The value of presence

Describe one habit that brings you joy.

*Memories make a great Dad*

I am starving, Daddy! Could you please help me dish some food? she said. 

“You can serve yourself after all  you served yourself earlier today,” I replied. 

“But Dad, I couldn’t this time. Please help me out!” 

I got up from the couch where I was sitting with her younger sister, who was resting on my arm, pretending to sleep. “Chizzy, wait! I will be back,” I said as I laid her down properly on the couch and covered her with a blanket. I went straight to the kitchen, dishing out rice and stew, then returned to the couch to continue what I was doing. 

Prior to her request, I had been contemplating writing a blog post about the habits that bring me joy. Sundays are particularly special because I am off from wor, unlike week days when I’m often busy with work while Saturdays serve for overtime. This gives me ample time to spend with my family, especially my two young daughters, ages 4 and 6. 

Woke up with a smile🥰

Very early this morning, both of them came out of their room to sleep on my bed. Although it was uncomfortable for me, as I had to squeeze like sardines in a can, I could never imagine telling them not to be there or to go back to their room. 

Again, what habits bring me joy? 

Weekends, especially Sundays, are always special. We have so much time together, knowing this opportunity comes just once a week. We did skits, ran around, played together, enjoyed ice cream, watched movies, and studied. Now they are both tired and hungry. Unfortunately, their mom went out for work, leaving me to care for them alone. Tomorrow, I will leave very early in the morning before dawn, missing the chance for our morning greetings like we had today. 

As I write this, Omalicah, my daughter, is still eating her dinner while her sister is resting on my arm, waiting for their mom to come back before going to bed. Yes, these habits give me immense joy as a parent. The joy of nurturing my children, being present, and watching them grow under my care and guidance are habits that not only bring me joy but also make me feel fulfilled.

My routes and my routine

(poem)

Work!!!

I was stressed from working 

Though I did not walk..

Early morning wake-up 

Without enough sleep

To catch the early bus

Before my time is up

A route and my routine

My work and my walk.

On bus to work 

Though I am not the boss 

Passing through bushy roads 

even When the are busy 

Seeing the tired faces 

Even on daily basis 

Adding to my stress 

When they are also stressed 

A route and my routine 

My work and my walk.

Borehamwood is not Hollywood

Though it makes the movies good

Its pathway made of woods

While I come from the hood

Estree and lots trees like

The beauty and the beast 

The reason was I stressed 

was to get rid of my stress 

My route and my routine!

A poem inspired by lived experience, reflecting the stress, anxiety, and pressure faced by a working dad with young children.

Wait until you dance!

What is your favorite type of weather?

Dance in the rain

From the melodies of raindrops to the sweet scent of puddles, combined with the fresh air and cozy atmosphere of cool weather, if you believe that sunshine and snowfall are the epitome of happiness, just wait until you dance in the rain.

It’s August, and my younger brother and I are back from school. We wasted no time preparing the evening meal, as our mother had asked us to do before she returned from the market.

August is well-known for its rainy season in Eastern Nigeria. This time of year is marked by incessant rains, which means we need to be quick with our chores to avoid getting into trouble. The weather has begun shifting from sunny to breezy, and the winds are picking up, signaling that rain is on the way. Thankfully, we completed our tasks just in time.

In Eastern Nigeria during the late ’90s, it wasn’t uncommon to see teenagers dancing and playing in the rain, and that’s exactly what my brother and I were looking forward to as soon as the weather changed…to be continued 

Broken laws!

Have you ever unintentionally broken the law?

Broken society !!!

In every functional society, a framework of laws and order forms the backbone of how individuals interact and coexist. These rules shape our behavior, maintained by governments and social institutions that are entrusted with their enforcement. The ideal is simple yet profound: everyone, including those in power, is bound by the same principles and must uphold them fairly and resolutely. When citizens respect these laws, a society flourishes.

Broken laws=broken society!

Yet, the saying goes, “Ignorance is no excuse for the law.” But what happens when the laws themselves breed inequality, marred by corruption, impunity, and bureaucratic red tape? People often find themselves stuck in a cycle, breaking the very laws meant to protect them, not out of enjoyment, but out of frustration with a faltering system.

While there can be no justification for legal transgressions, it’s crucial to understand that the true strength of law and order is measured by the well-being of every individual it governs. Each broken law often highlights not just a personal failure, but a societal one. Yes, we all stumble into unintentional offenses now and then.

Ultimately, without law and order, the foundation of any sane society crumbles. It’s a delicate balance, wherein each individual’s actions and intentions matter significantly, shaping the world we live in.

Time and circumstances happen to everyone!

Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?

Change; only thing constant.

Losing interest in something is distinct from outgrowing it. Everyone experiences the passage of time and changing circumstances. As I grow as a person, my life continues to evolve through various processes that are yet to reach their final stage. When it comes to hobbies and activities I enjoy in my free time, many factors come into play.

Outgrown, you say? I find that my interests shift because of circumstances. Our preferences can change for many reasons. As a teenager, I loved playing cards, soccer, and Ludo. I had the luxury of time then, being young and single. Yet, as time passed, my desire for those games transformed. It wasn’t an act of outgrowing; rather, I simply found myself with less time due to new priorities. 

I discovered a passion for reading and writing. Realizing I could positively impact others while also enriching my own life led me to focus more on these pursuits. Consistency is essential for success, and I strive to enhance my writing and research skills. While I have outgrown some childhood games, I still cherish many from my teenage years. Circumstances have changed, and priorities have shifted, but that’s the essence of life. 

Change, as they say, is the only constant.

How age affects fun time

List five things you do for fun.

Pleasant moment that I aspire to have for the remainder of my life.”

Having a good time involves a variety of activities. To be honest, I can’t recall the last time I set aside time for fun. The situations that I find fulfilling are different and frequently hard for others to comprehend. Having fun can sometimes help me decompress from stressful situations. I adore reading and writing because they are enjoyable activities that make me feel happy. The most intriguing aspect about writing, though, is that I can write well under pressure, while working, on my breaks, in noisy environments, and in other seemingly challenging situations. I utilise it to separate my soul from situations that deflect me of positive energies.

Family time❤️

However, reading in public required a higher level of concentration. I prefer to read in a peaceful and quiet place since it energises my soul. Sometimes with a tuned down  country music on the background.I began writing at a young age in the hopes of one day shaping people’s lives via my work and being known for it. It makes me glad today that people all over the world have seen and liked my blog post. Thank you, WordPress and social media networks, for making my goal come reality. Speaking of fun, I enjoy dancing and listening to various types of music.

I rarely have this kind of fun time, and when I do, I enjoy myself completely because I put all of my troubles aside and focus on the here and now. Yes, dancing and listening to music help me feel better. Going out every weekend and playing football were previously part of my fun times, but as I’ve grown older and seen a significant change in my personality, I’ve realised that life is what happens when we are occupied with other things.

Aside from writing and reading, spending time with my family is currently the most pleasurable and entertaining period of my life. One of the blessings I hope to enjoy every day of my life is spending weekends with my wife and children, playing and watching films together, eating, and conversing. Yes, these are my five favourite interesting facts. How about you?