Monday 26 September 2022

Don’t settle for a relationship


If you want a happy, healthy relationship, then don’t settle for anyone who doesn’t meet your needs, otherwise, in the long run, you will have regrets.

You know what you want and the standard you want from a potential mate. The best thing you can do for yourself is not to lower your standard or settle for just anyone because you want to be in a relationship. Don’t put up with anyone that does not align with your values. Have a strong sense of self. No settling into a relationship with just anybody.

Until you are confident the man admires and cares for you as a person not just your body, don’t give your heart to him. And also, until you feel the man is what you want and he fits into the type of person you desire for a relationship. He is a compatible partner.

It is heart-wrenching to note that most women don’t even know what they want in a partner and so they settle for whoever comes around with a friendship proposal, only to realise too late they have made a mistake.

Any woman with a vision should know the kind of man who aligns with her vision and value in life. Without a vision, a woman can blindly settle for any man because she doesn’t know what she wants. If a woman doesn’t know where she is heading in life, she will likely end up in the wrong place with the wrong man.

Why am I being particular about women? Because it takes a woman’s consent for a relationship/marriage to commence. Without a woman saying yes to a man’s proposal or friendship overture, nothing happens between them.

So, sis, before you jump into that relationship before you say yes to his proposal, shine your eyes and search your heart well and make sure he is who you want. And not someone you just want to settle down with because of pressure from your family, friends and society.

This is what my friend, Christine Vidal-Nwachuku of Courtship Academy wrote on this issue:

“A few years back, my husband accompanied me to a departmental store to help select clothes for myself.

After picking up a few dresses on display, I entered the fitting room. 

As I wore each, I stepped out and did some catwalks and turnarounds for my husband.

Thumbs up for some, thumbs down for others.

I ended up not picking some that he gave the thumbs up. Why?

They were lovely on display, and when I wore them, but they were not my type.

I knew I would be flushing our hard-earned Dolapo down the drain by picking them because I wouldn’t wear them. 

They were not me. 

It’s for this same reason I tell singles, no one can select a spouse for them.

The person may look nice but may not gel with who you are.

Marriage is great when you’re with the right person that suits you.

Consider these scenarios.

Gbenga works in an oil company and has a child outside wedlock. Your family approves of him but deep down you know you don't want to care for a child that's not yours. 

Sis, just waka instead of putting this child at risk of improper care and yourself at loggerhead with potential hubby, Gbenga.

Bros, you are with this girl whose father has all the right connections that can turn your life around at the snap of the fingers. 

She will look good on your CV of life.

But you're a traditionalist who believes a woman's place is in the kitchen, and this babe doesn't know where to turn on the stove.

Bros, she no bi ya type, just waka. No use ya hand pluck kata-kata come enta ya house.

Leave her for the man who doesn’t care about who cooks and when.

Sis, you want to pursue your career and you're determined there's nothing that will stop you from pursuing a doctorate. 

At 35, you feel you are getting on in years and should settle down. 

Luckily, Duza has come to your rescue.

But he always has negative views whenever discussions or TV programs involving successful women who are excelling in their careers or businesses come up. 

Yes, it's important to acquire MRS. title but more so to embark on this life journey with someone who will not smother your career plans. 

He is not your type, put him back on the ‘rack’ for the lady who is ready not to pursue books and career upandan.

Just take a walk. Don't settle for him.

Joseph is a correct guy, except that he has trust and anger issues. 

Any ding from message dropping in your phone, he reaches for it. 

If you no gree na serious Mohammed Ali style you go receive. See ehn, no just think dis one, comot shoe, run for ya life. 

Except you are the type that likes to receive such packaged gifts, then he will be a perfect fit. 

Of course, he is such a handsome guy. Some abusers are not ugly, dey fine d.i.e.

You think say Peter planned for Osinachi to dye? 

Mba! 

Na wrong action for wrong place dey cause am and sorry no fit correct dis own o.

Sis, Anyida is ready to slide the ring on your finger but you must prove your fertility by getting pregnant first.

You want to abstain till marriage but there is pressure for you to get married. Your family sees nothing wrong with pregnancy before marriage.

Ahn ah! That means he's not your type naa.

If you don't know yourself, it will be hard to choose a spouse that brings that bliss you desire in marriage.

That's how you will take your hand scoop sand and pour on your face.

Anyone that's not your type, return to 'rack.'

This is why we created Module 4 at our Online Courtship Academy to show you How Knowing Yourself Guides You During Courtship.

Even if you have entered courtship, which is like the fitting room in my story, if you discover the person is not your type, return to ‘rack.’

 In this case, serve hot breakfast. 

If not, be ready to change your name to ‘Endurance’ after marriage.”


Your No-Nonsense Coach.

#onlinecourtship Academy.

