My dream in year 30 is to live the best life possible and become a New York Times bestselling author. Scratch that, I want to impact lives. I wrote a new book, and this is not just any other book, it’s a book about motherhood.
When I had my daughter, Reyna, I knew nothing about motherhood. I relied on Google and asked so many questions, I followed different pages on social media, and I did a lot of trial and error. One year and a few months later, there are so many things I wish I did not struggle with. I decided to write about that book I wish I read.
The book is titled “The Clueless Mom.” It’s a tell-it-all guide about motherhood. It talks about post-partum, taking care of a newborn, teething hacks, and starting solids, and my best part is that I shared 15 recipes you can try for your baby.
My husband wrote the foreword and shared his experience of becoming a dad. This book is for first-time moms and dads, mothers who are looking to start solids and anyone who enjoys reading. I shared my experience with raising my daughter.
This book is worth it. It is available for pre-order today at a 50% discount. The book will be available for download on the 30th of September.
Today is my birthday, but it’s not any other birthday, it’s my 30th. I still can’t believe I’m thirrtyyyy! Jesu saanu (Lord have mercy), lol. I decided to visit my blog because I have a lot to tell you. I graduated from university at 22 When we were asked where we saw ourselves in 5 years, I had two answers: to be on the Forbes list and to work for Tyler Perry as an actress and script writer.
Boy, I have come a long way. I really tried, but God had bigger plans. I never gave up on the Forbes list until last year, when I clocked 29. The truth is that I am not yet where I want to be, I still want to be a New York bestselling author, and I still want to fly my parents for an all-expense-paid trip to Paris.
I asked myself the other day, “Onome, do you think you are impacting lives?” I wish I could tell you I have an answer, but I don’t. I have spent the past two years building and spending time with my family. I am grateful for the gift of family and friends.
I am writing this to remind you that it’s okay to rewrite the vision. If you ask where I want to be in the next 5 years, it will be living a very comfortable life, raising my babies, and loving my husband. I still want to be a New York Times bestselling author, speak at TedWomen, and be a blessing to millions of people worldwide.
I am grateful that God redirected my life and gave me peace. I was not ready for fame, and I’m on that path where God is preparing me for a beautiful future. I was speaking with my mom, and she reminded me about trusting God with our future. I will always say this, and it is a fact: God is a responsible father!
I didn’t make the Forbes list, but I’m in the centre of God’s will, I am aligned! The best gift you can give me today is to write me an email at onomebadawrites@gmail.com. Let me know if I have ever made you happy, and let me know if I have ever impacted your life. I want to spend today reading your email and laughing so hard.
I dreaded 30s for so many reasons, but I am finally at peace, and honestly, I am excited about living my dreams and becoming the woman God has made me to be. 30s Onome is ready for you! The hashtag for today is #30&thriving
I have some news to share, but I will do that in another article.
Thank you for being a part of my life. Let’s live life to the fullest! Party and celebrate on my behalf because God is good.
Your friend and sister, New York bestselling author, Onome.
Making waves as a Creative Writer in Nigeria is no small feat. It requires lots of passion, perseverance, patience, and consistency. These are the qualities – and some more – that make Charis Alara a force to reckon with in the Creative Writing and Literature space.
Charis Alara started a full-time professional career in the creative writing and literature space upon graduating for her first degree in Estate Management. One would wonder how she managed the switch from Social Sciences to the Arts but this is something she has done gracefully.
Charis is a Nigerian Writer, Storyteller, Creative Writing Coach, and Editor with over four years of experience actively exploring the literary and creative industry both within and outside Nigeria. She is the founder of The360Writer, one of Nigeria’s creative writing platform geared toward writers’ development. Through The360Writer, Charis has helped new and aspiring writers find their bearing and make a living out of their passions.
Being a multitalented Creative Writer is just one of the numerous creative hats Charis wears. Last year, she was one of the 50 selected Nigerians for the Chevening Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. She is currently studying at Brunel University, London for a Masters’ in Creative Writing
Not only is Charis an excellent writer, but she also doubles as a Poet when the situation calls for it. What’s more? She made her debut appearance as an international spoken word poet during the recently concluded International Women’s Day event themed #breakthebias.
If you are an aspiring writer looking to build a career in the writing and literary space, Charis Alara is proof that your dreams are valid.
That’s all for the Creative Spotlight today, join us next month for the next episode.
November 2020, I resigned from a toxic work environment (if you want the full gist, click here). After resigning, I promised myself I would not hurry to get another job because you know what they say about making the same mistake twice.
I got a side gig as a customer care representative for an
e-commerce service company in February 2021. The pay was little when compared
to the work I was doing. Still, I did not mind because at least something was
coming in, and I enjoyed solving problems.
