnight and Alice was still deep in thought. Her encounter with some thugs at the supermarket got her thinking but thank Goodness she was rescued by the cops. Is someone really after her life? . While still lost in thought the door to her room opened, a man dressed with a masked came into the room. Alice was scared, she wanted to scream but it was too late. She was struck with a heavy metal and she immediately fell . Her dead body was thrown from the balcony, so it will appear it was all an accident, and a bottle of whiskey and glass placed on her table.
Alice was a beautiful lady in her early 20s, who work as a waitress. She was deligent in her services and shortly became everyone's choice. Mr. Ben was a widower in his late 60s, who frequently visited the bar. He took noticed of Alice, and they both began talking. With time they bonded like old time friends. Each with their dubious plans, which Alice was after the wealth of Mr. Ben. He in turn was after her curvy body. They began dating not quite long. They duo pretended so well and each got what they wanted. Mr. Ben never failed to shower Alice with gift but her greed to inherit his properties when he dies, got the best of her. As fate will have it, He lived longer than she expected and she ended up wasting her youthful life with Mr. Ben. Shortly before Mr. Ben died, he had brought his niece to stay with him, and he made sure he showed him alot of things pertaining to his inheritance.
Mr. Ben finally died but was too late for Alice to start a new life, maybe get married and have kids for she was already approaching menopausal age. The will was read and she was given one of his company and a large mansion while his other wealth was willed to his niece. But this wasn't up to what Alice had anticipated. She took her share of the inheritance, but it wasn't enough to compensate for her wasted years with Mr. Ben. No man was willing to go into a genuine relationship with her, except for financial benefits, just like she did to Mr. Ben. Though she was aware of this, she finally fell for a young guy name Theo. Things went as she had hoped, and they finally got married. Karma as we all know, will always come for a revenge, and that was what happened. Shortly after their honeymoon, Theo began to lose interest. She began treating Alice with great disdain. Flirting with their housemaid and this got Alice heartbroken.
This was the other reason she was wide awake by that time. Alice body drop to the ground with a loud thud, a sound which was greeted by the barking of her security dogs. Everyone was awoke, and they peed through their window, just to see what really happened. But they she was lying lifeless on the floor. Alas! The plan of the culprit worked, for everyone thought she was drunk. Her husband, the maid, the cook and the gardener, were the only people staying with her. Shortly after, the police was alerted and her body was taken for autopsy. Detector Paul visited the mansion, the next morning to investigate the cause of death while they await the autopsy report. He assembled everyone and began to question them individually.
The following conversation ensued between them;
**Detector Paul** : Who was present when the incident happened ?
**Mr. Theo** : I was trying to submit my work online, when I heard the loud noise.
**D. Paul**: Don't you guys sleep in the same room?
**Mr. Paul** : Nope, she hardly sleeps at night and most times she likes to sleep with the lights on, and it really disturbs me. So I decided to sleep in the room beside hers.
And that was the end of the interrogation with Mr. Theo.
The Next person to be interrogated was the maid,
**D. Paul**: Where you present when the incident happened ?
**Maid** : I was fast asleep, after an hectic day but only woke after the loud noise made by the dogs.
The gardener and the cook said the the same thing.
Detector Paul left the house after interrogating everyone and concluded maybe it was an accident. While driving to the office, his mind kept reflecting on the deep wound, he saw on her forehead. He reversed back to the house, and requested he was taken to her room. When he got to the room, he was more convinced since they was a bottle of whiskey and glass on her table. The confused detector left the house with mind blowing puzzles. How come the deep wound on her forehead or was it just an illusion ? . He had no choice than to wait for the autopsy report.
Good morning D. Paul, he was greeted by Dr. Bertha, the female forensic pathologist who brought the long awaited autopsy result. He was so happy, when he saw, the deep cut on her forehead wasn't an illusion but was actually there. He went to the mansion later in the day for interrogation. Everyone was present except for Mr. Theo. He Began enquiring how long they have stayed in the mansion and how well they knew Alice.
**Maid** : Have stayed in the mansion for over 13 years. Mistress Alice treated me as a sister and she even sponsored my education. I really missed her. She broke down crying.
The next to be interrogated was the gardener,
**Gardener** : Have stayed in the mansion for over 24 years, Mistress Alice was nice to us, she took Care of my family like hers. She was so nice, I wish she wasn't dead.
The last person to be interrogated was the cook,
**Cook** : Have worked with mistress Alice for over 18 years. Even before she got married . she was a wonderful person.
The detector seeing he was willing to give more information, proceeded to enquire about her husband, Mr. Theo.
**Cook** : He doesn't treat mistress Alice well and shortly after their honeymoon, he had been flirting with the maid, and this got her angry. So she stopped him from entering her room, and that was the reason for him relocating to the room beside her own.
The maid was furious and tried to cover up but the detector commanded her to shut up. While he was about to ask another question, the door to the sitting opened and then walked in Mr. Theo. What are you doing in my sitting room? He fumed.
Can I get your collective ideas, judging from their actions, who do you think killed Alice ?
Find out in my next article. Do have a lovely day.
International Musical Tour : Sia (Biography, Music Career, Awards and Link to Her Albums)
Hello beautiful people, hope you are all having a good time here in this amazing life changing platform. Few days ago, I had posted about starting an intercontinental musical tour. Today is our first edition, and we will start with Australia as a continent.
**Brief History of Australia**
It is the smallest continent, which lies between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is also a country and is ranked among the top largest country in the world. It is also known as the last country or the last frontier. The capital of Australia is Canberra. The native language used is English.
**Major Cities :**
🎵 Adelaide
🎵 Alice springs
🎵 Brisbane Darwin
•Hobart Melbourne
🎵 Perth
🎵 Sidney
**Our Pick For Today : Sia**
If you are a lover of good music, there is no way you haven't came across her music. Her striking voice, under a blond wig, her name is Sia.
**15 Facts About Sia**
🎵 She is an Australian, from the city of Adelaide, raised by a single parent.
🎵 She was born on the 18 December, 1975, her mum was an art lecturer while her dad was a musician.
🎵 Her full name is Sia Kate Isobelle Furler.
🎵 The full meaning of Sia is She is amazing.
🎵 She is a singer and a prolific songwritter, who has written songs for other musicians like Celine Dion, Rhianna, Katty Perry, Rita Ora, Eminem, and a list of others to numerous to mention.
🎵 Sia became an alcoholic and a drug addict shortly after the death of her boyfriend in London.
🎵 She wears a big wig to cover her face because she enjoys privacy.
🎵 Sia was diagnosed of Graves' disease.
🎵 She is a divorcee who was married to a Erik Anders Lang, who is a documentary filmmaker.
🎵 Sia is a Vegan and has taken part in animal welfare programmes.
🎵 She is often shy while performing and also during interviews.
🎵 Sia zodiac sign is Sagittarius.
🎵 She believes in ghost and aliens.
🎵 She has no brother or sister ( her parents separated when she was 10).
🎵 She has a dog named Pantera and lives in Los Angeles.
**Music Career**
🎵 In 1997, she released her first album titled 'OnlySee' in Australia.
🎵 In 2000, she released her second album titled ' Healing is difficult' .
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ntyXAFvFmZAIWSrRNNmA53fxVo0gCggt0&playnext=1&index=1
🎵 Her 3rd album was released in 2004, titled ' Color the small one' .
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m01kbYjMi77qDPNuRdzyx8d3C26iqnnG8&playnext=1&index=1
🎵 4th studio album 'Some people have real problems' was released in 2008.
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mhCtCywVU64aKfj1aYpDY6OVOwBHsI83E&playnext=1&index=1
🎵 In 2010, she released her 5th album, 'we are born'
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mEgOJ9TpaIkM6Nbo7-GPIB1H40Zo8OXP4&playnext=1&index=1
🎵 In 2014, she released her 6th album ' 1000 forms of fear"
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nIqLODSXNSHk8qPyp5Auj5WWSlWSXBXXk&playnext=1&index=1
🎵 Her 7th album was released in 2016 titled ' This is acting'.
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l38zxOdBaYnNtz_thk94HRP8V5s6_oGsU&playnext=1&index=1
🎵 Her 8th album was released in 2017 ' Everyday is Christmas and Monkey puzzle'
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_k5VyMIvIfMTT9c6KTFMCez-x5bjru5C5o&playnext=1&index=1
🎵 In 2018, She did a collaboration with Diplo and Labrinth to release four songs which she titled 'Mountain' .
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hdVnxtIbN0U
**Top Songs she wrote For other Artists**
🎵 Diamonds - Rhianna
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lWA2pjMjpBs
🎵 Cheap thrill - Sean Paul
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nYh-n7EOtMA
🎵 Titanium - David Guetta
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JRfuAukYTKg
🎵 Love me back to life - Celine Dion
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4f5KuRXtjeE
**Awards**
She has won so many accolades and she is one of the outstanding female artist.
YouTube Links
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CW6-0PhCkGs
We have come to the end of our music tour for today. Hope you all enjoyed yourself.
****Please Note:****
****None of the images or video links are solely mine, I took them from :****
****Video Links : YouTube****
****Images : Internet****
My High School Bully
I struggled to off the alarm clock as usual, it was already 6am. I grumbled out of bed and into the bathroom. My breakfast was ready, I sat to eat slowly but mom hurried me to eat faster. I wish she was in my shoes to know, how much I really hated going to school.
I know everyone is wondering why, my dad got transfered to a new province, so we had to go with him. The same Challenge we've been facing since I was a kid, maybe that's why I never had friends. Mum enrolled me in a school in our neighbourhood, a nice school to be honest, but filled with bullies. I met a lot of decent people there. Life was a little bit easy without, the chief bully around. His name was Thomas, he had a couple of other guys who were loyal to him and always ready to bully other kids. Thomas arrived in class and discovered, I was the new girl. He made several attempts of making me regret coming to class. They was a day, he set his leg for me at the canteen, then I tripped and fell. I was so pissed off but I couldn't fight him, since the other kids never did anything either.
An incident happened in the laboratory, that got me really pissed. We were having Biology practical, and were supposed to dissect a frog. We waited patiently for the teacher to begin the practical, only to discover the frog was no where to be found.We search everywhere for it, the whole time, Thomas and his friends were chuckling. I didn't know what was going on. Since the frog wasn't found, we had to postponed the practicals. On getting to the class, Thomas came to my locker asking me why I stole the frog for the practicals. I was bewildered, because it was absolutely insane to think of such. I never knew they was a dead frog in my dress pocket. Thomas and his bully friends made me to show my pocket infront of the whole class. When I did, I was shocked to see a dead frog dropped out of my pocket. I fainted out of shock, only to wake up in the arms of one of the girls in my class, her name was Annabel. She felt really sorry for my encounter with the dead frog. We bonded and became best of friends. Most days she tries to keep the other bullies from me but never Thomas.
I was getting tired of Thomas tantrum, so I decided to stay off school for days. It worked but I was the one losing, Annabel suggested I made him fall in love with me, but how was that going to be possible, when we barely looked at each other without igniting those annoying experience I had with him. Since I wanted a getaway from his troubles, I tried a couple of stunts but it never worked. He was still a bully.
I thought of an idea, so I decided to wear skimpy dresses to school, just to get his attention and it didn't work. Annabel invited me to a birthday his boyfriend's birthday party and told me thomas was going to be present. I told my parent I was spending a night at Annabel's place, and we both sneaked out to the party. There he was, I wore some really skimpy dress, which got his attention. But I ignored him and moved in. While the party was still going on, I began to dance and this got everyone's attention. Thomas fell for me since that night.
The next day was fun, he was all around and he never allowed other bullies come near me. I enjoyed his company but was never falling in love with a bully, even if I was, not Thomas of course. I had to play along just to get him off my back, and he invited Me to watch our school basketball competition, which I accepted. He placed his hands over my shoulder and we watch like we were real lovers. He made attempts to kiss me several times but I obliged. I was just bent on taking revenge for all he did to me.
One day after school, he told me about his plans of skipping school to go visit his friend in another province. I immediately told our class teacher and when he was back, he was duly punished. I felt happy but was also feeling bad. I began to feel a thing for my long time bully. He knew I was the one and so he stopped talking to me. I tried all I could to get his attention back. He was proving to difficult to please but I wasn't ready to let go.I told Annabel about my sudden feelings for Thomas and she laughed at me.
