This reflective essay explores the multifaceted cost of fame, emotional, social, and psychological. and, the questions whether society has lost its compassion in its worship of stardom. As we peel back the layers, we must ask: what price does a person really pay to be admired?
A painful experience I had of recent made me finally stick to the principle of spending money wisely that I learnt years back from Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Let me share how it finally cured me of financial indiscipline. It was a very painful experience. So intense. I pushed and I pushed. It felt like I wasn’t going to leave that place alive. I had exhausted all my strength, but if I dared to rest, what I was pushing would crawl right back inside. No nurse, no drip, no one at home to help induce anything. It was just me — me and this pain. To aid my delivery, I tried different postures, shifting and adjusting, just for what was disturbing me inside to come out. But nothing worked. In that moment of struggle, I wished I could rewind time. If I had known, I would have rejected everything they offered me at Yemi’s wedding party, my former classmate. I just didn’t want her to know what I was really passing through. I wanted to show her that I had also “made it” in life. Imagine paying ₦250K for Asoebi. Then renting the latest Lexus for ₦150K — just to show off. And yes, I still sprayed money at the party. I know you’re thinking that I’m rich, but I’m nothing close to it. Everything I spent to appear “big” at the wedding was borrowed. After spending all that, how could I allow any plate pass me by untouched? I ate everything. Everything. I mean… I tasted Asaro (yam porridge). Then, what’s the name of that other thing sef? Ehen! Abacha (African Salad)! I mixed them together. My stomach was saying no, but my mouth kept saying yes. I didn’t leave one thing untouched. And now, here I am. Honestly, it’s high time I stop living this fake big-girl life. Borrowing money for parties, just to “belong.” I’m not big anything. I dey use shalanga (pit latrine) for my side. Na one room I dey live. Wetin dey do me sef na how I wan take pay the money back! God abeg! it’s just very painful that I borrowed this money from LAPO. I told them I wanted to start a small business. But I don’t even know how the money vanished — until it remained just 50k. How I wan explain this one naw? That I spent 450K at a three-hour party? Omo… I just have to work hard to… Knock knock knock! “Aunty Bimbo! Come out now. Are you giving birth ni? You’ve been inside since. Na only you wan shit? Come out o!” Ah. It was like the thing inside heard the knock. It started coming out. I could see its head… black. It was coming, it was coming! Woof! Finally, it came out. Long, multicolored; black, yellow, some green, and red pepper flakes. So this was the demon troubling my stomach. Relieved, I washed my bumbum and quickly stepped out. “Aunty Bimbo! Come back here! You’re very wicked. Very very wicked! You no give me out of the food wey you chop o, but you leave your shit for me.” “Sorry, I forgot.” This girl does not even know what is on my head. How am I going to use 50k to start a business and pay my 500k loan in just a month? “You always forget to flush, but you never forget to refill your belle. Abeg, go flush joor!” Dear Lord, I promise not to waste my money just to please people again. So help me, Lord. Amen. ALSO READ Stress Management and Virtual Assistance: Keys to Triumphant Business Management
Your mental health encompasses your overall well-being. It cannot be taken out of the equation, and must never be neglected. Practical ways to prioritize your mental health includes: being positive and productive, not living your life based on social media standards, loving and prioritizing yourself.
Sexual Assault is a silent pandemic in our contemporary society. It involves sexual actions that are carried out without the consent of the other party. It is a crime, and sexual assault affects the victim all around. This, sexual assault awareness must be carried out by you and me. Sexual Assault Awareness involves teaching people how to protect themselves from sexual assault, heal from sexual assault, and educate people to not be perpetrators of sexual assault. Read this article to read about sexual assault, sexual assault awareness, and stories of victims of sexual assault.
My daughter can never have Tuberculosis, God forbid!” Mrs. Kenneth exclaimed, her voice laced with exhaustion and determination. “That deadly disease will never come near my household.” But days later, the hospital confirmed Ose’s diagnosis: she had tuberculosis.
A Tale of 3 women who against all odds broke barriers, Dr. Yvonne, Miss Ara, and Mrs. Ayanfe, didn’t let their past and background define them; read this article to see their stories, how they flew even when it seemed as though their wings had been cut.
Amina’s 10th birthday marked a turning point in her life. Instead of celebrating, she was taken to a village where she was forced to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM). The experience was traumatic, and Amina witnessed the devastating consequences of FGM, including the death of a young girl who underwent the procedure before her.
Bolu, a promising youth dies as a result of early exposure to harmful drugs, leading to drug abuse. This article tells you all you need to know about drug abuse.
