30+ Things I Learnt In 2013

I made an endeavor to learn from every single happenings in my life in 2013. 

Why?  Well no point going through the same hole and getting wet or stuck over and over again. That is insanity!

We live and we learn, so here goes…

We Live To Learn...

1.       Strengthen your love in private so you’ll stand tall and strong in public

2.       Your kind of love is not for everyone

3.       A Bad decision doesn't make you a bad person

4.       God has a way of surprising his people when we least expect it

5.       It is OK to cry, it is OK not to be OK

6.       I am my own best friend

7.      I am something special. I am not a drop in the ocean, I am The Ocean.  You don’t have to believe it but I am telling you because I know!

8.       My mother is my greatest critic but ultimately my biggest fan and the purest form of love

9.       Timing is everything – You’ll never get it right with someone who is not ready!

10.   If it doesn't make you happy, then it is never worth it

11.   Never allow yourself to be bullied into silence, speak up with wisdom and let your voice be heard

12.   Love only beams love towards you

13.   Trust your gut instincts

14.   Never be afraid to say no or yes

15.   Abandon your comfort zone and Make life an adventure.

16.   I am allowed and supposed to make mistake simply because that’s life

17.   Friendship is not about the people you've known the longest or the people who are always near

18.   Embrace your failures as much as you celebrate your triumph, that’s just life!

19.   Time and distance has nothing on true friendship

20.   Let go off people who do not wish to stay in your life, some people are only in your life for a season, a reason and a lesson

21.   Forget what people think, you’re imprisoning your happiness

22.  Sometimes no matter how hard you try, there are some people who will remain in your life for lifetime…if not in presence then in memories.

23.   Life often gives signals before the storm, watch out for them, do not ignore the signs, set emotions aside and interpret them right

24.   Happiness is everything. Everything else is overrated.

25.   Do not let your emotions outweigh your intelligence. 

26.   Control your emotions or they will control you. (Especially if you’re an emotional wreck like myself)

27.   There is no Mr Perfect. Just find that one person whose flaws are right for you!

28.   Everything you do in this world has an effect on someone else. Tread carefully

Don't Try To Understand It...Live It To The Fullest

29.   Pride kills faster than poison. Abort pride!

30.   Learn to love your inner monster…. (Oh yea, we all have one. You've got one too!)

31.   If you wish to be bad, best believe you’ll always find an audience. Likewise if you decide to play good you will always find an audience. Do what’s best for you.

32.   Do not stop to throw stones at every barking dog, you’ll end up nowhere

33.   The number of people in your corner does not equate your success.

34.   Always look for ways to improve your life, always. Read books and keep an open mind

35.    You think you've got it bad sometimes until you hear someone else’s story - ‘’If we all threw our problems into a pile and saw everyone else’s, we would grab ours back as fast as we could.’’

Last but not the least, Fairy Washing Up Liquid is simply the best there is ~ I never knew this till i got living on my own. :)

I must end with my fav quote of the year..

‘’Life is a beautiful struggle’’

In life sometimes we get thrown the good, the bad and the ugly. Does that mean you stop fighting? NO. Does that mean you stop living life to the fullest? NO!

Embrace life. Entertain no regrets. Abhor no grudges. No one said it was going to be easy. No one said it was going to be one jolly ride but one thing I have experienced is Life is what you make of it.

....It's All In Your Hands

2014 is here…. what are you going to make of it?

Have you learnt anything at all last year? Let’s hear about it.

Till then…

Xoxo

Good at Love vs Good at being in Love

Hellooo my lovelies

*Smiling from ear to ear*  because this is a happy place for me. Coming back seeing all the views from all around the globe (despite my inconsistency) y'all still visit my page. This brings me a basket full of happy and that is all i want for Christmas. 

I hope i manage to throw that same love your way whenever i am around.

Christmas is round the corner and what better time to reflect on love...

Sometimes we think we are in love when in actual fact we just love the ''feeling'' of being in love. We love the cinema dates, the surprises, the dinner dates, the late night texts and that gooey feeling you get. Now all that doesn't last forever. The good mornings and the good nights, the spontaneous sex in all the wrong places, watching the sunset, the Public Displays of Affection, the Facebook displays and Instagram posts etc etc 

Sooo in love...i just cant get enough

Other times we are in love but are we REALLY in love when the dusty part of our souls does a grand appearance. The part that we try to hide from our significant other in the beginning. The part that we don't want anyone to know about. The part that will irritate the hell out of the next person. Will you still be in love?