Twenty four years later, am stuck with my high school bully. We are married with kids. He is a changed man and I love him so much.
Lead image : unsplash.com
Age Is Only A Number, Don't Be Scared To Start Again
Story 1
He learned out to cook shortly after his father died at age 6. In his teen he dropped out of school and was enlisted in to the US army but got discharged before his 17th birthday. He secured a job at a railway station just to Carter for his needs. He worked hard just to make ends meet.
He was fired for insubordination and he had to find a more greener pasture. He worked in various establishment but never lasted because of his hot temper. The clock was ticking, age wasn't on his side anymore.
Shortly after the world war 2, he began the selling of fried chicken by the roadside, then he was in his 60s.He should have given up knowing he was aging. He got his breakthrough at age 66, and had his company scattered all over the world. The man I was talking about was Harland Sanders, the owner of Kentucky Fried chicken.
**Story 2**
It was his 50th birthday, looking at the plans he wrote since he was a teenager. They was no need to continue because he couldn't boast of achieving any on the list. He was still staying with his mom, never had a good job and wasn't married. He broke down crying for he was a failure. Looking at his age, he tore his goals for it was too late. He had great plans to save the world but he was scared for he was aging. He brought out a little bottle from under his bed, and drank everything. He fell down and that was the end. His name was Mr. Nobody, no one knew what his plans were or what he was capable of doing. So sad! A great dream was lost because of age.
The two stories above gives an answer to the tittle of my article, it is never too late to start again. Oprah Winfrey once said " Every year should teach you something valuable; whether you get the lesson is up to you. Every year brings you closer to expressing your whole and healed self".
Age shouldn't be a barrier to starting all over again.
A lot if great dreams have been buried with an excuse of, am too old for it, am too old to be married. Am too old for this or that.
No dear! Age is just a number, no matter how old you are, without determination nothing could be done.
From the stories above, you could deduce, both individuals were old but what differentiated them was determination. A man is in 20s without determination could still have difficulties with chasing his dreams, same as a man in his 60s. So without mincing words, all that a man need in fulfilling his dreams, isn't for this time to stop but all he needs is just determination. That gentle voice ringing in his head "of course you are not old, you just understood the meaning of your dream, and that's why you are chasing it" .
You are never too old to start again, forget about your age and focus on your dream. You have a lot yet to be exploited, don't let limitation of age, scare you away from your goals. Be determine, be resilient, be unmoved, all for the right cause.
You are the miracle, the world is waiting for, so don't keep us waiting.
A round of applause to our newest inventors, new managers and scientists, the world is glad, you took that beautiful and bold step.
**images :** **unsplash.com** http://unsplash.com
The Poor Farmer And His Son
It's true you will never know the value of something, until you lose it.
My dad was a poor farmer, so poor he could barely afford a weeding hoe, so he used his hands to dig the ground. He ran around the neighborhood doing menial chores just to get us what to eat. Mom couldn't bear it any longer, she packed her bags and left us. I wanted going with her, for I never really liked my father. When she was gone, dad became my everything. He will bathe and take me to school on his shoulder. It was always a long journey but he never complained. Most times when he comes to pick me from school, his hands were always dirty, the other kids laughed at us. I was ashame of my father, never wanted him to come pick me from school anymore. He had no option because it was planting season, so he was busy in his farm. He still came the next day to pick me from school, this time his hands were covered with old newspaper. I was so embarrassed, I didn't say a word to him while we returned home.
No matter how poor we were, dad never failed giving me pocket money every month. And everytime he does, he will always request I put a token in a box . I was always sad, the money wasn't enough and he was forcing me to put some in the box. Dad looked at me and told me, son! Riches are not measured by how much we have, but how much we give. I never understood this statement till after his burial. Dad tried everything possible to make us comfortable, I never appreciated his effort for I was young and naive. I was never proud of my father, most days in school I will run and hide just to make him go away. But he will stay back looking everywhere for me and when am found, he will hug me and bare me on his shoulder home. I know you probably angry witj my actions, but my dad was never angry. He loved me unconditionally and that was all that mattered to him.
I heaved a sigh of relieve when I got a scholarship to study abroad. At last I was going to be free from dad's weird and embarrassing jobs. No one will come visit me with soiled hands or those covered with a newspaper. I was so happy, I will miss home and probably be gone forever. Dad never stopped calling, asking if I will come home during holidays but I will always lie , I was too busy with study, I won't be able to visit home. I thought he was going to stop calling but a day won't pass without his call. I was tired of his incessant calls but I couldn't do anything. Two years already gone without visiting home, I didn't miss anything at home because we had nothing. Something strange happened, I stayed a whole week without dad calling me, I was so happy. Probably he is tired of my numerous reasons of not wanting to visit home.
It was already a month without hearing from my dad, I began having mix feelings but didn't want to go awake his feelings again. So I didn't call to check on him. I wasn't heartless, just didn't like my dad. Two months already gone, without hearing from dad. Still busy with studies, I got a call from an organization in my country, inviting me to be their special guest since it was their end of year party. I felt it was a prank from dad, but I had to honor the invitation. I didn't get to the house, had to pass to the party. Shortly I was called and awarded for my generous donations to the organization. The CEO went ahead to mention, how helpful were in securing shelter, food and clothings for the needy. I was shocked, and when I was about to tell him it was a mistake. I saw the little box dad used to force me to put my money in. His words flashed on my mind 'son! Riches are not measured by how much we have, but how much we give. I broke down and wept, had to searched everywhere for my dad but he wasn't there. That was the first time, I ever proud of my dad. I ran home to tell him about the award of honor, getting home I called his name but he was no where to be found. I had to glance into his farm , I saw a memorial stone with his name on it. I couldn't believe my eyes, but then it was true.
Reality hit me harder, when I walked into the parlor, they was a letter on the table, which read;
`Dear son,`
`Am so sorry, I never wanted telling you on phone, that I was diagnosed of Wegener's granulomatosis, and was given a short duration of time to live. I wanted seeing you before I die but you were always busy. I hope you are doing fine.` I still love you dear son.
I broke down crying, not for his death but for neglecting him, when he needed me the most.
**Lead image : unsplash.com**
My Scary Birthday Party
Family is everything , so I grew to hear my parent say. I wasn't lucky to be birthed in a rich family but I could feel the love my parent had for me.
There were days they will sit to watch me eat with so much attention. I was just 10 when dad and mom, throw the biggest birthday party for me. I had no fortuneteller to tell me, I was loved, because I felt it.
Shortly after my kid bro was born, all the attention and love began to lessen. They didn't Care about me anymore and nobody was interested how I was faring. I began to feel alone and kept wondering why dad told me, family was everything.
I thought things will change on the day of my birthday, just to be loved and cared for was all I wanted. I waited for my mom and dad to burst into my room as usual with a cake and lots of balloon. But I waited in vain. Nobody ever remember I existed. Out of annoyance I walked into my parents room, just to find my mom fast asleep while dad was playing with my brother. I yelled at them, and then they remembered it was my birthday. It was already too late for a party, so dad promised he was going to take me out the next day.
I waited all day but my dad was no where to be found. He was still holding my brother, whom I began to hate. I felt he stole my parent from me.
Weeks later mom secured a better job, so our status quo. We had to move to a neighborhood meant for the rich. I changed school and mom and dad got a nanny for my brother. They got home late and by then I will be fast asleep. The only time, I got to see them were on weekends. And they still spent all their time with my brother. I knew they just didn't care about me, anymore.
My 14th birthday got me teary, they forgot about my birthday but remember my brother's own.I began to withdrew from my family.
While walking to school one day, I was greeted by a boy in our new area. His name was Eric. At first I never liked him. He was too clingy. He tried all his possible best to get my attention. Which he finally did. He was so fond of me that we could barely stay a minute without each other.
Months passed and it was already my 15th birthday, my parent forgot as usual and I wasn't even mad at them. Eric got me a nice gift, which made me forget all about my parent. I wasn't bothered at all.
My parent became so busy that we could barely see eye to eye. I wasn't bother since Eric was always around.
On My 16th birthday Eric and I, planned on celebrating it a bigger way. He suggested we went camping. I knew they was no way that could be possible, but I was optimistic about it. A weekend to my birthday , I told my dad about a camping program in my school. I could barely lie without stammering, so dad caught me. I was so mad at myself. Dad told me about the family vacation they planned. I was so angry, I didn't want a family vacation to ruin my initial plans with Eric, so I declined the offer. Dad was so pissed off, he made me to choose between the vacation and being grounded for a whole month.
I was so angry and sad, I told Eric about the unplanned vacation. Eric suggested we canceled the part, So we did.
I told my father I was only going to go on the vacation in the company of Eric which he never objected. So Eric joined us and off we went on our vacation. It wasn't as planned but with Eric by my side, I knew it won't be so boring. While at the dinning table, dad asked Eric about the camping, the school organized. I knew dad wanted to embarrassed me, so I quickly answered they was no such thing. I only wanted , then I paused. Never wanted telling them, my birthday was the next day.
Of cause it never mattered to them, so why bother them.
Dad saw I was angry, he then suggested we play, the hide and seek game. I was not in the mood but just to keep Eric company I had to play.
Everyone went to hid while I was meant to look for them. I searched everywhere for them, and I found Eric hiding min my room. Then we walked to look for my parent but they were no way to be found. I was so scared, as we looked the whole house for them. I wanted calling the police when Eric told me, let's split to look for them. I accepted and minutes later, Eric was no where to be found. I became scared, tried calling Eric on phone and his phone rang in the kitchen. When I got there, I found a note beside his phone, which read "we've got your parent and your boyfriend, if you want them alive, go to the garage and wait for the next direction. Don't call the police, else they will be dead" .
I knew something terrible had happened, so I cried and walked reluctantly into the garage. And the door was shut immediately. Was someone following me. What is happening. I checked the time and it was 11:50pm. I was so scared and worried I was going to celebrate my 16th birthday without Eric. While lying on the floor and thinking of what to do, suddenly the garage door opened. And they was Eric holding his belly. I ran to hug him and asked what happened. He told me how they tied them to a tree in the middle of the forest, and how he fought with the two guys that held them hostage. He said we should go inside, while we continue the search in the morning.
We entered inside and switch the light, what I saw I couldn't believe myself. My dad, mom and friends were all seated with a big birthday cake in front of them. They are shouted "Happy 16th birthday" . I was overwhelmed with joy. My kid bro ran for the first time to hug me. Same with my parent. Amidst sobs I requested they never pulled such a prank next time. All this while Eric was just smiling . He knew all about the surprised birthday package but never told me.
I just walked into his arms, he whispered 'happy birthday Catherine, 16 looks good on you" . we partied till 3am before everyone retired to bed and that was my scariest birthday party.
Lead image : unsplash.com http://unsplash.com
Teen Pregnancy : The Decision I Made 20 Years Ago
I stood outside waiting for my turn, the kinky nurse dressed in her white uniform signal me in, I could tell from the expression on their faces that all wasn't well. Everywhere was silent, that I could hear my heartbeat clearly.
Miss Medusa how are you doing, the doctor asked. Am fine sir, I answered even though I knew I was scared.You are 3 weeks pregnant, he continued. The kind nurse walked up to me and placed her hand on my shoulder. I barely could control my tears anymore, as it dripped freely down my chin. How do I face my parent at home, their money, time and everything, all gone in just a night of pleasure. I collected the result and headed home, I wasn't happy going home but I had no other place to stay.
I opened the door, and there she was, for the first time in my entire life, I couldn't look at her face. Why should I ? Have let them down, I had to hide my teary eyes from my mom. I didn't want Her to know, all wasn't well. How long i was to continue masking my pain, was the big puzzle in my mind. I walked passed her into the sitting room, dad and my little bro were watching a Nat Geo wildlife. My favourite documentary, dad reckoned on me to come watch with them but I declined telling him I was too tired. He used to call me his Little girl, a name I was about to lose for the rest of my life. I entered my room and shut the door, lay on my bed and continued crying. I never knew I would be this unlucky at age 15.
I was scared of mom knowing, so I called Jessica my friend to come pick me up the following day to school. I looked outside and saw him laughing with his friends, why is he laughing that way, I fumed in anger. His name was Mike, the unknown father of my unborn child. Ever since I discovered I was pregnant, I began hating on him without a reason. At least, that was what made me felt good. Jessica knew about the pregnancy but Mike didn't. I just didn't want to bother him. We were both young and naive, so it wasn't our fault. I wish we had known better.