Feeling Unloved and Unseen? Here Are Reminders of the Best Love Ever – God’s Love. Love is an emotion characterized by strong feelings of affection for another arising out of kinship, companionship, admiration, or benevolence (Britannica). God is love. The best description of love is found in John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It’s essential to remember that there’s no better love than the love God has for us. And God has commanded us to love others as He has loved us (John 13:34). In the Bible, we see that God is a loving Father. Here are some reminders of His love: Love Cares: Do you feel uncared for here’s a reminder of God’s love, and how much He cares for us. God cares for us deeply. In Matthew 6:26-30, Jesus says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?… And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.” Love Provides: The other day, you were in lack and as always, God came through for you in ways you didn’t even expect. Fear not, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will come to your aid today. God provides for His children abundantly. In Matthew 7:9-11, Jesus says, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Love Sacrifices: There’s no love without sacrifice, and Christ has made the greatest sacrifice ever. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Love Protects: Are you scared of the plans of the enemy? Here’s a reassurance, God protects His children with care. In Psalm 91:11-12, it says, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Love Comforts: Are you in despair, so you feel depressed, neglected. God is stretching His arms, allow Him into your heart. God comforts His children in times of need. In John 14:16-17, Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Love Sees: God sees us and knows each and every part of our being. In Genesis 16:13-14, Hagar, who was distressed and in the desert, encountered the angel of the Lord. She realized God was aware of her circumstances and called Him El-roi, meaning “You are the God who sees me… I have now seen the One who sees me.” Love Listens: You need someone to talk to? God listens to our prayers and answers. God knows the voice of His sheep. In Jeremiah 33:3, it says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Love Heals: I want you to hold on God no matter how terrible and sad the hospital report says. God is the Great Physician. In Matthew 15:30, it says, “Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them.” Call to Action: Now, take a moment to reflect on the aspects of your life where God’s love is visible and undoubtedly present. Hold on to His faithfulness, and in prayer, ask the Lord to help your heart. Conclusion: As children of God, we’re commanded to love others as He has loved us (John 13:34). Love can be shared through the smallest acts of kindness. A smile, a thoughtful gesture, or a kind word can go a long way. True love goes beyond public displays; it’s about genuinely regarding others with kindness and respect. It’s about being willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others. Love is doing good without expecting anything in return. As Jesus taught, love is forgiving others “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). ALSO READ: Religion Creates No Boundaries In Love
Thinking about values and what should be your top value? Choose family. Read this article to know why. A family is a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The Cambridge Dictionary defines values as the beliefs people have, especially about what is right and wrong and what is most important in life, that control their behaviour. Examples of values include growth, empathy, discipline, family, compassion, honesty, humility, and courage. I hold family as my top value, and I believe everyone should too. Family is the first and primary institution in society, and it plays a crucial role in child care and development. Your family is your first school, and when a child is born, the family becomes solely responsible for their development, welfare, and overall well-being. The family unit teaches children basic knowledge, respect, honesty, humility, and essential life skills. As children grow, these lessons shape their social, cultural, political, and religious views. When children from different families interact, their differing perspectives often lead to disagreements. However, these disagreements stem from the values instilled by their families. Brown is a high school girl who believes she can break barriers and, against all odds, become a great force in aerospace. June, a five-year-old, believes he’s going to be a doctor someday. Lin doesn’t eat meat because her mom said they’re vegetarians. Zuri, a four-year-old, almost went out with her hair out, but her elder sister told her girls in Islam should always cover their hair. Tahley cried because he wanted to meet Santa Claus, and his dad said, “Wait till it’s Christmas.” Nobody is an island; everyone needs family and the love that binds them. Your family is the first to love you, and this love stays, even till the end of time. While there may be conflicts, it is pertinent to know that as long as humans are on earth, there will always be conflicts, and they can always be managed and curbed. Tobi and Julie, siblings who argue frequently, remain best friends for life. If you’re unsure about prioritizing family, ask yourself: Who supported you in difficult times? Who reassured and cared for you? Who made sacrifices and stayed by your side? Who said those prayers and stayed with you all night? Mr. Levi, a 66-year-old in the hospital, looks at his wife with so much love as she cleans him up with care and gentleness. Shayla cries as her lover just dumped her, and she finds solace and comfort in her big brother’s arms. Katherine is campaigning, as she wants to be the first black woman to win the election. The love of family is profound. It’s deeper than the Pacific Ocean, knowing you for who you are and standing by you through thick and thin. Come rain, come sunshine. When others turn away, your family remains. They bring joy in bleak times, make you laugh when you see no reason to, provide a sense of security, and take risks for you. They teach with love, and no one wants the best for you more than your family. Brown is now an aerospace engineer; her family believed in her and gave her all the support she needed. Just like Ben Carson, June is now a neurosurgeon; he wasn’t good in sciences, but his big brother didn’t give up on him. Lin doesn’t need to be reminded to say no when given meat. Zuri knows she must not expose her hair in public; she has never done that. “Christmas is my best season,” Tahley said, as he does his Christmas decor in his apartment in a Santa Claus costume. Mrs. Levi has tears of joy rolling down her cheeks as Mr. Levi rings the bell; he beats cancer and will be discharged from the hospital in a few days. Shayla has now found true love and is married to the best man ever. Katherine won her election against all odds; her family was her backbone. I can go on and on, but the lesson here is that all these achievements were made possible because they all had families with them and by their side. Even as you reflect, this is all you need to hold family as your top value today. ALSO READ: When Family Becomes the Most Important Destination