Friday Reflections

1.) Friday greetings to all! Let's get into it.

2.) Republicans have serious daddy issues and it's kind of odd to watch. 

No reason for a Fall photo in the thick of summer except I just like how it looks quiet. 

Friday Reflections

1.) Is this the first Friday Reflections of the year? Oh jeez...I just checked and yes, it is. Well, better late than never. 

2,) Female 4-star GENERALS and ADMIRALS talk about their formidable rise in the military.

3.) The most hated person on wall street.

4.) In Good American Family, Ellen Pompeo leaves the hospital. 

Friday Reflections...

 1.) ...on a Monday. It's been a while we did this. Let's go!

2.) There is the elephant in the room: the elections. I've processed personally and of course, I have thoughts but for now, let's all pretend. Let's collectively be in denial.  Let's pretend like this country did not vote in a convicted felon to lead this country. Shall we? We shall. Below are things that will cause you to think, maybe scare you a bit, and teach you how to be better. 

Friday Reflections

 1.) Does Shonda Rhimes know the lines to her most famous TV shows and movies.

2.) Mariska Hargitay on being TV's ICON and helping survivors of sexual violence.

3.) How this couple is managing the wife's HIV diagnosis. Medical Science is pretty amazing. The advancements in medical science are taken for granted because to think just mere decades ago HIV was a death sentence and now it can basically be cured (because it can be undetectable) is actually miraculous to me. Thank God for the gift of science.

Friday Reflections

 1.) I've missed this so much. It's been so long I did it that I don't even know if I know how to do it anymore. 

2.) Regina King talks about the grief of losing her only child. I feel like I should say something profound here but I can't. There is nothing that can be said except I pray God himself comforts her.

3) Yes, after making a hoopla, I came back, rather unceremoniously too. 

Friday Reflections

 1.) The Netflix show, "Indian Matchmaking", tells women to compromise, but this woman refused to do that. 

2.) Sorry, but Nigerian parents can be UNHINGED. My God. This man sexted his daughter's boyfriend because he wanted to set a trap and catch her in the act. 

3.) I saw this old article about a Christian gay woman who married a man and how she never really became straight, and maybe that was never God's goal. I don't know whether it's right for me to call her gay since that may not be how she still identifies herself. What stood out in the article and what I think more Christians need to emphasize more is the goodness of God and how more than anything else, we are called to be faithful to God. 

Friday Reflections

 1.) Adam Sandler accepted his award for the Mark Twain prize in comedy and the speech was very humble, grounded, and reflective of everything that contributed to his success.

2.) With another mass shooting this week, a gentle reminder that the thoughts and prayers of political leaders wont do. 

Friday Reflections

 1.) Why pronouncing names correctly matter. 

2.) My three fathers. This is the most beautiful essay on love, adoration, strength, and acceptance. The underlying theme is the love of a father for his children. Just beautiful.

Friday Reflections

 1.) Happy New Month of February! This is a very Nigerian thing to do/say: "happy new month". But it's also the reminder of the importance of time, and endings, and beginnings. 

2.) Never ever underestimate yourself. I think it's fine for others to underestimate you (I quite like this) but it is important that you have an objective assessment of your abilities: don't give yourself more credit than is due but also don't underestimate yourself.

3.) Barbara Walter's final words on The View. What a Legend. 

Friday Reflections

 1.) Friday Reflections on a Saturday, because why not?!

2.) It IS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME of the year. Head on here for lots and lots of Christmas cheer.

3.) Bullies mocked his shoes, and then his 12 year-old friend got him a new pair with his own allowance. 

Friday Reflections

1.)  How to lead in a crisis. 

2.) The secret to building resilience. 

3.) Viola Davis gives a masterclass while eating hot wings.

4.) It's a Sunday morning (as of this writing), and thanks to my sister, I just discovered the corner of the internet where celebs eat really spicy chicken while granting interviews and OMG I have almost peed my pants from laughing. Also WATER is not the antidote for pepper, MILK, people, MILK. Watch Idris Elba's episode to LAUGH your behind out.

5.) "The heaviest pain in the world" Rob Delaney on losing his son, Henry. Absolutely tear-jerking, terrifying, and heartbreaking; it is a forceful reminder of all the pain in this world. 