Jessica drove me home after school, sat with my family to eat lunch. I barely touched my food, I was hungry but needed to free myself from this little secret. I had to spill the truth, before it ruined me mentally. I cleared my throat and they both stopped talking and looked at me. Though the weather was warm but I was shivering. Am pregnant, I said while struggling to look at them in the face. How could you do this to yourself, dad yelled. Am sorry dad, I know this wasn't the future, you planned for me, I know have ruined everything, maybe I will just go far away from home. So nobody will never make fun of our family because of me, i said, this time i was looking boldly at my father. Mom, stood up and came and held me.
She walked me to my room, promised me everything was going to be alright. I knew it wasn't because I was still pregnant. Mom called quite a number of Organisation who supported teenage pregnancy, requesting for help but none really answered us.I knew the only way out, was to get rid of the pregnancy. I had to inform mike about the pregnancy And mom about my decision of terminating it. She suggested we see a counselor for proper guidelines on how to go about the termination. I knew mom wasn't in support.
She drove to the clinic, met with the counselor, I thought she was going to judge me or make me feel bad about my mistake. But she didn't, she made it seem, what I did was right even when I knew it was wrong. After a session of intensive talk, she offered me a free ultrasound scan just to feel the heart beat if the baby before I terminate the pregnancy.
I agreed but deep down, I had already selected my option. While I undergo the scan, I could see the newly formed heart, trying hard to contract and relax. I stared at the image for a while and felt guilty of my decision. I told mom I wasn't going to terminate the pregnancy even though I know it will cost me a lot. My parent respected my decision and I was delivered of a baby boy. His name is Cedric, He has brought so much joy to my life and family. Dad calls him his little man and he loves him so much. I knew life had made a total opposite turn but this was the best decision I made 20 years ago.
**Bottom Line**
Teenage pregnancy is now common in our society today due to lack of sex education and proper parenting, so also is the rate of abortion. But if measures are put in place and the younger generation are thoroughly educated. It will be reduced.
**P.s : All characters, activities and place are a product of my imagination..**
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My Father Hated Me
Happy new month to everyone, I can't hide this any longer, am so ashamed of myself. I wasn't born like other normal children. Can I ask you a question ?
Have you ever laughed at the wrong moment? When others are crying, that's when I laugh. And when others are laughing, that's when I cry. It sounds weird right ? But that's just the story of my life.
At first my parent thought I was a happy child, because I was always laughing, even when the expected me to cry. When am sick, I kept my parent awake through out the night with my loud laughters.
One day I bumped my head on the wall while trying to crawl, but rather than cry, I started laughing. That was when dad knew something was wrong with me.
He yelled at me "you are not a normal baby, seems something is wrong with you" . Mom tried to cover up for me, but that didn't change my dad's mindset towards me. He started to hate me.
Every little thing I did got dad paranoid, they was a day, I used a sharp object to scratch his car. When he came out and saw me, he yelled at me, 'how did we end up with this weird thing'. Mom quickly came to intervene, amidst those weird moments, though I was still a kid, but his words broke my little heart. I really wanted to cry, but I bursted into a loud laughter, and it got him more angrier.
I still remember the day grandpa Wilson died, while everyone was busy crying. I was laughing. Everyone thought I was possessed with an evil spirit, nobody knew I was actually heartbroken and missed my grandpa. I was still too young to realize what was wrong with me. Dad screamed "get out from here, you cursed child" I ran to my room, still laughing.
All my relatives began hating me, and nobody wanted associating with a cursed child. And every time I try to explain to them, it wasn't my fault, I ended up laughing again.
Few days to my grandpa's funeral, I wanted being a normal child. So I started listening to sad songs, watching tear jerking movies, all in an attempt to trigger my tear gland, just to secrete its juice on time, but nothing worked as I bursted into rounds of loud laughter's during the funeral. I was so embarrassed, I ran home, leaving them at the cemetery.
Everyone avoided me, except my mom, she knew something was wrong with me but never knew how to help me.
She bought me a violin, just to cheer me up. I was really good with string instruments, since dad was a music tutor, and had a lot of textbooks for music. Just to find a solution for myself, I began to study his musical textbooks. Within a Month I was able to play the violin so well. I really wanted making dad happy for the first time, I walked to him, and began playing the violin, dad was so touched and he began to shed tears, he came to hug me, I wished my lips were sealed at that moment, because I ended up laughing again. He was so pissed and vowed never to have nothing to do with me again.
I was pained but had to understood with my dad, how disappointing it was to have a child like me.
I began taking solace in my violin. Created a YouTube channel for my work. One day, I got a message from someone, he was interested in my kind of music. I thought he wasn't serious as nobody ever minded me.
He began freeing me some bucks, at the end of Every uploads. The joy of earning was so much, that it made me forgot about my worries.
My cousin who stayed with us, became jealous of my sudden firm. She decided to set me up. She packed a lot salt and emptied into my dad's cup of coffee. A gulp was accompanied by my dad, throwing up. She quickly pointed at me. I bursted into laughter, and that was what got my Dad angry. He locked me in my room for days.
In my 6th grade, my YouTube channel grew to over 2.4k and I became popular in my school. What made people avoid me, were my weird laughter. My teachers were proud of me. I was given an opportunity to play at the end of session party. Everyone was so moved by my performance on stage. A standing ovation was made in my honour and while in the process, I bursted into a loud laughter.
I ran off to the restroom, to cool off, while at the restroom, someone tapped my shoulder, they was an handsome looking guy Lancelot, who just fell in live with my performance on stage. I tried to explain to him, that I wasn't normal, but it all fell on deaf ears. At first, I was scared to love but finally here I was, all swallowed in his arms. I wasn't afraid of my incessant laughter anymore. Atleast, I had a shoulder to lean on. Lancelot told me about introducing me to his parent. I was so scared because I never wanted them to see me as a cursed child.
On getting to his house, his parent ran to hug us. His dad took me into his office. Funny enough he was a neurosurgeon. He told me, "Lance has told us everything about you, and I don't think you need to worry yourself. My family is your home, anytime, anyday. I was so emotional and that was the first time, I cried, rather than laugh. I was shocked and so was Lance.
Our love grew stronger and today, we are blessed with 3 kids, and one of them is just like me. She only laughs and she is already worried . I only assured her, that it was normal to allow our brain detect our mood.
**Bottom Line**
Never allow limitation decides where you will find yourself. We are all gifted and unique in our own way. Don't allow anyone make you feel bad, Go out there and explore the world with your multiple gifts. I love you all ...
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Life Is A Race
They lived a young athlete in the village of Kankodi, whose hunger and passion for success was measured by winning. He was the the fastest in his little village. One day, the king organized a race competition, where the winner goes home with his daughter. The young athlete prepared both day and night for the race. His agility intimidated the other athletes.
The D-day for the race came, people travelled from far and near to witness the event. All the competitors knelt at the starting point, the bell was rang, and the race commenced. Out of the 10 competitors, the young athlete, found his way to the finish line. He won the race, the crowd cheered and waved at the boy but the king remained still expressing no form of excitement.
Then came the round two, the young athlete was to compete with 10 new competitors, without fear of how tiring the first round was. He was eager to partake. The bell was rang, and another round of race began. This time around, it was more difficult than the first round. The young athlete manage his way to the finishing line before every other competitors. Again the crowd cheered and wave at the boy but the king remained calm. The young athlete was worried, but he had to keep his feelings to himself.
Then the king chose two competitors, to race with the young athlete, the first was a blind man and the second was an old woman. The gun was shot and the young athlete zoomed off, he was all smiles because he knew, he was sure of winning. When he got to the finish line. He was surprised, the was no clap nor cheers from the crowd, everyone stood looking at the young athlete, and the king was so disappointed. The young athlete remembered the very words of Robert Ingersoll "We rise by lifting others". He ran back to the two competitors who were still struggling to find their way to the finish line. He held their hands and they all walked to the finished line. The cheers and claps were louder, the cannon ball was shot and the wedding of the King's daughter took place immediately.
During speech by the king, he expressed great satisfaction by the attitude of the young athlete. He further went on to tell everyone, that life is like a race. Sometimes you win alone, other times you win with others. But how well you run the race is what determines your victory.
**Moral Lesson**
From the short story above, we've been made to understand life Is a race. But the bigger question are;
i) what is your aim of running the race?
ii) Who are you running against?
iii) Do you always want to win in all your races ?
**Aim Of Running The Race**
We all know that the aim of running a race is to win a prize, but race in this instance will amount to survival. Let's assume, while the young athlete was running with the competitors, he saw a lion chasing him, do you think he will be interested in winning the race. Of course, no! Rather he will run for survival. So in the race of life, we either run for survival or for the trophy. But then everyone wants a comfortable life and that's why we are all in the race.
A lot of people have done so many things just to remain at the top of their game, like the young athlete in the story above, he trained tirelessly just to beat other competitors. That is what I call a balanced race. But others use dubious means just to remain at the top. But whatever means, we used I think it should be a one which nobody gets hurt or cheated. The main aim of running the race, shouldn't be just to win the trophy but also be a blessing to others.
**Who Are You Running Against ?**
Knowing your opponents determines the level of effort invested in the race. But in the race of life, are we really running against anyone ? Of course nobody, rather we are running with others. The difference between against and with is, there is a bond in 'with' but there is 'disunity' in against. So the race of life involves you taking other people along. Where you are tired, another person could continue from there. Just like when constructing a house, we have people who are in charge of the lighting of the house, others are in charge of the supply of water etc. Which means we do need others for survival. Don't be a loner, make friends .
**Do You Always Want To Win In All Your Race ?**
Certainly yes! If I was to answer without a second thought. Nothing is as interesting as being at the zenith of your career. But when it comes to the race called life, after a thorough thinking, I will say No!. They should be instances when others also win, while other times you win together. This can only happen when you see life not as a race but a journey where everyone is important. Remember, a journey alone is always long and tiring but a journey in the company of others is always fun.
**Bottom Line**
No matter our desire for firm, money and a comfortable life, we should always endeavor to take others along. Everyone has a part to play in this long winding race called life.Remember, we rise by lifting others.
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Watch!!! How Bitcoin Cash Is Taking Over The Caribbean (By Marc Falzon)
[*Lead image : internet]*
Hello everyone , my desire to know more about bitcoin cash and it's adoption, led me to prominent men. Who are the reason bitcoin Cash is still soaring high, despite all negative energies.
The first personality, I stumbled on was Roger ver, decided to check his channel on YouTube. And I saw this video, which gives me high hopes of bitcoin cash dominating over other cryptocurrencies. This is a smart move from bitcoin cash and am so happy.
Am going to post the link to the video, please note, the video is not mine and the sole right ownership belongs to @RogerVer
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=amukfX1-qeg
Love : The Greatest of All Commandments
Waking up today i looked outside my window, the road was adorned with different colourful attires, everyone running to the various place of worship. Ignoring the beggars by the roadside, afraid they will stain their beautiful attire. I watched at the balcony and something got my attention. The beggars, why were the dodging the beggars ?
A portion of the scripture flashed on my mind 'it was about love, Loving God and your neighbor as yourself".
**What does Love Means to You ?**
Many people see love as a feeling experience in relationship. But love is more than just a feeling, the Bible meant bearing each others burden like it was yours. It's not just wearing your beautiful clothes to church, how well do you love God matters. How you relate with people also matters.
UnThe love mentioned in the bible was about devoting and sacrificing all you have, to make sure everyone around you are happy and satisfied.
Loving God to many is an impossible task, because God can't be seen, so how do you love Him then?
**Ways Of Loving God**
The bible spoke about the little kindness and deeds we showed on the less privilege. Jesus clearly pointed out that this little favors were indirectly done to him, so I came up with a list of things we could do, to show our love to God ;
1) **Flee From Sin** : This is very vital, as sin creates a barrier between us and God. Abstaining ourselves from fornication, adultry and stealing, if we can avoid doing all this, God will be happy with us and it will tell how much we love Him.
2) **Prayers And Songs :** While still a teen, Mom used to tell us the only way, we could connect to God is through prayers. And we know how much communication means alot in a relationship.
So creating a stronger and lasting relationship with God, will require us communicating with Him regularly, through prayers and singing of Godly songs. By doing this, we could show our love to God.
3) **Be A Peace Maker** : God doesn't love people who are abusive or who engage in Chaos. Staying away from such behaviours will Strengthen our love for God.
