BEAUTIFUL IN ALL SEASONS

Silencing voices that make me cringe, and ignoring voices that don’t feel like home. Welcome to my short, yet stretched walk with Criticism this past week. There he was directing me toward the feeling of “less than.” Walking me through thoughts that wound the heart, so painful I can feel my spirit tearing in two directions, but I keep on walking anyway. A few more steps, listening as it is rude to interrupt… I made a mistake at work, or rather I didn’t perform as well as I usually do. Instead of accepting it and moving forward, I sat with the mistake longer than needed. I forgot that the environment isn’t always supportive for creativity and effort, at least for that hour. There he was, Criticism, seeking someone to blame, and it was just the two of us, so the finger pointed at me. For a while I was quiet; I guess my silence was approval of everything he said. Unaware I was agreeing with him. How dare I momentarily forget how I pride myself on diligence, on showing up with passion and ...

Looking back at my life, I realise I’ve always started early. I began Grade 1 at the age of 5, started university at 17, and bought my first property at 23. I enjoyed the fact that people noticed I was the youngest in class, and I worked hard to be among the top 10 students at school. This drive really began when I chose my subjects and followed my commitment to excelling or should I say, slaying in life. In June 2024, I made the brave decision to leave my job because I chose myself and my health over demanding work. My career requires me to constantly pour into others, and most of the time I had to fake being well and energetic, even on days when I was crumbling inside. I remember one day vividly: I had just returned from external moderation, exhausted, with a badly swollen eye from allergies my eye was barely open. Yet, I still went straight into a parents’ meeting at 16:00, showing up as if nothing was wrong, despite the obvious. That’s who I’ve been all my life: pushing through, be...

  December last year.  I love her 😍  I was going through hell and back here. Guys, 2024 needs to be erased from the history of years—no ways! But I still tried to do the things that felt true to me, like being creative with my wardrobe. :) Now, I am the happiest. I am as happy as a toddler learning things for the first time. I am as happy as a young adult who’s realizing things her younger self always dreamt of. I last felt this alive before my teens—before my diagnosis with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. I am so very much at peace; feeling strong has become the cornerstone of my inner serenity. If this was the only gift I had to receive from God, I wouldn’t dare ask for anything else. Or think of trading it for anything later down the line. This is IT right here!!! I am sooooo happy—said a girl who suffered joint pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, warmth around the joints, fatigue, fever, rash, loss of appetite, weight loss, limping, decreased range of motion, eye prob...

When I was in high school, I had big dreams that fueled my drive. I put in effort and long hours to position myself to achieve them. Over time, I’ve realized it’s natural to always set new goals — to keep striving, to want more. But in the process, I’ve sometimes forgotten how far I’ve come. I’ve been doing amazing . The hours I’ve put in were not in vain. Here’s a list of the things I once dreamed of, things I actually achieved. These are the moments my younger self would be proud of. And the woman I am today — the one my teenage self dreamt of — she did it My Achieved Milestones I got a bachelor’s pass and made it into university. I received a merit bursary for the first year of my university studies. I was funded by NSFAS from my second year onward. I moved into a single room in third year (oh how I love my space). I was honoured with an invitation to join the Golden Key International Honour Society. I passed my final year with all distinctions. I got a job and...

During my first year, I was too broke to indulge much, so this phenomenon really took shape in my second year.   There was this chocolate chip cookie I used to buy from Treats store 🏬 on campus, paired with rum and raisin ice cream. I was living my best life! Those were the good old days when I rewarded myself for studying.  Now, I plan to adopt a reward system for working out, submitting assignments, and completing exams. For work, I think I’ll create a midweek wellness date to celebrate reaching the middle of the week and to encourage myself to finish the week feeling happier and more courageous. When i start working again, of course.  I am feeling excited to be where my feet are, to truly live.  Budget friendly Ideas by chatgpt Coffee Shop Treat : Grab your favorite coffee or tea and a small pastry. Enjoy it while  people-watching  or  reading  a book. Picnic in the Park :  Pack a simple lunch  or snacks and find a nice spot in a loc...

Lessons am getting and love to share Apply your faith and command things into existence in the name of Jesus. His name disempowers strongholds and adversaries. As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against rulers and principalities of this present age. The name of Jesus gives us victory in spiritual battles and frees us from afflictions and setbacks. Vision 1  I was lifted into the air, facing a massive spirit in a fierce struggle. This entity was a giant. I prayed and commanded fire to consume it; though fire was sent forth, the spirit continued to rise. It wasn't until I sealed my commands with the name of Jesus—boldly emphasizing His name—that I triumphed. The spirit burned, was defeated, and lay on the ground. An angel then showed me verses that proclaim we are kings. Revelation 1:6 says we are made a kingdom and priests to God, and 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood. The angel was encouraging that i embr...

I am happy to see the heart of God in partnering with me to bless others. While this is my call to answer, I am careful not to be overly excited but to remain level-headed, as I understand the cost of being chosen to work for the Lord. Walking with Him in itself can be daunting; it’s a great responsibility that involves exposing my heart, forcing me to accept where I am wrong and engage in doing the job to unlearn and learn. Service comes with sacrifice at the same time it is deeply fulfilling and the very reason for our existence. A call, I explain as a thing that describe me yet feels foreign. It’s both familiar and new. The beginning is exhilarating, as it resembles pursuing a passion that feels more like a hobby. However, I recognize that there have been times I fought against the will of God because it was taxing to be in the place He called me to remain, doing the work and interacting with challenging individuals. I have celebrated at the revelation that my struggle is meant to e...