Great reads of 2015

If like me, one of your new year resolution is to read more: here are some great reads for you to consider this year. Some I have read and re-read, and some I'm just finishing up.

1. Step Up and Stand Out by Dr Dickson Aleroh

I have read and re-read this book severally and I find it not only to be motivational but life transforming. You may say my opinion is bias being that it's my husband's book, but in it he shares about over coming his speech impediment, and how he carried on thriving in the face of ridicule and opposition thus encouraging others to do the same;to step up and stand out! 

2. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This is my book of the moment. I am lost in it, this is what is filling my maternity leave with excitiment... :-) I love Chimanmanda's writing style and cannot wait to read more of her books.

3. Beyond The Rivers of Ethiopia by Mensa Otabil

A great read if you are interested in God's purpose for the black race as revealed through the bible. Very eye opening, well researched and straight to the point book. 'What is Wrong With Being Black' by Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo also helps to gain greater insights when read in tandem. 

4.The Sound Of Running Water by Tony Tokunbo Fernandez

If you are a lover of poetry you'll love this pocket size book, featuring inspirational quotes and poetry from the author and others alike.

Do you have a book of the moment, or a great reads list of your own you'll like to share? Please write them in the comment section and I will love to check them out. 

Bragging? Or selling yourself?

 
I  have always been the type to be very modest and shy when introducing myself at events or to new acquaintance. When people introduce themselves to me as 'I am this and that, the CEO of this, plus award winning/award nominee...'  my response would be 'oh I'm Kafy,' even when prompted to expand I always make it vague which often times lends to being undermined.

It is probably obvious for most, that in order to sell yourself to potential clients/customers you must 'big up yourself' but I had somehow mistakenly misconstrued it as bragging. This was much to my husband's frustration;
'It is not bragging if you can back it up,' he would constantly remind me. He is not only right but I know now that, the best way is to introduce myself and highlight my achievements according to the situation. 
For instance general day to day interaction, one needn't go around telling everyone within ear shot that they are the best thing since slice bread. Whereas,  business networking events et al, offer a plethora of great opportunities to mention relevant awards,businesses and accomplishments to 'big up' myself as much as I want without feeling uncomfortable. 

KEY THINGS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO 'Smalling down' (I just coined the words)  yourself:
.Feeling Uncomfortable; this probably stems from always haven down played your achievements to make others around you comfortable. [It is not your business to care about how your success in any area of your life make other people feel, it's for you to enjoy it and be proud to showcase it]
.Fear of coming across as arrogant; the irony is instead you come across as insecure or at best a novice.

Silly things people say to pregnant women

So you are pregnant? Congratulations, but be ready for unsolicited  but often well meaning questions  and advice from any and everyone you meet for the next 9 months and beyond.


1.Have you had the baby?
I don't understand how someone can ask you this question,with your visible bump while you are doing the penguin walk....Oh,and this one.... You still haven't had the baby? (These types of questions are mostly common in the last trimester)

2. Wow you look so huge/you look small
This is really so confusing,because you could get someone saying you look huge and a different person saying you look small all on the same a day. Oh the joys!

3. Should you be doing/eating that?
Can't afford a nutritionist or life coach? Get pregnant and everyone in your life becomes  one. :-)

Can you think of weird,funny or even rude questions you were asked while you were expecting? 

New year reflections.

I know we are now several days into the new year, but better late than never hey? We all have goals and dreams we are eager to make happen this year, some of us have given up already and fallen back into old habits,which is natural.God is teaching me to embrace and enjoy every season of life I am in, so here is what I am doing this year... 

Since my greatest successes and fulfilment in 2014 came from resting in God, when I let go of chasing those things I wanted; he just added them to me effortlessly. Thus this year I have many things I would like to change, I have an agenda, but I have learned that however well meaning my intentions, they may not always be God's intention for me. 
So does God not want me to be bigger and better this year? Yes, of course but on His terms; and I surrender to that. I surrender to his plan. 

This is by no means advocating mediocrity, in fact the opposite is the case. 'Resting in God,' simply means channelling my energy in the right direction,trusting Him,learning when to go, when to stop, gaining knowledge as I go and allowing it to flourish into wisdom.

I also will like to take this opportunity to wish all my supporters, well wishers and everyone in general that has been part of my journey,and those that are soon to join me on this amazing sojourn of discovery; a happy and joyous(joy,not as the world gives but as He gives) new year 2015.