4) **Helping the poor and Needy** : We can't dodge this class of people in our society, no matter how rich the economy of our country is, there is still someone out there who is in need.
unIf we could meet with their needs , its a show of love to God. Visiting Destitute centers with old wears, food stuffs and cleaning agents will go a long way of showing Love to God.
5) **Do not worship Other gods**: It is written in the bible that we should not worship any other god except him. For he is a jealous God. Adhering strictly to this instruction, will Express our love for God.
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Being Too Nice Is Selfishness
The beginning of Summer got John a new friend and it was their second time of hanging out in the park. John was Mark's first real friend, and so he went extra miles to make the relationship work. The two returned to Mark's house after a long walk at the park. Mark was so excited to be John's host, so he tried all he could to make his feel comfortable. He asked him if he was interested in watching Avatar, a series John had long watched. Instead of John to tell Mark he had already seen the movie, he kept mute and watched the whole series reluctantly.
Mark never knew he did not enjoy the movie but only played along so he won't hurt his host. Everytime when they got home, Mark will always play the avatar for them to watch, whereas John had seen the whole series, so it was boring to him. Days passed and their relationship began to dwindle, John began to avoid close contact with Mark. When Mark asked him, what the problem was, he wasn't plain enough to state the main cause of the separation.
John fell in love in college with a girl named Jasmine. The two were fond of each other. The love grew stronger but with time things turn sour. All the messages and calls were sent by John, he felt bad about it but never told jasmine. He assume she was to know about it. Days passed and things got bad, communication became a problem in their relationship. John couldn't bear it anymore, he decided to walk away, and that was the end of their beautiful love story.
A lot of people are like John, we often assume people Should know what we want, how we want them to treat us and probably know when they have offended us. How is it possible, if you don't tell them ?
Being nice while displeasing yourself will never earn you a trophy, rather it comes with disappointments. In offices, relationships and even place of learning, we are surrounded with different people with different mindset.I have a friend who will never apologize whenever she is wrong. I wasn't comfortable with it and so had to confront her one day, she told me 'apology doesn't fix anything, rather it makes things worst in real sense but if you are interested in me telling you sorry, of course I will' . it sounds crazy but looking from a different perspective, it is true. Let's assume, someone broke your phone screen accidentally, and decides to apologize. Will it solve the problem ? Of course not. That was the angle my friend was judging from. So having issues with such a person, may never get you an apology unless you demand for one. And being a nice, who often assume others should know what is right, you may never get one.
Most times we need to tell people when they offend us rather than assume, they should know. What if, the condition benefits them just like in the case of John and Jasmine. Jasmine was at the receiving end, so she wasn't bothered if John was okay or not, as long as he wasn't complaining. Being nice most times isn't nice at all because it could result in self centeredness. You are only worried how people treat you and doesn't care, how you treat others, since you see yourself as a good person.
**Bottom line**
I don't think niceness is always kindness, because kindness is not submissiveness, quietness or self-surrender. I think it's the willingness to confront and deal with people and issues squarely, even when it is difficult and below your standard. Agreeing with every opinion isn't really a sign that you really care about others, but rather you are focused on what people think about you with no regards on how they feel. It is just a modern way of being selfish. We shouldn't hesitate in telling others, when they offend us, rather than pretend as if nothing really happened. Being too nice, is just a modern way of being self centered.
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My Childhood Memory: A Memory That Never Fades
No matter how busy I am, I still have to dive into my childhood memories. I do this often, maybe because I am lazy or just love doing it. This week has been so dull, am on vacation, so no work for me. Staying all day at home, watching Netflix and thinking of what to post. While still thinking of what to post, a whole lot of childhood memories flooded my mind. Technology stole the beautiful experence of childhood from the millenial. Childhood they said, is a period where we once were free from broken hearts, empty accounts and having to deal with menstrual cramps. But then I still remember the number of times, mom flogged me for doing something wrong, so childhood wasn't completely an independent period.
Many unforgettable memories of my childhood kept popping up, but am going to streamline mine to a few. I still remember those beautiful moments, when you fall asleep either in the car or sitting room, and you wake up in your bed. They were really cool moments. Most times I pretended to be asleep just to be carried to the bed. I did this often and never knew my dad had noticed it, that faithful night, I pretended to be asleep in the sitting room, hoping dad will carry me to my room. Haha! Dad's next move, made me never to sleep in the couch or inside the car. He knew I was afraid of Cockroaches, he had to pull one near me. I screamed and ran straight to my room. He stood they laughing, I was angry but at the same time knew I was never going to pull the prank on them anymore.
My childhood won't be complete without games I played with my friends and relations, especially my cousins Janice and Rhine. The Tagu-taguan game was so popular in our time, it is also known as the hide and seek game. In the game, players run to hide in places they could not be easily spotted mostly a dark corner. The chief chaser will cover his/her face for players to hide, when he counts to a certain number, he will start looking for players who have gone to hide. Any player caught will be the next chief chaser. Most times, we often wore dull colours, so we could not be easily spotted. The game is fun, when you aren't the one looking for other players.
Tumbang Preso is the next game, I won't forget in a hurry, I still remember the day I lost my Rambbo slippers while playing the game. The aim of the game is for players to hit a can within a certain time frame, and if the player isn't able to do so. The player will be nominated to replace the chief catcher.
The next game I won't forget was the Langit-lupa chasing game. Though we had a lot of other chasing games but this was the apex of it. In this game, Langit means heaven and lupa means ground. The rule of the game was simple, every player climbs onto something, be it a table, hill or anything, and that was going to be your langit and when the chief chaser shouts 'lupa' everyone will jump down and then look for another langit. And in the process, the chief chaser catches someone who will replace him.
The memories of walking to school with friends is another part of my childhood I can't forget. We moved in groups to school and also return together. I know you must have thought how boring it will be, but it wasn't , we had this game, which have forgotten the name, where the last person to get to the house will marry the tortoise. Haha! So funny, we all will scramble and run as fast as we could to get to the house. Most times I was always the wife of the tortoise, since my house was distant from others.
From the games to the chewables, life was amazing as a kid. I still remember my favorite Bazooka chewing gums and the comic strip story found when we unwrap it. Who still remembers tofi luk, our first chocolate biscuit that everyone wanted a taste of. Then came safari. I don't really want to talk about our foods in this article, maybe in my future article I will discuss about my 20 Filipino childhood food.
Disyembre which is the Filipino word for December, got us all boxed up, thinking about our new clothes and shoes our parent will get for us. Those colorful sunshade of pink, purple and red colors were my favorite. So in other to get this gift, we had to study hard to pass our exams. Disyembre was a period of seriousness for every student in Philippines, unless you don't want a new dress.
I know you all had an amazing childhood, What is one of the fondest childhood memories ? Share in the comment section below .
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What I Should Have Done In My 20's
I just turned 30 recently and I have a ton of things I wished I had done in my 20's. No room for regrets if you ask me, but they are a dozen of things I wish I had done. Before getting to 20, I had a whole picture of it was going to be. Just like in the movie, I thought I will make some cool friends, fall in love, get a nice job and have a lot of fun but if you ask me how my 20's was, I will just sigh with a red face.
Since today hasn't been productive enough and am off duty, I had to drive down memory lane, just like my professor used to tell us, he said ' You don't have all day to focus on your future, always take a little drive down memory lane, just to see where you need to improve upon' .
Turning 20 comes with a lot of expectations, period were you have hormonal and emotional imbalance, broke and wanting to stay have an independent life, so you stop requesting for tips from your parent . Period were you want to meet your prince charming, take a voyage like Rose and Jack in a ship to forever land. I had longed for all this, and am sure that was how I wasted all my years chasing shadows. For me, being in your 20's is the wildest period of your life and the most delicate time too. My 22 years old cousin, came up to me the other day and complained about her love life, I just smiled and told her, everything would have worked out fine, if only you hadn't spent all your time, planning a perfect relationship, when you had other things to worry about. Am not saying being in a relationship in your 20's is wrong, but streamline your wants to reality. You don't need to picture yourself and your date in an aero plane, when you know, both of you can't afford a train drive comfortable without supports from your guidance.
Am not regretting any of the things I didn't do while in my 20's, because I can't turn back the hands of time but I want it to serve as a lesson to the ever growing population of the world. I wish this article could be pinned on every site. Sincerely, I wouldn't have love any teenager to make the same mistake I made. So am going to list few things, I wished I had done in my 20's;
**1) Don't Expect too Much In Your 20's :** This is a mistake a lot of teenagers make, like I earlier said, its a period of hormonal and emotional imbalance, A period of self dependence, most young people saddle themselves with this task too early enough. Dropping out of college and securing a job won't give you that financial freedom you want neither will reading romantic novels all day get you that happy and perfect relationship. You don't have to expect too much, its a period you should used to discover yourself rather than beat yourself to your favourite Star. Nobody clocked 20, and the person's entire dream became a reality. You will need to discover your talents and what you are good at. Let me shock you, it might take the whole of your 20's for you to discover yourself, so don't be hard on yourself.
**2) Every Decision Made Should be Carefully Thought Of** : Before I clocked 20 I was already done with college and was in the university already. So I consider 20s as a period where we are exposed to new environments, new circle of friends and ideas. It is important to always take decision that will benefit you in the future more, as the plane to adulthood is already on the runway. Any slight inappropriate decisions are usually expensive. Before you go into drugs and alcoholism, you should think about your health in the future, you don't have to do drugs because your friends are into it. Always consider this same decision of doing drugs in the next 5 years, its health and psychological impact. If you are able to live upto expectations and made few wrong decisions, you will be glad you did.
**3) Always Know Everyone Has Fault :** Welcome to the time of your life, where you see everyone as having a perfect life than you. It is normal to feel this way, but then don't forget everyone is struggling with his/her demon. Nobody has that perfect life, so don't be moved by all the happy and cheerful face, your friends put up, because you don't know how many times, they stayed awake just to cry. Rather than compete with others, why don't you compare yourself with your past. Such comparison helps to boast and map out weak points to focus on.
**4) Hard Choice Is Easy Life, Easy Choice is Hard Life :** When I said don't be hard on yourself I never meant you should be lazy, rather work but at your own pace and time. You are in no competition with anyone. Remember, if your don't work, life can never be easy for you in future. Hard work comes with satisfaction, aim at it.
**5) Choose Your Friends Wisely :** There is a popular saying, show me your friends and I will tell who you are.
This statement is true, as the kind of company kept, will shape your decision and behavior. Having drug addicts as friends is only a bait, for one day you will join them. It is advisable to select productive friends, who will be willing to push you to the top, rather than those ones who will always put you in trouble.
**Bottom line**
Turning 20 or being in your 20's isn't a period you should stress over anything, it is a time, like other years of your life, rather than focusing on having a perfect life, perfect relationship, I will suggest you build a strong relationship with people, who will be of positive impact in your life. Remember, all you are doing is for the future unknown.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, am opened for more suggestions.
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Remedy For Loneliness
Feeling lonely is becoming an issue of concern in the last few decades. Though it is normal for everyone, moving to a new city, packing into a new apartment or even going for a walk to feel lonely. I know a lot of us will argue about people feeling lonely in this modern age of different social medias and other interactive platforms. But the fact still remains being lonely and feeling alone are two different attributes which shouldn't be confused with.
Loneliness is more of a psychological effect than societal, alot of people say they are more comfortable being alone than having friends around. Loneliness has nothing to do with associating with friends, it is an individual thing, and feeling lonely is something we should worry about.
A common attribute about people who feel lonely, is their inability to associate with people, make new friends and so they resolve to being on their own. Even the most social person could be lonely and so the generalization of it only affecting the introverts is wrong. Fame, beauty, great talking skills and social personality can not protect you from being lonely, which makes everyone vulnerable to loneliness.
**What Is Loneliness ?**
According to Merriam-webster dictionary, it means causing sad feelings that come from being apart from other people. It is a bodily function that alerts our social deficit.
Life on earth wouldn't have been easy, if our ancestors were lonely or felt separated from one another.Haunting for food, caring for offsprings and making new tools were all part of the early life process. With time, our brains grew to adapt with such union, making it impossible for one to stay away without a nudge.
Being social became engraved in our DNA, and our body has developed a protective measure called 'social pain', an evolutionary trait aim at correcting ourselves from behaviours that will isolate us from others. This protective mechanism was functional for our ancestors, until civilization came in.