 


Thursday 15 September 2022

Olusola Sophia Anyanwu (Author & Poet)

Author's Hangout With Zizi.
As I went through her profile on Twitter, the word “loves to encourage.” was a glaring testament to her love for others. From reading more about her, I discovered that indeed, Olusola Sophia Anyanwu is not just a woman with a large heart but one who touches lives tremendously with her hand, pen, and word.

She gives lifting hands to authors by buying, reading and reviewing the books she reads. When she said she is a reader and a reviewer, she is.

She is also a good poet, a romance writer and with heart-touching Christian books in her kit. 

One of her books, The Captive’s Crown, which she graciously sent to me, made my day. I couldn’t engage in any other activity until I finished reading it. The story was captivating and vibrant, and the writing; was classic. It shows the redemptive works of Jesus while on earth. A life-transforming Christian book.

Olusola Anyanwu is a talented writer who has written books across different genres, from romance and poetry to children’s books. Sit back and read about this wonderful author and woman of God.

 Tell us about yourself?

Thanks for having me!  My full name is Olusola Sophia Anyanwu, a British Nigerian, married with 5 children and 7 grandchildren. I am a Christian, a tutor, writer, poet and reviewer. I have authored 13 books which include 3 poetry collections.

When did you start writing? 

In 1979, I started writing poetry. Before then, as a child of 12, I liked writing songs and play scripts for my siblings.

When did you publish your first book?

 In July 2017

What are the challenges you faced in getting your first book published?

 I was a greenhorn and completely naïve at that time. So I googled for publishers and went for the first thing that came up. This was AuthorHouse publishers. It was done in good time and affordable. So, it was straightforward without any challenges.

You are a versatile writer with captivating books. Where do you get inspiration for them? 

Thanks so much for the compliment! It has to be God using my experiences at uni, my family and the Bible to inspire me.

Have you ever experienced writer’s block, and how did you deal with it?

Ah, yes! There were those few occasions when I ran dry of ideas and even the motivation to continue a particular writing project.  I dealt with this by starting a completely new writing project, attempting poetry or letting myself ‘rest’ for weeks waiting for God to start me off again.

Is there any author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

 I enjoyed Elechi Amadi’s romantic writing in ‘The Concubine’ in my teens. As an adult, I have especially enjoyed Lola Shoneyin’s intrigue, wit, humour and writing style in ‘The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. I also love Susan Howatch’s writing style in ‘Sins of the Fathers’ and have thoroughly enjoyed all the Christian Fiction books written by Francine Rivers.

Is anything in your books based on real-life experiences or purely all imagination? 

Stories from the Heart, Their Journey and The Crown, are based on true life, but the rest of my books are pure imagination!

What do you consider your best accomplishment as a writer? 

That would be publishing all my writings.

How many books have you written? Any favourite and why? 

I have written 13 books, and my favourite is ‘Their Journey’. It is my first Christian fiction novel and the only book that comprises historical, romance, intrigue and fantasy. I really enjoyed writing it.

What are the challenges of being a writer?

Getting reviews, Marketing and Sales.

What are your other interests outside reading and writing? 

Playing board games like chess. 

How do you relax? 

Listening to classical or Christian music and watching a nice movie occasionally.

What advice will you give to aspiring writers, especially those who would want to toe in your footsteps? 

They should explore their creative writing skills, attend workshops to hone their skills and read loads of storybooks.

How long does it take you to write a book? 

For small books, a month to 3 months and big books, from 6 months to 1 year.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? 

Classical music

What does your family think of your writing? 

Good question. It hasn’t quite sunk into their heads that I am a writer, though my children and my husband are supportive.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing your books? 

That I could write over 300,000 words in a short time if I put my mind to it.

Did your environment and upbringing influence your writing? 

Yeah. My Dad was an author and introduced me to the love of books. I had my own library right from 7 years old.

How do you cope with writing and nurturing your many children and grandchildren? 

God is good! My youngest child will be 25 this year. My grandchildren are in Dubai, Northfleet and Colchester. When they visit, they inspire my poetry writing. I write when they are asleep. They don’t visit all the time, so I have time for myself.



For more about Olusola Anyanwu and her books, visit her website or her Amazon author page.

                           

https://www.olusolasophiaanyanwuauthor.com/

 https://www.amazon.com/Olusola-Sophia-Anyanwu/e/B07MC9KYDK%3Fref=dbs_a://www.amazon.com/Olusola-Sophia-Anyanwu/e/B07MC9KYDK%3Fref=dbs_a


Mr Omoruyi Uwuigiaren, Cartoonist & Writer

Author's Hangout with Zizi Mr Omoruyi Uwuigiaren, popularly known as Ruyi, is a former freelance cartoonist at Vanguard Newspapers.  He ...