6.) Evie and Stephen's 29th wedding anniversary. 

7. We are keeping today short and simple. Go ahead and have a fabulous weekend.

Friday Reflections

 1.) My friend suddenly passed away last week and all the usual words--devastating, senseless, unimaginable, heartbreaking, despair--just won't do. I told my other friend that there are some things the brain won't (or can't) process, such as this. Because he was so young (only 33), the word that keeps coming to mind is "unfinished". All that never was for him, oh man. 

2.) So I am trying not to be unfinished. I am trying to do. If I have dreams, I want to go for it. I want to do. Part of that is this blog so yeah, here we are. 

Friday Reflections

1.) I just realized there hasn't been any post on this blog since last month, woah!

2.) Also, the last Friday Reflections post here was in May. Double woah! 

3.) It's the usuals: life is happening and sometimes hobbies and/or passions are not prioritized. Okay let's go.

4.) America's gun problem. Let's be honest more guns means more death. Here is the bottomline: "In every country, people get into arguments, hold racist views or suffer from mental health issues. But in the U.S., it is easier for those people to pick up a gun and shoot someone."

Friday Reflections

1.) Elizabeth Moss is a powerhouse of an actress. I have never not seen that woman put up a STELLAR performance, with every breath of air from her and hair on her skin fully embodying her character. I hope she gets more recognition, this New Yorker profile does her some justice, especially helping us understand the contradiction as a pop-icon and feminist steeped in Scientology.

2.) Blogging is a hobby for me right now. I realize that' sounds crazy especially in this world where everything is monetized. 

3.) Stop catastrophizing.

4.) "It is easy to dress up a lie so nicely, that it starts to take on the glow of a truth. We cannot talk about the admirable decision of the UK government to accept refugees from Ukraine without also talking about the other refugees who the British government will unceremoniously ship off to Rwanda." - Chimamanda Adichie.

5.) Self defense training for stand up comedians. 

4.) Jane Fonda. The iconic. That is all.

5) Trevor Noah's remarks at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. This felt like OG comedy. Just pure roasting. Although he came for everyone, it was definitely not mean spirited and he came for everyone.

6.) She  donated her kidney to her boyfriend and then he cheated on her.

7.) Today's reflections are short and sweet. Have a good weekend!

Friday Reflections

 1.) Happy April, folks! Is that a thing we still say?

2.) Don't worry too much about goals you set earlier and whether or not you're achieving them. Focus instead on your systems and your habits. Also, don't be reluctant to ditch some goals you made. It's okay if they no longer serve you. We are humans not trees. We can move.

Friday Reflections

 1.) Kizzmekia Corbett is just getting started. If you're tired of me talking about this woman, sorry to you.

2.) Chimamanda Adichie demonstrates the tyranny of priests and other so-called men of God, as she describes how her family's priest bullied them, harassed her,  and disrespected the memory of her mother. 

Friday Reflections

1.) Most of today's reflections are YouTube videos. It is a signal for me to spend less time on YouTube, but I suppose it does tend to be easier for people than reading another long form essay (my favorites).

2.) Tabitha brown envisioned being "America's mom".

3.) Some life errands are terribly boring. Pay bills. Make calls. Check bank statements. Be on top of things. Ugh. And it's interesting we have to do this for...ever? 

4.) Marcia Fudge grapples with America's acute housing crisis. The housing crisis, while not flashy or sexy enough a problem to make politicians pontificate, is still very dangerous. Skyrocketing rent, lack of available units, and a few people buying all the available properties because "investment". I don't think you can live in 8 homes at once, please remember that. 

5.) Quit social media or at least spend less (much less) time on it. I am on some kind of rallying cry to get us less addicted to these things. I am now "back" on social media but don't go as often anymore. I'm sufficiently weaned off it, but I know as with addiction to anything, it is always a dangerous slippery slope. 

6.) One tip for reducing social media is to first get rid of FOMO. Second, stop being so nosy. I am a very nosy person, but now, I just don't care if I don't get to see another person go on vacation or another make a fool of him/herself. These things always find their way to you anyway. 

