For context, I initially shared this on LinkedIn. In this post, I talk about my fear of posting my wins on social media and the cost of fear, and I give you and me a lil’ pep talk on why we shouldn’t be afraid anymore. As you read my words, I hope you’ll find some encouragement in what I’ve [courageously] shared.

Nobody likes rejection, whether from a potential job, a current job or a community, friends etc., the list is endless, but the truth is that it happens every day.

What’s a man to do when the world's pressures are on his shoulders? Who can he talk to?

I was thinking about a story I’m writing called ‘Something For The Boyz’ when this short story popped up in my mind. If ‘Something For The Boyz’ had a prelude, this would be it.

A short story about how a failed relationship can change a person. This story was inspired by a prompt shared in a writing group I’m part of and also inspired by my first fictional piece, Train Stories: Peckham Rye, Platform 3.

A little nostalgia for you! The good old days.

It’s 2020, and the breaking news around the world is about Covid-19, the lives it’s taking, and the ones it’s yet to claim. The pandemic, or “The ‘Rona”, as nicknamed by black people, is disruptive - nothing is the same. Nita, a young city worker, isn’t immune to the impact of The ‘Rona - she’s barely coping, and evidence of her struggle is reflected in her appearance, specifically with her hair. However, on 4 July 2020, restrictions on hair salons have eased in the UK, and Nita has courageously booked an appointment at “Heritage Style - Natural Hair & Beauty Salon” for the same day. Could this be Nita’s chance for change? Will she get more than she paid for? Follow Nita on her brave journey as she narrates her appointment with Miss Heritage.

What should have been a joyous occasion quickly becomes a moment of regret. Embarrassment, shame and anger consume one of the wedding guests who should be the happiest, but how can she be happy when her foolishness is exposed? "Their First Dance" is a short fictional piece inspired by the song "Lessons" by Eric Roberson.

What does it really mean to really rest in God? I think I know now…

What colour would you use to describe your week?

For me I’ll pick black.

From black backgrounds on my [personal] IG stories, to night mode on my phone and an all black lock and wallpaper screen on my phone... black just feels like the right colour for me.

Although not seen, our hearts and minds form who we are.

For our hearts and minds the things we believe stem from.

God is protective of our hearts and minds, because with them He makes us more like Him.

The week seems to be getting worse for Bola, bad news after bad news, she even concludes that she's had a part to play, after all it's always been her fault, right?

Bola is tired physically, mentally and spiritually and now, with everything going on she feels like God has her on a wild goose-chase around Lagos. She hates that the 'chase' has brought her back to the home where all her troubles started.

Will it ever end?

Oru Mu is the Yoruba phrase for “it’s hot” - the heat of Midday has passed and the dimness of the Sun Setting has overwhelmed Bola, will she ever get to rest to see the Sunrise?

The week seems to be getting worse for Bola, bad news after bad news, she even concludes that she's had a part to play, after all it's always been her fault, right?

Bola is tired physically, mentally and spiritually and now, with everything going on she feels like God has her on a wild goose-chase around Lagos. She hates that the 'chase' has brought her back to the home where all her troubles started.

Will it ever end?

Oru Mu is the Yoruba phrase for “it’s hot” - the heat of Midday has passed and the dimness of the Sun Setting has overwhelmed Bola, will she ever get to rest to see the Sunrise?

My heart breaks for black people. The injustices, murders and racism caught on camera are shocking (what about the ones we don’t we get to see?) It is NOT normal to witness death like this. How many more names will we have to say before something is done?

Here are the lessons God taught me in light of recent events.

It’s been a crazy week for Bola! First, her super star friend, Sharon shows up with a revelation, followed by her ‘moment’ with Prophet Godwin. It doesn’t help that Duro isn’t saying the right things either - so she thinks.

Bola doesn’t know what to make of the past few days, but she can’t help but feel like more is coming. Truthfully, Bola doesn’t know how much more she can take. 

The perfect life she envisioned for herself is crumbling right before her eyes, and it seems like everywhere she looks she is reminded of what she doesn’t have.

Oru Mu is the Yoruba phrase for “it’s hot” - however what will Bola do should the Sun eventually Set on her desires? Who will she run to when it gets dark?

What happens when all I want to do is say something fail to have the words…

Speechless.

At the top of her game, the God-fearing Bola Ifetomi is the person everyone wants to know - she's connected and successful, all this despite her unfavourable upbringing. Not only is her career thriving, she’s been married to the best of the best - Duro Ifetomi, for five years. Bola has the perfect life, she has it all!

But Bola doesn't believe so - she thinks her life is incomplete and imperfect, how long must she wait? Just like her upbringing, everybody she knows has something she wants, it’s almost teasing.

Oru Mu is the Yoruba phrase for “it’s hot” - will Bola be able to withstand the sudden heat when her perfect life begins to show imperfect lines?

How far will Bola go to obtain what she wants most and at what cost?

It’s that time of year again! My birthday!

Truth is we can Rest In Peace now… why wait?