Someone once said, 'loneliness lives within us. I know you might be wondering why? In our world today, we devote time to activities that doesn't involve the second party individually. Like watching netflix, playing video games and being all day on social media will never put you on an edge over loneliness, but physical interactions will.
Loneliness is a growth inducer of many ailments like cancer, alzheimer, weakens our immune system and twice as deadly as obesity. The worst part of loneliness is its ability to upgrade from chronic to self sustaining condition. When this condition becomes chronic, our brains develop defense mechanisms just to get us off this terrible state. Studies have shown that in states of loneliness, our brain is attentive to social signals but interprets them wrongly, making it difficult for one to get off the vehicle of loneliness. The part of our brain which identifies faces will misinterpret it making all faces hostile, this is in bid to prevent you from mingling with others. Since you don't want to be badly treated by others, you tend to isolate yourself from others, which only worsens your condition.
Coming out of loneliness is a gradual process which requires constant and efficious steps. Firstly, you really need to identify the problem, a lot of young people say they feel lonely whenever they are new to a place. If you are in this category, I think being more socially open will help heal you faster. Rather than create a barricade around yourself, try to be open with others, you don't have to allow your mind interpret the expression on people's face. They could be friendly but your mind is only playing a prank on you. Loneliness in its chronic state leads to depression and social withdrawal, so I will advice you don't allow loneliness gets to this stage. If you are having difficulties with loneliness, you can reach out to qualified personnels who are willing and ready to help.
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Life is too short to live on Regrets...(2)
Everyone knows one day we will die, but how well we lived our life is what we should be really concerned about. I once, asked my grandfather in his sick bed, what his greatest regrets were; He looked at me and smiled feebly, He said "Dear Alicia, for the good and bad things have ever done I have no regrets about" he paused and look at how puzzled I was. He continued 'but my deepest regrets are for the things I never did because I was afraid, especially not becoming a Television Presenter' . The words strucked me so hard, Grandpa squeezed my hands and told me, don't make the same mistake Alicia, for each day of our lives count.
I still remember the number of times, grandpa told us of how close he was to achieving his dreams but fear and doubt stopped him. He felt he was a stammerer and so it dampened his courage. But here was my grandpa, wishing he had dared himself to become the person he had wanted.
Many of us are like my grandpa, we allow fear and doubt impede us from our dreams, but later we lie in the middle of the night regretting our actions.
**Do You Have A Dream ?**
Yeah! This is a question you really need to ask yourself, what purpose do you have in life? Let me help you with an answer, of course we all do. But the fact remain, we were chosed. We never had the choice of choosing who we want to be, even though we do but when it's not really what we wanted, we end up regretting. Remembering the parable of the talents in the bible, we were all given gifts based on our ability and availability. How well we utilized our gifts, is all that matters now. It's either you faced your fears and grab your dream today or live your whole life regretting.
I noticed something about the birds, they don't walk for long on the ground, if they do, they are either weak, lost or wounded. That's why the bird keeps flying because he understood the purpose of its wing. Knowing the purpose of your dream will make you actualize your goals.
We are worried about losing our cryptocurrency wallets, assets and valuables to thieves but we are never scared of the greatest thief of all time.
**Did you ever tried ?**
Doubt is the greatest thief of all time, since creation doubt has killed more dreams than failure.
Married to fear, a beautiful couple that will make you run and hide your face. I know nobody likes to fail but the question is, did you ever tried ? How many times did you before giving up ? You don't have to let this beautiful couple block you and lead you to your everlasting life of regrets.
You can't expect to succeed if you never try, comon' even the top of the mountain isn't smooth, so getting to the top, you will need to step over sharp edges. Victory doesn't come easy, they are times you will be so depressed either by what someone said or the doubt in your mind but remember many of the men in the hall of fame, never had a smooth beginning. They went through thorns and thicks just to get through the level they are today.
Someone once said 'if you want something, you've never had, you need to do something you've never done. I do tell myself, if I really want to get to point C, and am already in point A. I don't need to start moving to point C immediately, I need to discover other routes like Point B, before I embark on my journey to point C. That is how life hurdles should be tackled, you need to devise new means of solving a problem before taking up the task.
A lot of us are scared of criticism, depression and pain that comes without failing. But can I ask you a question, which should you be scared of, the pains on the road to success or the unending pain of regret?
Just wake up from your long slumber and work your self to success, the journey was never meant to be straight, a lot of bends, bumpy and tiring road was it. But the power to get to the peak, rest of you.
I so much love this saying in the movie titled Merlin 'The destiny of a great kingdom, rest on the shoulder of a young boy, his name is Merlin' today , the destiny to save the destiny of the world rest on your shoulder, what is that invention you have, that gives you joy when you think of it, what is that cure? Bring it out and save the world, it is never to late as long as you are still alive to start all over again, the world is waiting to celebrate you.
Always remember, the world will not hear of your name, unless you allow them, so will you say 'No' to the world because you are scared of failing or will you take up the challenge today and face your fears.
Remember regrets are like scars no matter how well the heal, they will always be there.
**Bottom line**
They was a reason your dream chose you, because in you were embedded greatness and special ability in handling tasks, you only allowed fear and doubt to hinder you. So take up your dream today, and make it a reality. You may not have the opportunity of starting all over again but you still have the opportunity of having a good ending. Am waiting to celebrate you, the world is waiting to celebrate, Go out there and be the star you were created for, illuminating everywhere and everyone.
Here is the link to the first part of the article
https://read.cash/@Wrinkle/life-is-too-short-to-live-on-regrets1-c3161c08
Thank you so much @pejudear my newest sponsor. Am so so happy... Thank you once again😘😘
All You Need To Know About Crypto Wallet For Beginners.
I tried withdrawing my earnings for the first time, and was asked for a crypto wallet address. I was confused, all my life have never seen a wallet with an address. I felt it was some error from the programmers, am sure some newbies are as confused as I was.
On researching, I found out, unlike our fiat money which are stored in bags, purses and wallets, our digital currencies are not stored in like manner, since they don't exist in their physical form. All digital transactions, account balances all exist on the blockchain.
Most of us are conversant with the traditional wallet, which holds our cash,credit cards and other valuables, cryptocurrency wallets on the other hand contains software that stores your public and private keys, which allows for security, monitors all digital transactions which involves the storing, sending and receiving of cryptocurrency. The digital wallet serves as a key to unlock our online treasures, in view of providing maximum protection, security measures placed by companies providing this services are always tight.
**What is a cryptocurrency wallet ?**
It is a wallet, where cryptocurrency are stored. To me, it is a bank for keeping my earnings. It could be be an online or offline wallet.
**Why do I need an online Wallet?**
**1) Accessibility**: Just like I asked myself, why do we really need to have an online wallet, can't this crypto be sent to my bank account, without going through the stress of creating one ?
It could be sent, but then you will need a wallet to get it.
When we want to deposit money, we don't just stay at home, and place the money anywhere for it to be deposited, we have to go to the bank. The online wallet serves as our journey to the bank, while the bank still serves as the bank.
We have a lot of cryptocurrency out there, which could only be found using online wallets.
**2) Cryptocurrency Banned Countries**: some countries have ban the use of cryptocurrency, which makes it illegal for people in such countries to withdraw or have anything to do with their Coins so for people in such countries, they will require an online wallet, where they could store their coins, and then initiate Peer-peer exchange of their coins for money, or invest for other purposes.
**3) Security** : Top notch securities are offer by some online wallets to its users, which makes it difficult for them to lose their coins to hackers, though at times this security are also compromised, but not in all cases. The introduction of authenticators, seed phrases and other safety measures have help put loses to a minimal.
**How does the cryptocurrency wallet work ?**
While pondering how the cryptocurrency wallet works, my mind went to our traditional online banking applications. Having considered the local bank as the block chain, the account number as the public key, the crypto wallet is the online banking application while the online login details serves as the private key. While the bank tracks all the daily activities going on, Is the same way, the block chain keep records of all the activities emanating from my public key. The public key serves as the account number from which users can confidently send cryptocurrency to us.
Now if we use our banking app, we could check our account details, send and receive money. This action is replicated by our crypto wallet, which allows us monitor all transactions, send, stores and receive cryptocurrency. Our banking details (username and password ) serves the same purpose as our private keys. Without providing them correctly, we will not have access into our account for transaction.
Alot of things about our traditional banking also happens in our digital wallet. Same way you can't send a dollar into Chinese account number without first converting it, also happens with our crypto wallet. Sending inappropriate crypto into a particular public address will lead to the lose of it. For instance, you can't use your etheruem wallet address to receive bitcoin Cash, it is totally unacceptable. This could be avoided with our traditional banks but not on our digital wallets, as you are incharge of your actions.
**Types of crypto wallets**
A lot of crypto wallets are found online, all providing the same function of storing, sending, receiving and keeping tracks of our transactions on the block chain.
Crypto wallets are divided into hot and cold wallet with each having its own pros and cons.
**i) Hot wallets :** It creates and stores private keys online. Examples include desktop and mobile softwares which are linked to the internet. The main feature of such wallet is that, private keys are generated and stored using the internet, making it vulnerable to hackers. This is the least recommended secured ways to store long term investments in cryptocurrency as they are connected online and tends to be a huge target for hackers.
**ii) Cold Wallets** : This type of wallet creates and stores private keys without using the internet. They are also known as hardware wallets. This wallet provides more protection by its Choky security steps, all in bid of making it less vulnerable to hacks. Therefore private keys created and stored using hardware wallets are free hacks and other troubles encountered by the hot wallet, making it the most secured and easiest way to manage cryptocurrency. Examples of hardware wallets include Trezor hardware wallet, Nano hardware wallet, Keevo wallet etc. It is always recommended to get your hardware wallet from the original manufacturer and not from individual, this is to prevent hacks.
**How to set up your own wallet**
Firstly, we will look at how to set up a hot wallet before we proceed to a cold wallet. Our center of focus is the coinbase mobile wallet, using the following steps;
i) search the word "coinbase wallet" on either your app store or your google play store.
ii) Install the one with a blue icon with a white circle.
iii) On completion of the download, launch the app.
iv) Click on create new wallet.
v) Review and accept terms of service by clicking on the 'Accept'
vi) Create a username, which serves as a means for other users to carry out transaction with you or they could use the Qr code technique.
vii) Tap 'Done' and select your security preferences.
Selecting the 'public' option allows other coinbase users to search for you and send you Cryptos . while selecting the 'private' options makes you anonymous to other users.
Selecting any of the options, click on next, to set up your next layer of security to secure your wallet.
Depending on the type of phone you are using, you could set up a face ID, 6 layers of passwords and fingerprint for maximum protection.
viii) After the security set up, it's time to back up the wallet. Since the wallet is connected to the internet, the private key is created online in form of a seed phrase. The seed phrase is the only recovery way to the wallet, offering maximum protection in hacks or theft scenarios.
After setting it up and copying the seed phrase to keep in a safe place, click on the acknowledgement part of the coinbase wallet.
ix) Click on back up seed phrase and the 12 seed words will be shown to you, which serves as a private key in accessing your cryptocurrency.
It is advisable you use a pen and paper to write down your seed phrases and storing somewhere not easily found, though it is crude and mundane, but it offers better security to our hot waller, never back up your seed phrase on any cloud network, since it could be hacked at anytime.
X) After backing up the seed phrase, you will need to confirm it accurately following the arrangements and spelling of words. This is inbid to know, you are the rightful owner of the account, as failure to reproduce this seed phrase leads to the lose of your account. After selecting the words in their rightful order, click on done and phew! You have successful created a new digital wallet.
**How to transfer Send or Receive Cryptocurrency**
After setting up your wallet, and you want to send or receive crypto, I will advice you start with a smaller amount first. This is to confirm if your account has been properly set up. So we will follow this steps inorder to send or receive cryptocurrency ;
i) Open your coinbase app and select the particular crypto, you'll be sending . let's assume, you want to send bitcoin cash, open it on the app.
ii) Make sure the public key, you are sending the crypto too, is also a bitcoin cash address.
iii) Copy the 'Receive public key' from the receiving account.
iv) Paste it in the send option in the sending account, this could be made easier using Qr Scans.
v) Click on your send option, and phew! Your crypto Will be sent after you insert your password, which serves as a means of securing your account from thefts.