''I Hate You''....the Breaking Up!

The question is what are you good at, good at being in love or good at love?

The truth hurts but, there comes a time when we must face the music in all aspect of our lives. In all types of relationship, you have the bitter and the sweet. You have the jolly good rides and the sore bumpy rides. We have the sunny days and the rainy days. We have days where you don’t wish to see anyone and you just want to close the blinds and wallow in self-pity and days that you just want to give everyone around you the gift of happiness with your smile and tightest hugs ever.

To cement that thought, I found this and I thought it is very true and makes a lot of sense. It actually caught my attention because it’s written in such an easy and light-hearted way that you can’t help but take in all that is being said. I absolutely love it.

‘’Some people are good at being in love. Some people are good at love. Two very different things, I think. Being in love is the romantic part—sex all the time, midday naps in the sheets, the jokes, the laughs, the fun, long conversations with no pauses, overwhelming separation anxiety … Just the best sides of both people, you know?

But love begins when the excitement of being in love starts to fade: the stress of life sets in, the butterflies disappear; the sex becomes a chore, the tears, the sadness, the arguments, the cattiness … The worst parts of both people. But if you still want that person by your side through all of those things … that’s when you know—that’s when you know you’re good at love.’’

~Matthew Healy

Hope you enjoy this little thought.

Seasons greetings and have a jolly good Christmas. 

Till then

Xoxo

The Unrequited Love

That awkward moment when Cupid refuses to do his job properly…..the heart suffers heartbreak and goes into coma!

You Learn To Live Till Your Prince Finds You!

When you love someone and that person doesn't love you back…mehhh that’s just headache! You desire them. You long for them. You wish for your love to be understood and rewarded but all you get is constant air. You all know the human mind loves a challenge, so the more we are rejected the more we pursue! OK, I just want to stop you right there. Don’t be a fool about it, read the signs and quit while you’re ahead.

We all know this feeling all too well... (If you don’t, please get in touch, you might be the one that got away!)

We all have had crushes, present or past.  We've all had that one person we dream the rest of our lives with. We've all had that dream. The terrible thing is it doesn't matter your age; your love can be rejected. It doesn't matter your financial status your love can be rejected and thrown back in your face. It’s just one of those things that hit you at any stage or phase in your life. Love doesn't choose. If we had the pleasure of choosing who we love, we wouldn't have so many broken hearts. The heart wants what the heart wants. Period!

Love on its own is a very strong emotion. Now think of your love being packaged and thrown back in your face. That’s never an easy thing to deal with. It makes you think the unthinkable and do the impossible. It can jerk up your self-esteem. Appetites go out of the window. It can disturb you emotionally and mentally for a very long time. It can send your ever so peaceful mind into an unruly riot. More dangerously, it has the tendencies of making you settle for less than you deserve.

Just Don't Stay Stupid!

As you grow you learn. As you grow you learn to accept that your kind of love is not for everyone. Your love is special. It’s unique. It’s bespoke for the right person. Never force it on someone who doesn't recognise it or who isn't ready for it. If it is meant to be, you wouldn't have to force it on no one. The heart that is meant to love you will love you fearlessly. Lighten up chief. You’ll live. You’ll learn. You’ll love again!

Broken hearts are common, more common than you think. You are not going through this alone. So many people dream of their ideal partner that has never come to past. But that does not mean we give up on love. We love love even harder and get set for the next blow or the next fairy tale. Loving gives hope. If you've given up on love then you have given up on life. Don’t, just don’t!

You love him or her and they don’t reciprocate. Don’t die brother, be strong. Sister, dry those tears and adjust your tiara. It’s not the end of the world. That is just one person. The right one might just be one dash of hope away. Why give up on love?

In life you will encounter nos and yeses in abundance. Learn to accept them and move on. The wind doesn't have to blow in your direction all the time. Don’t you think you deserve better than crawling all over someone who doesn't want you? Easier said than done? I know I know…but you have to save your own dear little heart and the worst type of relationship to be in is one where the feeling is not mutual. Please, death is not your portion….at least not yet.

Don't Be a Damn Fool ~ Quit While You're Ahead!