7.) Jimmy Kimmel surprised Quinta Branson with the 6th grade teacher she named her new show after. This was heartwarming enough as it is, but trust Jimmy Kimmel to make it even more beautiful. 

8.) As I watched  #7, I thought, is there any teacher in my past that made such an imprint in my life, and people, the answer is no. Okay okay, if I definitely DEFINITELY had to produce one then maybe Mr. Foster from primary 5. But otherwise, I just never had a special connection with my teachers nor did anyone have a great impact on me. Lol. 

9.) Here is an heartwarming story that is both bittersweet and funny (characteristic of Katherine Heiny's writing) about her mother who is suffering from dementia.

10.) Foods that fight inflammation. 

11.) The hidden costs of Ivy Leagues. I've never understood the hype behind these schools. They are soooo toxic. I can't imagine going to a place like this or wanting your child to go to a place like this.

12.) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Addresses The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. Truth telling is already bravery, but when it is directly addressed to who it is meant for, well, that's just an additional level of courage. One, I strive towards.

13.) It's a wrap, people. I always try to keep these under 10 but alas, LOL. I hope these tide you over the next week especially when you get bored at work or life. I'm happy it's Friday. Have a good weekend!

Friday Reflections

 1.) "My mother has forgotten everything, including me. But her love is still here." A beautiful essay on love, motherhood, old age, illness, and all that come with it. 

2.) Chimamanda Adichie on the death on good faith.

Friday Reflections

 1.) Our first Friday Reflections of the year. *Throws Confetti* Welcome, welcome. How has this year been for you? Lowkey, I did not set a single goal this year Lol. My main thing is my relationship with God, praying etc. Otherwise, all vibes, baby!

2.) Okay, on to today's business!

3.) Language shapes our emotion. 

4.) The one-minute secret to forming a new habit. 

5.) The surprising habits of original thinkers. 

6.) I found this old post on faith, and how to make a decision when your faith falters. And wow. 

7.) Why you will marry the wrong person. "You can't think too much. You can think badly but there is no such thing as thinking too much about emotions."

8.) The importance of being color-full: a journey in black and white.

9.) Focusing your full attention on a single task is incredibly important. Adam Grant said researchers have found that the best predictor of well-being is not optimism but flow, which is the feeling of being in the "zone" state of total absorption in an activity.  There will be a post focusing on this idea, on concentration, on focus, on deep work. I've been really excited about these topics for this year and looking forward to dissecting this further. 

10.) Alright folks, have a great year ahead, but [in the words of Tabitha Brown] if you can't , don't you dare go messing up somebody else's. 

Friday Reflections

1.) Merry Christmas Eve! And Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS tomorrow. 

2.) Let's do one Friday Reflections for Christmas. A special Christmas edition haha.

3.) The hidden cost of black hair.

4.)Seth and his family celebrate his newborn daughter. This is the wholesome content you didn't know you needed. 

5.) Why didn't God answer your prayer?

6.) It is time to let go of celebrity relationship goals. "Not only do Relationship Goals fetishize an image that’s curated and not real, they also glorify a type of Black love that prioritizes staying together (aka building a brand) over anything else." 

7.) TIME heroes of the year are the vaccine scientists that quite literally changed the world. You already know how I feel about one of them. Oh and another one.

8.) Life is what you make it. Make it what you enjoy. Wear/use all that "special stuff" today and feel extra special. After all, tomorrow is not guaranteed. 

9.) Anti-inflammatory foods you should consider incorporating into your diet. 

10.) "Emotions make us humans. Denying them makes us beasts" - Spirit Science YouTube Channel.  So, what exactly are emotions?

11.) I think it's completely despicable that we live in a world where people get sick and have to worry about how to pay for healthcare, despite the vast and grotesque amount of wealth in said world. America, I'm looking at you. Because of this, there are soooo many people on GoFundMe seeking financial help as they battle all kinds of diseases, worst of all cancer; so much that even the CEO of GoFundMe expressed serious concerns. Anyway, to that end, every now and then, when I come across someone fundraising on GoFundMe, I will share here on Friday Reflections and if you can donate, please please do.

Here is today's: please help Taiwo pay for chemotherapy.