The hot wallet makes it easier sending and receiving funds but its safety is not 100% guaranteed, as theft and hacks are are quite easily encountered with this type of wallet.
**Lead image : internet**
Why Say, I Love You ?
I attended a wedding reception last week and I saw the love flow between the newly wedded couple. I began to ask myself this question "was this the same way, people in abusive marriages once felt" staying infront of the crowd just to deceive us, they were happy together? . Or was it a fairy that changed their love story to a hate story. What really happened, I began to ponder.
While still wondering, I heard loud shouts from the crowd, all I heard where this beautiful word, commonly abused in our world today, "I love you" . I smiled, while I brought out my tablet to take a picture of them.
'I love you' is the most abused statement in our world today. We barely can't identify love from infatuation. Though I grew up to hear, love is blind but I doubt. Is love really blind? In marriages husbands beat their wives at the slightest provocation, if love was really blind, who gave the husband the eye to see and abuse his dearly beloved wife, a term used at the altar.
If love was really blind, they won't be chaos, in our world today, nations rising against nations, all in a bid to inflict pains.
Stop saying "I love you" if all you care about Is yourself, love was never selfish, if it were to be selfish, Christ wouldn't gave died for us. The kind of love, no one has ever shown. The earlier we differentiate between possession from true love, the better for us. Because when true love uses words like us, we and ours. Possession uses words like I, me and myself. It worries less about the other party. I was opportune to have my internship in the psychiatric unit of the hospital where I am working, they offer free counseling sessions to couples too.
They came this young lady whom I think just got married, she complained bitterly about how badly, she was being treated by her husband. Though they worked in the same company and returned home same time, he was always in the demanding end of the table, he will never assist in preparing dinner or help with the children, all he cared about was himself. I know they are marriages were all the chores are carried out by the wife while all the bills are taken care of by the husband, it shows cooperation but trust me, they are days when your partner craved your aassistance.
I grew up with my grandparent And noticed this impeccable behavior which drew my attention, they were both wrong at the same time, no matter whose fault it was. They took turn to say am sorry, and they were serious about it. I still remembered the day grandma slept and forgot to lock the chicken's pen, something terrible happened and all the chicken were gone. Grandma was worried but at the same time relaxed. When grandpa returned from his journey, she made him his favorite cake which was vanilla flavored cake. When he had finished eating, she narrated everything to him, I thought he was going to shout and probably hit her, as seen in movies, He walked up to grandma and held her hands, he said "am sorry" . They both smiled and moved on to discussed about his journey.
I was curious to know why, I walked up to grandpa, he told me "Alicia, we have lived for over 50years together, with only one formula in mind, always ready to forgive one another. It was my fault the chicken are gone, if I was around, they wouldn't have gone missing. I looked at grandpa and smiled, I learnt something expensive that day. True love shared in all the blames.
Have seen relationships gone sour because nobody was ready to take the blame. But my grandparent showed me, if I ever wanted a long lasting relationship, then I should never be scared to take the blame, even if when it was my partner's fault. The smallest "am sorry" is better than a fake "I love you" . Love blotted out all errors but how ready are we to take responsibility of our actions. Rather than masked our pains and disappointments with a phrase we are not so sure of why don't we keep our selfishness. Being in love just to satisfy once hormonal surge is selfishness, you saw her and fell in love with her physique, tasked your mind to convinced her, you really wanted to spend the rest of your life with her, "I love you" was badly abused by you, yes! You abused the word, got all you wanted and off you went. Why did you use the word "I love you" when you knew it was just an infatuation?
Someone once said the easiest way to get to a woman's heart is by lying. And of all the lies to be used, you used "I love you" a statement many haven't heard since they were born. So they await the day, someone will say it to them with all amount of seriousness and they you are lying to her?
Please don't say "I love you" when you know, it's all a lie.
Do have a wonderful time, dear friends.....
Lead image: unsplash.com
My Mom Is An Addict (2)
Mom stood at the entrance of the room, feeling sorry for all she put us through, but it was too late. You can't be sorry when we have lost everything.
Little Kevin was growing faster, we could tell from his undersized wears. This got me more worried than my mom, all she cared about was how to raise money for her nose powder. At age 10, I was already rallying around trying to fix food on the table, though mom was sorry but the effect of the drugs she took, wouldn't allow her do anything.
I still remember the night at the dinning table, where her body was shaking as if she was under some spell. I was scared I was going to lose her, had no one to call, so I put a call through to her friend Aunt Lisa who promised coming the next day, since It was late already. Mom sustained great injuries, from scratching herself to falling from the chair. All I did was to say a silent prayer, I knew everything wasn't going to be fine.
I went to bed crying and blaming myself for all that happened to mom, I should have stopped her, I mumbled amidst tears. The late night sobs were gradually replaced by nightmares. She could have upto 4 episodes of nightmare in a night. I gradually wished the sobs returned as the nightmares gradually stole our beautiful sleep.
I and my little brother, we took turns in fanning our mom to sleep as our air conditioner was confiscated.
The following morning, we heard a knock on our door, little kelvin ran to check who it was. Aunt Lisa he screamed out of joy, she was our only hope to get our mom well again. But she was the one who introduced mom into this wasteful lifestyle.
She took out a syringe and a little bottle from her bag, we were all anxious to know the content. She injected the content into my mom's arm, it didn't take long for her to spring back to life. She stood up and chatted with her friend like nothing ever happened. Aunt Lisa kept some of the injections with mom.
I never wanted knowing the content of the bottle neither its use, as long as mom was fine. My selfish part grew again. Whenever she had mood swings, she injects herself just to get well, she had more syringes than our local medical centre. No more nightmares, no more sobs, the little peace of the night gradually returned.
Mom wasn't still able to do anything, just to stay at home and stab herself at any slight swing. Kevin stayed with mom, while I went into our neighborhood in search of work, since they was no school anymore for me. We barely were able to feed.
He ran to me, gasping for breathe and screaming "mom, mom" . I knew all wasn't well but I never could tell what it was.
On getting home, they was more mom, salivating and making weird noise, I searched for her syringe to give her some shots, for fear she might be too weak to do it herself. I tried few shots but it wasn't working. Had to call 911 and she was rushed to the hospital, I knew we were never going to see her again but we believe she will be fine, when she returns.
I held little kelvin and walked into the house, we had a long night with no late night sobs and nightmares , but knowing we will be staying without mom, made me sob all through the night.
I wish I was there for her, not allowing aunt Lisa introduce her into the use of drugs, but it was too late.
Here is the link to the first part of the story:
https://read.cash/@Wrinkle/my-mom-is-an-addict-9a2867b3
***Moral Boaster***
Drug abuse doesn't bring everlasting relieve to anyone, rather than waste your time and life on drugs, visit a a qualified personnel and discuss your life troubles, there is always a way out. Don't do drugs, say no to drug abuse.
Lead image : unsplash.com http://unsplash.com
How To Stop Worrying Over What People Think About You
While at work today, a colleague came to me with so much grief in her heart. 'Can I ask you a question ' she asked feebly. I suspended what I was doing to pay attention to whatever she wanted asking me.
She continued 'Lisa, we've worked in this hospital for over 3 years now, why doesn't people negative talks gets to you, like it does to me? . I smiled and offered her a sit because i Knew it was going to be a long talk. I know alot of people are like my colleague who allows people's negative talk and opinion matters to them, which was never meant to be so.
One of the reasons people worry about what others think about them is because of lack of self value. Such an individual is much concerned about what what is happening in the life of others than focusing on her own. She want to live her life pleasing them, in other to be in their good books everyday.
One of the biggest trick to live a life, you don't worry about what others think or say, is to masked your energy. This doesn't mean you'll stop, appreciating them, of they compliment you, but you don't need to let it get to you. People change , the same person who applauded you today could be the same person to spread negative comments about you to others. So masking up your energy will help cushion you from such event. I was once like that, I allowed whatever negativity and positivity people had to get to me, I still remember those where the worst year of my life. I had no self love, self value and so I was depending on people to give to me what I should've given to myself. But the moment I realized I could really better for myself, everyone around me began complaining that I have changed, since what they ever did never bothered me any longer.
The second hint is, understanding your true purpose In life. A lot of young people out there have lost focus, now all they care about is living a life that will wade people off their back. Everyone wants to be a computer wizard, crypto traders and other trending jobs. It's fine, if you really want to do that but hope you won't be worried about what people will say when you are not making progress. Rather than moving with the trend, why not pray to God to opened your eyes, so you really know your purpose in life ? You were not here to do things to please others, but to please God. You are not alive because of reviews others make on your life, you are because he loves you. Don't allow trends push you off your purpose. If you feel you had gone off the radar of God, pray to him to redirect your steps.
Thirdly, Never build your confidence round materialistic acquisition. The social media have become a hub for daily comparison. A lot of people go online just to know how much progress a friend, colleague or spouse has acquire. This takes a negative toil as such an individual begins to worry about what others will think about them, especially when they were close friends or sibling to the more successful person. It is bad! You are in no competition with anyone. Brace up and focus on your life. You don't have to worry about a beautiful house, expensive cars and lifestyle of others, most times this doesn't confer confidence. Focusing on yourself should be your goal. I do tell people even if you are given the most expensive car in the world, and you don't have self confidence, you may not still be satisfied, because you might be worried about the color of the car.
Fourthly, stop comparing yourself with others , there is always bound to people doing better than you. So why do you really want to compare yourself if you know this? I still remember in college when I was so concerned about people's opinion, I used to study other people's grade. I was so concerned about how, a friend got a better grade than I and it ended up ruining me academically. I was performing more worst than before, then I stopped the comparison, and they were tremendous changes in my grades. Comparing yourself with others is like chasing rats, while your house is on fire. We tend to leave our important stuffs just to compare our success with others. You are bound to be sad because somewhere somehow, someone will be doing better than you.
The last point I told her was funny but true, stop worrying about what people think about you because no one actually cares, no cares if you exist or not, worrying about what people think, is a sign of inferiority complex, you were never meant to be bothered . Live your life to the fullest and be happy. Your success is nobody's business, so why bothered with their negativity. She thanked me and left. I knew she was a little better because of how she smiled and laughed after our little discussion.
**Conclusion**
You are in charge of the affairs of your life and you should guide it with jealousy, don't allow negative energy push you off guard. Caring about what others think about you should be the least thing on your mind because they don't actually care. Snap off your mirage and go live your life to the fullest, do have a blessed time...
So much love from me to you..❤❤❤❤
lead image : Unsplash.com
The Baby in the Trash Can
I tossed to and fro on bed like the hand of a pendulum clock, Scary thoughts filled My mind and I could hear his innocent cry, my mistake of 20 years kept hunting me. All this while Eric lay at the other end of the bed with nothing troubling him.
**2nd May, 2002**
I Stood at the mirror to examine my growing belly couple with My early morning vomits, I knew everything wasn't fine. I went to the clinic, test were conducted and it turns out I was pregnant. Everything started spinning round me. I needed to call him as soon as possible. I wasn't seeing anything and I could barely scroll through my phone.
I went to his place, confused and wondering how he was going to accept our fate. They he was having a beautiful nap, I knocked and he open. I stood still for some minute before I entered, his eyes scanning my body to know what the problem was. I acted like I was fine just to distract him. Inquisitive Eric, won't rest until he knew what the problem was. He finally broke the silence "Gwen have never seen you this disturbed, hope you are fine". I shook my head and amidst sobs I informed him of the pregnancy. They was a brief moment of silence and I could hear both our heart beats. I could tell the news didn't go well with him, how was he to cater for us, when he was still receiving stipends from his father. I understood with him but we had limited time on our side, since the pregnancy was already 3 months old. We broke the silence by screaming "abortion" , though I knew it wasn't a good plan but we weren't ready to bare the cumbersome load of parenthood, at least not now.
He made preparations for the abortion, while I continued hiding from people because of my growing tummy. The D-day came, I heaved a sigh of relieved knowing I wasn't returning with this unwanted visitor. We waited patiently for our turn. He was right there holding my hand and assuring me, everything was going to be fine. "Gwen Johnson" I heard from the doctor's office. My heart suddenly grew heavy, but it was too late to turn away. Tears dribble down my cheek as I walked in. 3 hours after the procedure, I opened my eyes, there he was, not in the incubator but in the trash can. Fear gripped me, as I watch the lifeless innocent baby being killed because of my mistake. My eyes were ready to spill its content religiously. The nurses came in, consoled me and I returned home .