My thought is, if everyone that you love loves you back, my friend I’m afraid you have a situation. You don’t need that ‘’Yes Man’’ problems around you. No challenge. No room for growth. No room for improvement. No Motivation. No Drive. No Stimulation. Nothing! Is that how cheap and simple your love is? I thought not!

Now I fully support you if you decide to listen to the saddest love song ever created, or fill a whole year’s journal in just one day, or cry your eye balls out, better still finish all that chocolate that’s been in the fridge since Easter (Just remember that gym membership is not cheap) My point is, do what you have to do to get over that UNREQUITED LOVE.

Few things you must remember when dealing with An Unrequited Love

• There’s a reason that person doesn't feel the same way…accept it (whatever it may be)
• They don’t owe you an explanation, get over it.
• Your kind of love is not for everyone, but it is for somebody.
• Darling, it is OK to cry a river just don’t buy a boat and start paddling in there! (It will take you nowhere)
• You are beautiful. You are handsome. You were fearfully made by The Man Himself (God)
• You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back. Don’t stop loving!
• Nothing is wrong with you (Guys buckle your belts and lace your shoes. Ladies adjust your tiara and wipe your tears. )
• Get your esteem back up and keep it moving.
• Find your rainbow in every cloud and keep smiling.

·         Till then

Xoxo

Not Your Average...

I love me some creative mind. Like a magnet I am drawn to them. Like a magnet I cling to them.

This young talented man caught my attention. His talent is insane. His creativity is just extraordinary for his age. I was intrigued. 

Considering my age, (I'm not taking this age thing very well...*sighs*) Victor Osman Forna and I hold long interesting conversation. It feels like I’m actually talking to someone within my age rank. You'll be wondering why I mentioned this but most people I've noticed cannot hold a good conversation even if their existence depended on it. I am talking grown folks too. That alone is a skill. This guy is just one interesting individual too and wait for it.....we have never met in person. So once more I thank technology and social media which have succeeded in making our world one small place.

Oh...he's a genius with a capital G and he’s from the motherland too, Sierra Leone. Smashed his GCSE's like a boss! What i actually meant is the least was a C!! Listen, when I took my GCSE's I had U in mathematics, which I think personally means Can’t-Be-Bothered-To-Waste-My-Time. I get it because God knows I wrote nothing on that paper. There was nothing to mark. It was only fair. So in my books anyone who can come out with an A in Mathematics is a force to reckon with. I would put his results on blast but I do not want y'all to start dribbling! 

Enough of his life...I think I've dug deep enough.

Among other things, this young man has a very assertive and creative mind. He writes poems and I absolutely love poems. I am always on the lookout for the next best thing. Especially ones that keep me inspired, motivated and make me think. I saw the poem and it spoke to my life. I love the way he thinks…

Healing process comes in different forms and for me one main path to healing is through others’ stories and testimony. When you read the poem am about to post, you will admit that it came from a deep, soulful  place and for that reason I respect and appreciate the time, thoughts, emotions and effort poured into this poem.

Writing is therapeutic, you might not know this, but you don’t have to be a writer to put pen to paper and pour your heart out. You don’t need any qualifications neither anyone’s approval. All you need is your pen and paper and your thoughts. Your thoughts don’t even have to be a collective one, just pour it out. When your heart is full, when the mind can take no more or when you can’t find a solace….put it into writing. There’s a healing awaiting and if you decide to share your story well that’s just amazing because in the process of healing your soul, you’re also helping another soul.

Here goes guys…Read, digest and enjoy!

Victor Forna ~ Not Your Average

Thoughts On A Rainy Day

Sitting by the Window… looking at the rain.
Drop after drop, thoughts fall upon my brain
Why do we suffer, why do we pain?
I just can't find the answer, no matter the much rain..
Closing my eyes, the rain I still heard.
Drop after drop, my thoughts were running mad.
They say God forgives, now that's just sad..
'Cause if he did why do mothers die?
'Cause if he did, why do babies cry?
Opening my eyes, my thoughts I still had.
Outside, the rain was pouring harder..
Inside my mind, my thoughts were getting madder..
Why do dogs die? They never ate that apple..
Oh rain! Tell me why! 'Cause they never ate that apple..
Why are we not all beggars?
Why are we not all royals?
All these questions… All no answers..
When the rain stops, I hope my thoughts will too..
But till the sun shines again,
I am sitting by the Window looking at the rain…

Praying these answerless questions get the f*** out of my brain.