I was still searching for a job. In April 2021, I got a good
job that was flexible, and the pay was fair, so I said yes to the offer and
resumed work immediately. I had a condition before taking the offer, I was
employed as a content writer, and when I asked how many people were on the
team, I was told it was myself and a graphics designer.
Boy, there was no way I could do a digital marketer’s job. I
told them to employ a digital marketer, and they promised to. Two weeks after I
resumed, they hired one, and I was so excited, but unfortunately, the terms
were not conducive for the person; she left after working for two weeks.
After the digital marketer left, the company refused to
employ another person, and they expected me to take up the role, which I could
not. It was always a tug of war. The MD/CEO felt I was not competent enough
because the company’s social media pages were not growing as she expected.
This woman expected me to grow a page using content only. I
tried explaining, but I was not good enough to her, so she went ahead to employ
a digital marketing agency. The agency was responsible for all social media
pages, which means she does not need my services anymore.
My line manager, God bless his kind heart, tried all he
could to convince her to let me stay, but she wanted me out. I started seeing
some toxic traits when she called me useless in one of our zoom meetings with
the digital agency.
Some weeks after, I dropped my resignation letter because I
didn’t want to be sacked. I remember sending that email with tears in my eyes
because the truth is that I was tired of job hunting. I came back home, and my
sweet husband kept telling me it would be alright.
Here is the thing, I gave a testimony about this job in one
of the groups I belonged to in church and here was I three months after with a
resignation letter. I felt like God had frauded me. I cried for so many nights.
I was pissed and asked why he allowed me to take that job in the first place.
I was throwing
tantrums at God, the maker of heaven and earth, the one who can do all things o
(Onome, you are bold o lol ); well, He is my father. I refused to pray for
days, and the thought of the MD/CEO of that company annoyed me.
My sendoff cake
It took me months to forgive this woman and everyone
involved in me losing my job. I found my peace back when I chose to submit to
God and allow Him to lead me. I decided to worship God with tears and pains; in
that place of worship, I found peace and strength. He wants the best for me,
and today, I’m glad he took me out of that company when He did.
At the same time, I made great friends in that company that I
won’t trade for anything. I remember how we cried and hugged on my last day at
work. It’s a memory I won’t forget.
I’m in a place of contentment, and I am currently working on
my next assignment. I’m not actively searching for jobs, but God keeps sending
me gigs, and I have not lacked. That’s how amazing my father is.
There are so many lessons that God has taught me in this
phase that I can’t wait to share with you.
CONCLUSION
“The LORD is close to the
brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed”. Psalm 34: 18 (NLT).
This scripture comforted me in my
pain, and I could feel God. I don’t know what your story is, and if, like me,
you are angry at God, please don’t be. He has your best interest at heart. He
will come through because He makes all things beautiful in His own time
(Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Trust requires you to leave all
other plans and cling to God. It is a case of I have no one else, it’s either
you help me, or I’m finished. His plans for you are good, and your future is so
beautiful.
When you don’t know what to do, worship because you will find strength and comfort in the place of worship, Papa is close to you, and He is ever ready to give you strength. Never doubt His love.
Cheers to you trusting God and
coming out stronger.
Worship is something I enjoy doing, especially when I’m not
in the best mood. It always makes me feel like I just slapped the devil in his
face. Worship is my therapy when I’m sad, and even when I’m happy, it gives me
this peace and joy I can’t explain.
I remember worshipping and praying one day, and the Lord
said to me, “Whatever happens, always find your way back here” that
day, I felt new, and I felt loved. On this journey of faith, there is a lot the
Lord is teaching me, and I’m always excited to share the lessons.
You can’t get it wrong in the place of worship. When it gets
tough and you don’t know what to do, enter into the place of worship, submit to
His will and watch how He comes through for you.
These past months some songs have spoken to me in ways I’ve
never imagined. These songs are my go-to songs, and each time I worship, I have
my faith strengthened and renewed.
The songs are:
Nobody by Tim Godfrey ft Ntonzo Mbambo
Jireh by Maverick city &Elevation Music ft
Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine
You’re Gonna get the glory by Tasha Cobbs
One moment by Freke Umoh
Hymn Medley by Maveric city ft Chandler Moore
Victory belongs to Jesus by Ric Hassani ft
Called out music and Frank Edwards
Yah by Dunsin Oyekan
I’ll be here
Isaiah song by Maverick city ft Chandler Moore
Olorun Agbaye by Nathaniel Bassey ft Chandler
Moore and Oba
Click play and enjoy a time of worship
CONCLUSION
When listening to these songs, let your faith be activated,
key into the messages and watch how Papa comes to dine with you. Oh, don’t
forget to go into His presence with a pen and a jotter. He is always ready to
talk to you.
You can download each song by clicking the download icon by the side of each song