At last, I wasn't going to hide from people again, I will get my perfect shape back, I spoke softly. But then I was never free from the lifeless picture I saw in the trash can, it began hunting me the day, I officially accepted to become Mrs. Eric. And for 20 years have been tormented by memories of the mistake of my past.
Am so confused right now, what can I do to be free from my the revenge of my past ?
Lead image : Unsplash.com
After All These Years
Thunderous claps emanated from all angles, there was my best friend Lisa, saying yes to the love of her life. I thought the cheers were for Lisa and her husband, but I was wrong because everyone stared at my direction. I looked round there he was, kneeling holding an engagement ring, pain mixed with anger filled my soul.
Hello, you are about to read the diary of a lady, who believed in love. My name is Tina, I grew up to know love was harmless, painless and true. Hoping for the day I will meet my own Gilbert, you probably haven't heard of the name but in my community, he was famous. Not for owning beautiful mansions nor flashy cars, but for how he valued his wife. I was jealous of my mom, but they was nothing I could do, than to pray love found me too. I was an introvert, making friends wasn't easy but I had Lisa. She was my best friend. We did everything together, and went everywhere together. We both were clingy, chuckles! (Just saying that to relief myself). We took turns to sleep at each others place and our parents were comfortable with it.
We went to the park one day, and saw this group of guys who kept looking at Our direction. They later joined us at our table, we chatted for long, exchange contacts and left. It was a fun filled day, atleast we had other people to talk with. The one who picked interest in me was named Gilbert, yes! My dad's name, and you could see how happy I was. Poor me! I never knew names don't really matter.
We started dating when I entered the university, I to my Gilbert and Lisa to her man, Andre. At first I felt he was the one for me, so caring and loving. Truly, I had found my Gilbert. I wanted telling mom on phone but was scared of her scolding me. Months passed and our love grew stronger. I wasn't interested in anything else but my Gilbert. He knew how to make me happy, from lullabies to breakfast in bed. Gosh! He swept me off my feet. Little did I know, he was after my treasure, and we he got what he wanted , he started behaving oddly. Yea! A week after our first love making, Gilbert changed, he was now rude on phone, he barely picks his calls and was never free to see me.
My whole world came crashing down on me, who do I turn to, I wished I had listen to mom. She warned me about guys like Gilbert, that anyone bringing so much joy and no reason to frown, that I should be careful. But how was i to know, I wanted love and love was all I got. I stayed in my room for days without going to school, I lost interest in everything. All I ever wanted was my Gilbert, I visited him since he wasn't taking his calls. I found another lady in bed with him. That was the height of everything, I pounce on the lady but was beaten to stupor by Gilbert. Yeah! I called him my Gilbert because I never wanted sharing him with anyone. But here I was lying helplessly at his mercy, begging with the last breathe I had.
I woke up in the hospital and the first person, I wanted to call was Gilbert. But his number was gone, how did it happened, what went wrong. I screamed in pain, not for the bruises or kicks but for the lover have lost. Though he became a monster but I couldn't forget his good deeds in a hurry. My parent hurried in, I was shocked because I wasn't expecting to see them. I told them everything because I was just too weak to lie. I thought mom will scold me as usual, she hugged me and reminded me of her words of caution.
I knew I had failed them, but I wasn't thinking straight because I was missing Gilbert. I was discharged from the hospital and I went to visit him. Yes! My Gilbert, all I wanted was to look into his eyes, I never wanted his apologies. So foolish of me! . Alas! I was at his door , Baby am home, was all I could scream. But what I got sent me back to the hospital.
Dad couldn't bear it anyone, so I was sent to study abroad. I didn't want to go, but I was also scared to stay. I texted him before leaving to the airport but he never replied. I left for school with a broken heart. My broken heart got healed with time but I swore never to have anything to do with any man again.
Six years after, here is the man that caused me so much pain, kneeling beside me with an engagement ring. Memories of how I was badly treated rushed through my mind. After all these years, my heart still beat for him. I stretch forth my finger, he wore the ring. Stood up and while we were about to kiss. My mom screamed my name "Tina, wake up, it's 7 already, won't you go to work today? I woke up smiling, it was all a dream.
Dear beautiful readers, never stay in an abusive relationship, no matter how deeply you are in love with the person. Don't allow his fake tears and pleas make you return to him, once an abuser will always remain an abuser. If he truly loves you as he claimed, he won't want to see you sad.
I love you all so much...
Pictures used were from unsplash.com
No matter how deep the dip is, I won't sell my BCH, I will keep it till it rise again. I believe we have better days with bitcoin cash. Though new in crypto but the financial benefit of bitcoin cash has made me crave for it more.
#Bch2dworld
#bchWillRiseAgain
My Mom Is An Addict
Have kept this to myself for over 23 years now, I just can't anymore. We stood still while the car left, wishing she was conscious to wave at us but she didn't, rather was shouting and hitting her head against the window. He looked at me, and I winked, that was all mom left for us. She told us, winking meant, everything was going to be alright and that was all I told kelvin. Have lost count of the number of episodes she has had, so we were no strangers to her behavior.
It all began shortly after Kelvin's birth, when dad left, because their quarrels and fights became unbearable. I came home to meet dad pack his bags, I knew everything wasn't fine from the way, mom was sitting. While leaving dad hugged me, and told me, he will be back, but till date he hasn't return, It's over 25 years now.
Mom actually loved my dad but I couldn't understood reasons for their incessant quarrels. I knew she missed him, from the way he stares at his picture, from the Late night sobs emitting from her room. I wish I was of help but all I could do, was to play with little kelvin. It went on and on, until one day, Lisa her friend visited her. Mom sent me to go play with the other kids, I was shocked but that was the only freedom I had, so I wasn't going to interrogate her.
After a long hour of playing with friends, I was tired and it was getting late, I had to run home. They she was smiling and nodding to a tune I never heard. I perceived this leaf-like smell in our sitting room. I knew everything wasn't fine, I turn and they was my little kelvin, lying peacefully in his cot. I wish he could talk, then I would have asked him all the questions. The night drew near and I was expecting her soft sobs, so I could cry along, since I was scared something bad must have happened to mom, while I was away with friends, I heard nothing but only perceived the leaf-like smell again. Whatever spirit mom was conjuring, I would have loved to see him to. I crept out of bed to my mom's room, they room was dark, and filled with smoke. I stood for hours hoping to hear noises, never knew when I began to cough. Yes! The smoke was Choky too, mom put on the light, and I could see how disappointed she was. I smiled foolishly, I never knew what she was doing. I was happy, at last she was going to forget about dad, never knew I was selfish. Yes! I was selfish, I never knew the happiness I wanted for mom was detrimental. We hugged and returned to my room, no sobs, just the leaf-like smell.
Days turned into weeks, mom was gradually feeling better, thanks to the leaf, but how it was administered was still strange to me, I wasn't comfortable asking her, since I didn't want her to be reminded of dad. Then one day, Lisa came visiting. They both stayed in the sitting room, I was happy since I will be given the freedom to leave the house, but no! I was. They were comfortable having me around, they chatted for long and then came the leaf-like smell, I tipped toe to the sitting room, I was shocked, the smell was coming from my mom's lip. Little kelvin was playing by the corner, I took him out to play with friends. I was worried for my mom's new source of happiness, but I didn't want her to stop.
With time, she was now at liberty, she could puff her smoke even while we were having our breakfast. I mustered courage and inquired about the name of the leaf, all mom told me was, "it was called Sativa" I was relieved atleast I knew what name it was. One day in class, the teacher asked us to mention food that makes us happy, never knew when my hand was raised, only to echo the word which was on my mind "Sativa" , oh! Oryza sativa she said, I nodded in response, the trouble came when I was asked to state procedures of how it was prepared. It is very simple, I told the teacher, just burn it, and the smoke comes out from your mouth . Everyone was shocked. I was invited me to her house, and was scolded, she told me, what I explained was bad to health, she asked where I saw it prepared, but I had to lie, I watched it from the Tv.
Thought of losing mom, kept disturbing my little mind, when I got home, there she was puffing her source of happiness like no man's business, I just stood by the corner, shook my head and went inside my room. I knew mom was not going to be fine,but I wasn't ready to listen to her late night sobs, so I had to let sleeping dog lies.
With time, sativa was used to mom's system,slowly the late night sobs returned. This time, they were intense and terrifying. I walked to her room, and there she was puffing her sativa but they was no happiness anymore. She looked at me "they have stolen the happiness off sativa, are you guilty of this" I shook my head, walked up to her and held her. I had mixed feelings that night, mom wasn't smoking anymore but then, her sad days are back. It was weekend, I was home with my brother while mom stepped out. I stayed all day with my Kelvin, when mom returned, I felt this joy written all over her face. I was happy for she was happy, we chatted, ate the cake, she bought for us, and for the first time, we stayed together to watch tv in the sitting room. My heart began to beat faster, as the night drew near. We told each other good night and retired to bed, I was curious to hear her sob, but she didn't. Never knew when I slept off, woke the next morning. I noticed some powder close to mom's nose, I brought it to her notice, she smiled and cleaned it.
She behaved normal anytime they was powder in the side of her nose. As usual, I didn't want to ask her. It went on for months, then years. It got to a point, she wasn't concerned of cleaning the powder off her nose. The little powder stole all our life savings and even our valuables. I still remembered how two hefty men, came to carry our Tv. Mom was indebted to them. They were the dealers of the nose powder mom was using. Resilience was her watchword, because she never gave up on the powder, until all the furniture in the house were seized. This threw her into a new wave of depression, and she sort a new way to be happy......
To be continued...
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How Free Am I ?
I was sitting today thinking about my life, and the topic free will came to mind. How free am I? That's how the thought started, and I began to think about my life from birth. Did we really have a choice to make? I grew up in a family where our parent dictated what happens in our lives, our decisions, friends we kept and even where we visited, so was they any free will.
Growing up and attending school, we were bombarded with different rules and regulations, even when I wanted wearing trousers to school, I was forced to wear skirt, so where did I really get the free will to do what I wanted?
**What is free Will ?**
Free will in my understanding is the ability to make decisions without interruption or corrections, without fear of being punished for breaking the rules. I changed my assumption of free will being self evident, the day I heard contemporary thinker, Sam Harris, asserting that free will is an illusion. It took time for me to be able to understand what he meant by that statement, and till Now am still lost in thought. Which in my own understanding he meant we don't have control over our background, the biochemistry of our brains and the effect of the environment on our development.
I have a collection of his books, since he is my favorite contemporary thinker, in one of his books titled "Free will" . "How can we be "free" if every action we take is undertook by our brain which we are entirely unaware. This makes me wonder, if we are really in charge of the decisions we execute? Even the little moment, we claim we are in charge of our decisions, our brain had already concluded it, long ago.
The famous writer asserted that determinism and randomness shapes the reality of our experience and since this two forces can't be put under control, there is no such thing as free will.
**But dear readers is they any such thing as free will ?**
Aristotle once said "the man is the father if his actions as of his children" , we could see philosophers really believed that they was something called "Free will" if there is why are we being controlled by our sense organs. I thought I should be able to put my hand in an ovens without feeling the need to take it off, because it was hot, if they was free will, I should have been able to eat whatever I want, no matter the quantity without having the urge to stop.
If they was anything like free will, then they shouldn't be law, I committed murder because I felt l needed to, but no! We are being controlled by our sense of goodwill, which is the conscience. It was just a random thought for readers to ponder on, is they anything like free will, if there is are we really free ?
Mother's Day : Value Her, For She Is Worth More Than Gold
She paced the hallway for over an hour, waiting for the surgeon to be out from the theatre. Because all she valued was lying in that room and she gave her most precious gift to her. Then finally the surgeon came out, "how is my little girl doing? She asked with so much concerned, the doctor responded with a broad smile "she is lucky to have you, she is doing fine" . With so much joy, she ran inside to see her baby girl lying calm with her new kidney. She smiled and kissed her with love, so my daughter will be free from the hassle of puffy face and feet at last, she said silently. While she waited for her miracle to open her eyes, she watched her chest move rhythmically, this calmed her wild thoughts, since the doctor had told her about organ rejection. At last, momma's little angel woke up, and the first thing she asked her was "why are you dressed like that, don't you know you are embarrassing me ?
Mom smiled, she was used to her daughter talking in such tone with her.