It is always OK to release anger too while writing....it is OK! Just pour it all out.

Watch this space for the next ''Not Your Average'' (I like surprising people) 

PS:
He doesn't have a clue i did this. I felt it was worthy of sharing so i thought to do just that as i do with everything else i'm excited about. Stole your pic too.....sorry. *Hangs head in shame*

Till Then

Xoxo

100 Truths

Hey guys, i trust all is well. If not don't worry, weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. There's always a light at the end of the tunnel,If you don't see one,make one. Keep that smile going.

OK...100 Truth!!

I actually saw this on Yeva's blog at +http://becomingyeva.blogspot.co.uk/ so i thought to give it a go too. 100!!!! I hope i don't regret this. Lol


Here goes....

And Nothing But the Truth.....maybe

1. Last drink: Water
2. Last phone call: Mother
3. Last text message: Someone who lights up my heart.
4. Last song you listened to:  Ogede by Mr Silva, Showa Shins and Starboy Willz

5.Last time you cried: Last Week

HAVE YOU EVER:
6. Dated someone twice: Yes (if you mean on and off)
7. Been cheated on: Yes 

8. Kissed someone: Yep
9. Lost someone special: Yes...a few good people to death

10.Been depressed: Yes (Last time i checked i'm human)

11.Been drunk and threw up: Nope, i just keep smiling like an idiot!!

LIST FOUR FAVORITE COLOURS:
12. White
13. Brown
14. Purple
15. Orange

HAVE YOU:
16. Made new friends:  Yes
17. Fallen out of love: Yes
18. Laughed until you cried: Oh Yea...All the damn time! 
19. Met someone who changed you: Nope(Too stubborn for that)
20. Found out who your true friends were: My support system is very much reliable and i'm thankful for that. Moreover my circle is small. No Wahala on that end
21. Found out someone was talking about you: Yep!!
22. Kissed anyone on your friends list: Yes
23. How many people on your friends list do you know in real life: 95%
25. Do you have any pets: Hmmm….No..i’ll have a gold fish one day though. 
26. Do you want to change your name: Are you kiddin me, I love my name.
27. What did you do for your last birthday:  Went to Dubai!!!! It was amazeballs. I strongly recommend it as a holiday destination

28. What time did you wake up today: 06:50...gotta find that money!

29.What were you doing at midnight last night: Watching Reed between the lines – Awesome show by the way. Check it out!
30.Name something you CANNOT wait for: Hmmm...having the first mini me…excited!!

31.Last time you saw your father:  Sunday (such a random.. lol)

32.What is one thing you wish you could change about your life: Being soo damn emotional & moody. Gosh!!

33. What are you listening to right now: Sex never felt better by TGT (Tank,Ginuwine and Tyrese)

34.Have you ever talked to a person named Tom: If you mean have a conversation,Yup….a work colleague way back

35.What’s getting on your nerves right now?: Getting my wayward emotions under control

36.Most visited webpage: Twitter
37.Current city: London Town baaaby!!

38.Nicknames: Lady D. Gaya (from mangaya my middle name) Dee. DorDor. Stevenses.
39.Relationship Status: Hahahaha….errmm...The weather is nice outside :)
40. Zodiac Sign: Cancerian
41. Male or female or transgender: Female 
42. Primary School:  Saints Joseph’s Primary
43. Middle School: Same as above
44. High school: International School

45. Hair color: Black
46. Long/medium/short: Medium but when I wash it…the shrinkage is too real!!  #NaturalHairProblems
47. Height: 5'7
48. Do you have a crush on someone: YES… (Don’t we all)
49: What do you like about yourself: I'm a silent fighter, i Fight my way through everything in life and i love that i'm comfortable in my skin and the person that i am.

50.Piercings: Nahh...well only my ears
51.Tattoos: Yup ..one but considering number 2
52.Righty or Lefty: Righty

FIRSTS:
53. First Surgery: None
54. First Piercing: Ears
55. First Best Friend: Hmmm…Never had one.
56. First Sport you joined: I don’t have any sport bones in my system…If Akra (African game) is a sport then there you go
57. First Pet: Must have been a dog….Oh I think a pigeon that flew and never came back…(I’m such a great carer!!)
58. First Vacation: To  the motherland Sierra Leone
59. First Concert: Never been…(How sad eh)
60. First Crush: Hahaha!! I won’t be naming him because he is not a crush anymore sooo... (pointless) Moving on

RIGHT NOW:
61.Eating: Croissant
62.Drinking: Red Bull
63.Already missing:  My Niece and nephew
64.I’m about to: Go on lunch...food time!
65.Listening to: The Raindrops (Yea summer is gone)
66.Thinking about: An interesting individual ;)
67.Waiting for: 6pm…Home time

YOUR FUTURE:
68.Want kids: Want kids...love kids...Yes!
69.Want to get married: A healthy relationship is more important to me, then Yes…marriage 

70.Careers in mind: Events management, among many others

WHICH IS BETTER WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX?
71. Lips or eyes: Eyes….(They are the window to the soul) ;)
72. Hugs or kisses: Hugs
73. Shorter or taller: Taller! Do you have to ask!?!
74. Older or Younger: Older (Well Seasoned) Lol!
75. Romantic or spontaneous: A bit of both
76. Nice stomach or nice arms: I do not mind..
77.Sensitive or loud: A mixture of both, too loud or too sensitive will drive me mad!
78.Hook-up or relationship: I am not 15, I do not do hook ups!

79.Trouble maker or hesitant: hmmm... trouble maker to keep me on my toes but not the kind to send me to an early grave. (Ain't nobody got time for that)

HAVE YOU EVER:
81.Drank hard liquor: Yes
82.Lost glasses/contacts: No (sunglasses yes)
83.Kissed on 1st date: Yes (How Naughty!)
84.Broken someone’s heart: Yes but he asked for it.
85.Had your own heartbroken: I always dodge the bullet mate…you have to be observant!

86.Been arrested: No, I ain't about that life!
87.Turned someone down: Yes…i use my no's and yeses wisely.
88.Cried when someone died: Yes... I am an emotional wreck you know. *Shakes Head*
89.Liked a friend that is of the same sex: NO.... Jesus didn't die for that.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
90. Yourself: Yes (Do I have a choice?!)
91. Miracles: Yes (My God is a God of miracles)
92. Love at first sight: Yes…as I said, One emotional ball
93. Heaven: Yes!
94. Santa Claus: I never had that luxury mate. Christmas was about the birth of Christ. Full stop!
95.Kissing on the first date: It depends…if the attraction is flying outta the window,who knows. Anything can happen. :)
96.Angels: hmmm…not entirely sure about this one.

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
97. Is there one person you want to be with right now?: Yes!!
98. Had more than one boyfriend/girlfriend at one time?: No Sir!
99. Wish you could change things in your past?: Hmmm I don’t believe in regrets but i believe a few things. I believe i don’t live there no more. I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe regrets are learning curves and i use them as a stepping stone. Life’s too short.
100. Are you posting this as 100 Truths?:  Yes!

Phew....we got there in the end folks!!!
Thanks for taking time out to read it all. It was fun doing it and if you ever want to do it please do and tag me so i can get to read yours.

At least y'all now know one little extra thing about me. :)



Till then...

Xoxo

The Notting Hill Carnival - Sierra Leoneans Representing!!

The Notting hill carnival is a very popular street event in London. The masses look forward to it and come out in numbers.

Two years ago I was forced by my Caribbean friend to have a taste of this diverse cultural event. I did and I have done so ever since except this year. The reason being is I felt old and outdated when my 13 year old cousin told me he was going...13!!! The boy I used to console with a lollipop saying I’ll be back soon is actually all grown up...grown up enough to go to such mighty street carnival....I can't deal!! (Consoles self) 

Don't get me wrong, this event entertains both the young and the old, black, white, purple and pink....it brings people together. You can say it’s infectious as well because after the first time, you start looking forward to the next, but I can also tell you it is not for the faint-hearted. This vibrant, energetic and colourful event which brings people of all races and cultural background together takes place annually on a weekend in August and people go out in masses to support. The Sunday is usually given to the kids to have fun and on Mondays the adults come out to play.

My sister and cousins went and they represented Sierra Leone, my very own home town and they represented well. They were not the only ones that represented which made me quite happy. Sierra Leone is a small country and the diaspora in London is not very large when compared to other countries. So seeing Sierra Leoneans coming out in their green, white and blue (Colours of our national flag) was everything. I even saw couple of pictures of our local masquerades from some of my friends who attended and this made me very happy.