What would have she wore, she pondered, knowing this was the only dress left , after selling all your clothes and jewelries just to foot her baby's hospital bill. What an ungrateful child, we all will say but taking a look at the way we treat our mom, shows we are in the same boat like her, we may not necessary be lying sick in the hospital, but after all the sacrifices, momma made, we all abandon them to face reality alone. She was your first cheerleader, always making sure you don't feel rejected, most times she pretends you did very well, but deep down, you know you failed woefully, but mom covered up for you.
Watching us grow, if all wishes were granted then we wouldn't fall sick, have caught my mom mumbled those few words while I was sick.
That's the love we are referring to, undiluted, uncommon love. Little wondered why the Bible compared the love of God to that of a mother ? It is because of how strong and real it is, besides diamond, the strongest bond is a bond between a mother and her child.
Haven't you heard of stories where a mother still visits her criminal son in prison?
Why am I saying all of this, you may wonder. Today is mother's day celebration in my country and am urging everyone to take a time out of their busy schedule to celebrate their super woman. The woman that never gave up on us,she loved us unconditional, it never mattered to her if I was tao or short, intelligent Or dummy, she just love me.
Happy mother's day to my amazing sponsors, they are my virtual Guidance's here on this site. I love them so much. @Talecharm @HermaniGinger
So what ever part of the world you are, just get your mom a gift today and tell her thank you for being my mother.
Do have a beautiful mother's day celebration.
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5 Simple Tips To Boast Your Health Status
We are familiar with the famous saying that health is wealth. This statement has lost value to a lot of people as they value wealth more than their health.
The big question is, if we fall sick and peradventure we die, who will take charge of our beautiful cars, lots of money and fashion. Abosoulutely nobody, it is therefore our sole responsibility to take care of ourselves, same way we take care of our material things, remember health is the greatest wealth, anyone could get. Though it is free but it is very expensive to manage.
Today I will be dropping few health tips, which have used over the years and has been yielding tremendous effect, do stay back and learn something new, or if you have been practicing them, and have relent, do go back to them, because they are priceless.
**Here are a list of tips;**
1) **Eat Alot of Green Vegetables :** This should constitute almost all of your meal, though it seems like a regular tip, which most of us are familiar with. Vegetables contain mineral salt, vitamins and other macro and micro nutrients which our body need for growth and sustainability.
Vegetable like we all know, are easily destroyed by heat, so it is advisable, you add them as 5 mins to when you want to put down your food, this will keep it fresh with its content almost intact. For people who don't like large chunks of vegetable in their food, I will suggest, you chop it so small and add it to the food, or you could blend it, while you use the juice to prepare your meals. They are also stores where this vegetable are sold as supplements in dry form, though I prefer fresh vegetables, but it could still serve the same purpose.
2) Cryotherapy : I know most people will be wondering, why suggest such . Cryotherapy is actually the use of cold for therapeutic purpose. Going under the rain as an adult, can be so weird, that people might think, you are insane but using your shower will keep you away from such judgment.
Why do I suggest this ; having a cold bath, elevates your supply of oxygenated blood to vital organs from peripheral supplies, like the hands. In such therapy always remember the extreme parts of your body, will feel cold, I mean your hands and foot, so it is advised you wear gloves to keep them warm.
Though am not a fan of cold showers but I bet you trying this tip out will keep you energized and in good form.
3) **Replacement of Certain Items:** Items used on a regular basis, should be replace, as they tend to be home to microbes, and know we use this sponge to clean our plates, thereby getting infected in the process. Let's assume our kitchen, sponge when used and kept back for long could harbor a lot of microbes, which posses negative effect on our health.
Another thing that is worth replacing often, is our tooth brush, using a tooth brush for more than 3 months, is not advicable. You need to change them when the need arises. This will help boast Our body immunity.
4) **Intermittent Fasting** : This is not a great idea for pregnant women and also those breastfeeding , as you will need food for energy. During fasting your body uses, stored up energy stores, thereby keeping you in good form. This is the secret of most athletes.
5) **Regular Exercise** : Yeah! The importance of exercise can not be overlooked as it helps, the body get freshen up.
It is important for the circulatory system, as more and more blood will be ready for circulation. It also help to build a strong immune system.
**Conclusion**
Always remember, the most valuable thing to you is your health, and you must take very good care of it, and don't overwork your self, learn to rest too, drink plenty of water and eat lots vegetables..
I want to say a big thank you to my sponsors...
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Interesting Superstitious Belief Of The Filipinos
It's a beautiful day, sorry I have been busy , today I will be writing about the myths, legends and superstitious belief of the Filipino, which is our heritage from our ancestors.
Its true every culture has its own belief and superstitious, like the bad lucks that happens from walking under a ladder or biting of the tongue which shows that someone is thinking of you.In Philippine it is known as "**pamahiin**" .
Let's be realistic before I dive into our collections of superstitious belief, do you really have this feeling that our superstitious belief has anything to do with our real world ? Why am asking that is because of our Filipino pamahinn Which says breaking a mirror attracts 7 years of misfortunes, is still believed by most Filipinos. They fear breaking any of the rules and it has helped in maintaining orderliness.
It's amazing how these beliefs hasn't been countered till date, as they are being handed from one generation to another, it will delight you to know the Filipino culture is more about status quo than revealing the truth.
**Let's begin with Focus on children;**
Every Pregnant Filipino must have heard of the fetus eating monster called "Aswam", this spirit is said to disguise as a beautiful woman, who follows the pregnant woman, then at night, I will change to a big monster with a long tongue, which crawls into the woman's bedroom and feast on the fetus, causing the lost of the pregnancy. The only way, this demon is put away, is by surrounding the pregnant woman with garlic, this will mask the taste of the fresh fetus. But surrounding yourself with garlic at night kind of looks creepy, so it might also turn me off.
New born babies are still prone to magical forces, in my country you don't compliment a child too much or looking too much, you will make the child fall sick, what we call 'Usog' , chuckles! I know it sounds funny.
So before complementing a Filipino mother of how adorable, her baby is, make sure you say a counter spell "pera Usog" to create a shield over the baby, but if by chance the shield doesn't protect the child and the child gets sick, gets a friendly adult to smear their saliva on the forehead of the baby, Falipino's believe the way to cure a sick child is by spreading your body fluid on their face.
Also allowing your child play near a dirt in the afternoon, is also dangerous as the elves which live in the dirt may like your child, make it fall sick and die then they will steal the child's spirit, maybe that was why I was not always allow to play in the dirt.
How about the urban legends we grew up to hear, in building bridges, it is advicable to put the bodies of dead children mixed with concrete in the foundation to make it stronger and they will be no accident on the bridge, as the blood of the children protects every vehicle and people using the bridge. In such cases, the children are taken from the local population and killed.
I still remember when a certain bridge was built how children got to miss, it was scary, as mothers prevented their children from playing outside until the bridge was finished.
**the Next is superstitious belief about Death and the departed**
When attending a wake keep, it is advice you don't go home with any food taken from the place, because if you do, you will be taking a truck filled with trouble home.
Thats not just it, when leaving a wake keeping, it is believed the spirit of the departed will be following you home, so it is said, you need to go to different destinations before you get home, so as to distract the spirit of the departed. Also you need to change the clothe you wore to the place, before entering into your house.
And you may think, our superstitious belief only covers sad events, even in marriages we have our set of Do's and don't.
To avoid being doomed, the bride is not permitted to wear her wedding dress until the day of the wedding, it sounds silly right, I mean, why won't I put on my wedding dress to check, how it will fit me.
Trust me, I will wear my wedding gown before my wedding day, because I don't want to look scary on my wedding day, because of some superstitious belief.
No sharp objects as gift on a wedding day, as it is believed to cause the marriage to fail.
I still have more bizarre beliefs for you;
• If you jump up and down on new year's eve, you will grow taller and faster. I still remember when my mom, will force us to jump for hours on new year's eve, which I guess it's why we are taller in my family.
• You are not permitted to smile on Good Friday, because if you fall and have a wound while smiling, it will not heal.
• If you get lost on your way, its because elves are teasing you, all you need to do, is to turn your clothes inside out and you will find your way home.
• If you go to bed hungry, you spirit will leave your body and wander looking for food, it could be trapped by a wicked demon.
• When visiting a Filipino, make sure you say 'Ta hupo' before knocking on their door, this gives them the impression, that it is a human and not some wandering spirit.
• Going to sleep with wet hair, will cause you some mental problem.
• Taking a picture with three people, the middle person will die.
• A pregnant woman is meant to look at pictures of only beautiful people, else her baby will be a monster.
• Stepping on a sleeping person, will limit them from growing.
• Don't cut your hair or nails when it gets dark, else you will experience badluck.
• If a cutlery falls off your hand to the floor, it means someone is visiting, a dropped spoon indicates a female visitor while a fork indicates a male visitor.
I know to readers, this just sounds so unrea, but to a lot of Filipinos they are real and people are still scared of this things till date.
I hope you all won't be scared to visit the Filipinos, we are adorable people and we are accommodating. I will find time to write about interesting places in the Philippines.
Thanks for reading....... I love you all....
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My NFT Birthday Gift From My Little Cousin
Happy birthday to anyone celebrating their birthday today. Today marks a new beginning in my life as I clock 24. Am on duty in the hospital, so I won't be chanced to celebrate my birthday as usual, even though am not a party freak, I just love my space alone. This year I chose to celebrate it online with my friends on read.cash, being grateful for the gift of life regarding the happenings in our world today. http://read.cash
Like I earlier said, am not a jamboree type of person, so when I woke, my step mom was at the door already singing "happy birthday song for me" my dad was waiting to see me off since it was my special day.
Arriving at the office, my colleague on duty had informed the patients, it was my birthday.
I was so emotional when I heard them sing for me, for the first time, I experience such massive love as a doctor.
Throughout the day, I expected calls and messages from friends but I didn't get them, which made me realized the older we get, the lower our birthday wishes and calls as everyone is trying to get a life, birthday is just an ordinary day.
While everyone was busy with themself, my little cousin took her precious time to draw a picture of me, and she caption "Aunt Janet's NFT" . It so lovely to behold, though the drawing doesn't look like me but the fact it was a gift, makes me appreciate it.
The fact which stared at me was, as we age our choices changes, I still remembered how busied my call lines were in the past, just because it was my birthday. But that fact as changed now as most friends are either married, busy with work or dealing with personal stuffs, so it was okay if they forgot it was my birthday.
Since am single and doesn't have a partner to make today a special day, aside my amazing patients, I felt quite isolated on my special day.
So I chose to make myself my priority today and that's why am writing this article;
`• If there is anyone out there who feels isolated on their birthday.`
`• To remind myself that am aging and so are my friends, that I shouldn't expect their messages like previous years.`
Though I was on call in the hospital, I was relieved of my duty just to celebrate myself, all by myself. When I got home, everyone had gone to work, so I was alone.
So am sharing tips on how to celebrate your birthday party alone;
1) **Play Your Favorite Song** : I told you I wasn't a party freak, but when it comes to singing, am always present. I had to select my favorite playlists Which is R & B, search for the lyrics and I started singing. At first it was boring but after listening to it for a period of time, I began to enjoy it. Remember singing is a form of exercise, which relieves the body of stress.
Thats was what I did, I know a lot of people don't like singing, you are free to play your favorite music and dance to the beat. Of cause it's your birthday, so no one will judge you for dancing, no matter how silly or funny you dance. We have different dance steps, you could even try dancing like Michael Jackson, hahaha! I won't even dare try it, I might fall and break my head.
2) **Create a special activity for yourself** : What I did while returning from work, I had to stop by the ice-cream shop to get some chocolate ice cream, which is my favorite flavor. You may decide to go get coffee, eat your favorite soup at the canteen, take a stroll in the neighborhood, just to admire the beautiful landscape or you could visit the cinema. All this will make your lonely birthday celebration memorable.
3) **Visit the Orphanage Home** : Though I didn't do this, but I know visiting such homes and being the reason, why they are happy, will so gladen my heart. I had intentions of doing it, but the recent post pandemic guidelines has made visitations into such places.
4) **Write out your goals and evaluate those for** **previous year :** though the Day was set aside for celebration, do well to write out what you wanted to archieve in this new phase of your life. You don't just have to celebrate all through, evaluate your previous goals, how many of them were you able to achieve, how many have you rolled over into your new age. That's what keeps me busy when having a lone time.
@Wrinkle