My Sister,cousin and few friends representing the Lion Mountain.
Sierra Leone

You all know how I do when I get excited about something...I blog about it! :)

I decided to do a small research on the history of this event that millions of people look forward to each year. 

''The Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe and originated in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. Taking place every August Bank Holiday weekend in the streets of London W11, the Notting Hill Carnival is an amazing array of sounds, colourful sights and social solidarity.

At the roots of the Notting Hill Carnival are the Caribbean carnivals of the early 19th century – a particularly strong tradition in Trinidad – which were all about celebrating the abolition of slavery and the slave trade. The very first carnival was an attempt to showcase the steel band musicians who played in the Earls Court of London every Weekend. When the bands paraded through the streets of Notting Hill, they drew black residents out on to the streets, reminding them of the Caribbean homes they had left behind.

In the days of abolition, there was a strong element of parody in the songs and dances Trinidadians performed. Having been forbidden to hold festivals of their own during the period of slavery, they now took full advantage of the relative new freedoms the ending of slavery brought them. Dressing up in costumes that mimicked the European fashions of their former masters, even whitening their faces with flour or wearing white masks, they established a tradition that continues in the costume-making of today's Notting Hill Carnival. The proper name for this aspect of the Carnival is Mas (derived from Masquerade)''

Source: +http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com

Well my friends that was a short history of the very popular Notting Hill Carnival. Hope it didn't bore you, I just thought since so many people live for that carnival, we might as well shed some light on its history. It is only fair.

The carnival normally kicks off from the early hours of the day. We normally get there for 12 noon and the mood is already set by then.  The vibes is lively and exuberant with blaring music, girls parading in the skimpiest outfits, lads in their baby Gap gears showing off their well-earned six packs, alcohol and street food everywhere. We just join in on the parade and make a day of it but not before having a builder’s breakfast. That is meant to lining the stomach against the excessive intake of alcohol to follow. Yes it is that serious!

As I said earlier this carnival is no ordinary carnival, people from all over the world are in attendance and it has almost become an ''all nations’ event'' compared to what it originally started as. This is a good thing, such a huge event must be used to bring people closer and not divide. For that reason being, I fully support this movement.

Even though the carnival have had its share of violence in the past, it’s getting better as the years go by as more and more polices are being deployed and I think people are getting wiser. This year’s carnival was relatively peaceful compared to others in the past. So that is another reason to support this movement.

There is never a dull moment at the carnival. The colourful and blinged up costumes of the dancers, the different genres of extremely loud music, the dancing troupers, both male and female flaunting their sexy bits (as if it's not hot enough in there already…phew) and the air that is ever so blessed with the mixed smell of different palatable cuisines from all over the world, especially the good ole jerk chicken....hmmm. Alongside all these happenings is the excess flow of alcohol and I mean excess! I am not complaining… I love my drinks.

Our Local Masquerade back home representing the motherland Sierra Leone at the carnival. My best bit must be the guy's trainers....very creative and unique!!

After all the enjoyment is the fight of the day. The fight to get home. Tube stations are normally jam-packed like tins of sardines and so are the buses. If you happen to go with friends, which is the case most of the time, just make sure y'all don't lose each other. If you do, then just hope your mobile phone is charged to find them but that again is not even guaranteed to be answered. Who hears or feels their phone ring or vibrate in such loud and chaotic atmosphere?! It's an absolute nightmare getting home. When you finally do you are fit for nothing but your bed.

Hence my reason for saying, the Notting Hill Carnival is not for the faint-hearted. Forget the journey home, or the strength needed to keep up with the dancers and various music boxes, dancing to Soca or bashment all day is not even a child's play, it actually drains you.

I hope I have managed to shed some light on the very famous Notting Hill Carnival. I might have enticed you to go the next time you're in London Town. If so here's a few tips:

1.  Go in large numbers if you can, the more the merrier and keep close at all times. (as hard as this sounds, it’s vital)
2. Dress as you wished to be approached, it's a carnival and all sorts of people are going to be there.
3. Drink responsibly (alcohol of course) and Eat responsibly (We don’t want no stomach upset from street food)
4. Wear comfortable attire & shoes....(I cannot stress this enough, it’s a long day, uncomfortable clothes are not the one)
5. Keep hydrated at all times. (Alcohol is not a substitute for water)
6. Know your limits (A&E is not your portion)
7. Keep safe at all times (No unnecessary arguments)
8. Avoid drunkards (that is if you're not one yourself already by then)
9. Do not wear any valuables (If you must, keep them safe)
10. Have fun and don’t take yourself seriously.

I can go on and on but I think ten will do for now and you will figure the rest on your own if you ever attend. That is always the best way to learn anyway. :)

Till then...

Xoxo

‘’Finders keepers, Losers Weepers’’

We all know London and its temperamental weather conditions. Since the rain destroyed my shoes… (RIP to my Pointed Gold and Black Shoes) My brother actually said to me who wears Gold shoes these days. I couldn't help but laughed out loud and told him I am special, that’s why. What else can I say… he will never understand. J

On my way home from work I decided to go to Westfield’s shopping center and get a replacement. (A girl gotta look good) As I got out of the train station I realized I needed the cash point. Walked to the cash point and waited in the queue but the lady in front of me was taking forever. Got me kinda irritated… can’t lie (Yea I need to work on my patience...hmmm)

Nevertheless, I waited my turn. As I was about to insert my bank card into the machine, I saw this pile of cash hanging from the cash dispenser. I was shocked. I was baffled. I stopped and scratched my head (I do that when I’m confused) and for a brief moment I was filled with confusion. I didn't know what to do. I looked around and no one was watching. I took the cash.

-The Golden Rule -

The urge to put it in my bag and continue on my way to the mall was immense. It was almost uncontrollable. I counted the cash and there in my hands was £70. This money was pulling me towards it like a magnet. I started sweating. Phew!

The lady who used the machine before I did must have left it there and walked away.  With the money in my hand, I continued to look at her as she walked away. I then snapped back to reality and try to put that woman in my position. I wouldn't want to lose £70 like that. I wouldn't want anyone to steal £70 from me. I asked myself if I would like someone to return my lost hard-earned cash to me and of course the answer was YES!

Without further thinking the phrase ‘’Do Unto Others As You Would Like Others To Do Unto You’’ spoke to me. I wasted no time in running after the lady and asked her if she just withdraw cash from the machine and she said yes.

Here's our little conversation below:

Me: Hiya, did you just withdraw cash from the cash machine?

Lady: Yes I did.

Me: How much was it?

Lady: Why are you asking me?  (with a stinky attitude enough to make me change my mind)

Me: Oh I was just returning your money which you left at the cash dispenser few minutes ago.

Lady: (eyes wide open she starred straight into my eyes with an automatic mood change) Oh it was £70, thank you so much, thank you so much….Thank you. God bless you…God Richly Bless you. (After few seconds I lost count of the thank yous and God bless yous)

Me: (Smiled with an inner satisfaction) Amen…amen (was all I could say really)

As I walked away with what was the best feeling in the world, I looked back and she was still in amazement….smiling and carefully tucking the cash into her handbag. I was really happy I had the decency and wisdom to return her money to her.

I could have walked away with it, spent it all in the mall and thought, yes I have been lucky today. But no, that was my way of blessing someone else’s life. The gratefulness in her voice was enough to tell me that she needed that money….maybe even more than I do. Besides it was her money. Not mine. It was only right to return it back to her.

I am not going to tell you that I didn't have the urge to take that money and run, because I did. I am no saint. The fact that no one saw me made it all the more harder an urge to resist. But still I rise! I am not ready yet for the riches of this world to put a dimple on my character. It’s never worth it in the end. If someone had asked me prior to this incidence if I would return money I found, my reply would have been a straight and quick no! After all, Finder’s keepers, loser’s weepers.

R E A L L Y?!?

At the end of the day you are not the person everyone sees daily. You are that person who you are behind closed doors....when the world is not looking!

I thank God for instilling the fear in me to not take what does not belongs to me, the fear of not intentionally hurting someone who I can potentially help. The fear of saying no to greed. I might have taken that money but my condition wouldn't have changed, maybe it would have for a brief moment then what? I know I wouldn't have had the satisfaction I have now. I know that for sure.

There is nothing like inner peace. It was a test, a test which I passed with flying colours. For that reason I am filled with happiness and contentment. 

Till then…

XOXO