Month: August 2024

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COLD FEET

Embracing Uncertainty and Taking the Leap

We’ve all been there—standing at the edge of a big decision, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over us. Our hearts race, our minds spin, and suddenly, we get the urge to step back. This feeling, known as “cold feet,” can hit us in all areas of life whether it’s about relationships, career choices, or personal goals. But what if these moments of hesitation aren’t just obstacles but chances to grow? Let’s dive into what cold feet really mean, why they happen, and how embracing them can lead to some of the best experiences of our lives.

What Is Cold Feet?

Cold feet happen when doubt and fear suddenly strike just before we’re about to make a big commitment or decision. It’s that moment when the weight of what’s ahead suddenly feels overwhelming, and we start questioning everything. Am I making the right choice? What if this goes horribly wrong? These thoughts can be paralyzing, making us second-guess ourselves and sometimes even run from what we were about to do.

Why Do We Get Cold Feet?

Understanding why we get cold feet is key to dealing with it. Here are some common reasons why we hesitate:

Fear of the Unknown: Stepping into something new can be scary. Our brains are wired to seek safety, so the unknown naturally makes us anxious.

Fear of Failure: The thought of failing and dealing with the fallout can be terrifying. We might worry about not living up to our own expectations or those of others.

Self-Doubt: Sometimes, we just don’t believe in ourselves enough. We might question if we deserve the opportunity or if we’re capable of succeeding.

Social Pressure: The expectations of society or family can add to our fears. The pressure to fit in or please others can make us afraid to take a different path.

How to Embrace Cold Feet

Instead of seeing cold feet as a sign that something’s wrong, we can look at it as a natural part of making decisions. Here’s how to embrace and move through it:

Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel scared and unsure. Recognizing these emotions without judging yourself is the first step in dealing with them.

Remember Your Why: Think back to why you wanted to make this decision in the first place. What motivated you? Reconnecting with your reasons can reignite your passion.

Evaluate the Risks and Rewards: Take a clear look at what could go wrong and what could go right. Seeing both sides can help you put your fears into perspective.

Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or mentors about your worries. Their advice and encouragement can give you the reassurance you need.

Take Small Steps: Break down your decision into smaller, manageable steps. Focusing on one thing at a time can make the whole process feel less overwhelming.

Visualize Success: Picture yourself succeeding and enjoying the benefits of your decision. This can boost your confidence and reduce your anxiety.

A Personal Story: Taking the Leap

Let me share a story about my friend Christabel. She had cold feet before making a big career change. After years in a stable but boring job, she decided to follow her passion for baking. As the day to start her new venture got closer, she was filled with doubts. What if she wasn’t good enough? What if she failed? But she decided to take the leap, acknowledging her fears but focusing on her love for baking. Today, Christabel. runs a successful bakery business and often looks back at her cold feet as just another step on her path to a fulfilling life.

Conclusion: The Courage to Keep Going

Cold feet are something we all experience, a sign that we’re on the edge of something important. By seeing hesitation as a natural part of growth, we can turn fear into motivation. By understanding our fears, getting support, and taking small steps, we can move forward with courage and confidence.

And hey, next time cold feet start creeping in, just remember: it’s like standing in front of an ice-cold swimming pool. The water might seem freezing, but once you jump in, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. So take a deep breath, hold your nose, and dive right in. You might just find the water’s not so bad after all—unless, of course, you forgot to take off your socks. Then things might get a little awkward!

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SEE FINISH

When Familiarity Goes Too Far

In Nigeria, there’s a term people use when someone becomes too familiar and starts to take you for granted. This term is “See Finish.” It describes that moment when someone knows you so well that they start to lose respect and forget boundaries. It’s like when you’ve seen everything about a person, and nothing surprises you anymore.

See Finish at Work

Let’s start with the workplace. Imagine you’ve just started a new job. You’re on your best behavior, dressing sharply and arriving early every day. You greet everyone with a smile, and you’re eager to prove yourself. But after a few months, things change. You start coming in late, your desk becomes a mess, and you treat your boss’s requests with a bit of an attitude. What happened? “See Finish” happened. You’ve gotten too comfortable, and the respect you once had for the job has faded.

But it’s not just you. Your colleagues might start to take advantage of you as well. At first, they ask nicely if you can help them with something. But after a while, they start assuming you’ll always help, without even asking politely. They’ve seen your helpful side too many times, and now they’re taking it for granted.

See Finish in Friendships

“See Finish” also shows up in friendships. Think about a new friend you made. In the beginning, you’re both on your best behavior. You go out of your way to be considerate and polite. But as time goes on, things change. Your friend starts coming over unannounced, helping themselves to your fridge, and even borrowing things without asking. They’ve become too comfortable, and they’re now acting like your home is theirs. You might also notice this in the way they talk to you. At first, they were careful with their words, always trying to be kind. But after “See Finish” sets in, they might start making jokes at your expense or dismissing your opinions. They’ve seen everything there is to see about you, and now they’re not as careful with their words or actions.

See Finish in Romantic Relationships

Romantic relationships are another common place for “See Finish” to appear. When you first start dating someone, everything feels new and exciting. You go out of your way to look good, plan fun dates, and keep things interesting. But as the relationship becomes more serious, things start to change. You both get more comfortable, which is natural, but sometimes that comfort leads to taking each other for granted.

Maybe you stop doing the little things that used to make your partner feel special, like surprising them with their favorite treat or planning a fun outing. You might start taking shortcuts, like spending more time on your phone when you’re together, or not putting in as much effort to keep the romance alive. “See Finish” has crept in, and now the relationship feels less special because you’ve become too familiar with each other.

See Finish with Family

Family is often where “See Finish” starts, especially with siblings. Your brothers or sisters have known you your whole life, so they might not always show you the respect you deserve. They burst into your room without knocking, take your stuff without asking, and talk to you like you’re still a little kid. They’ve seen you at your best and worst, and because of that, they sometimes forget that you’re a person who deserves respect.

Parents can also fall into this trap. When you’re a child, they’re more careful with how they treat you. But as you grow up, they might start to see you as an adult who can handle anything, forgetting that you still need their support and kindness. “See Finish” can lead them to treat you more like a roommate than a child they care about.

Avoiding See Finish

So, how do you keep “See Finish” from ruining your relationships? The key is to keep setting boundaries and reminding people of your worth. Just because someone knows you well doesn’t mean they should forget to respect you. It’s important to have conversations about how you want to be treated, whether it’s with friends, family, or at work.

For example, if a friend starts showing up unannounced, politely ask them to call first. If a colleague starts taking advantage of your kindness, let them know that your help is not guaranteed and they should ask nicely. In romantic relationships, keep putting in the effort to surprise and appreciate each other. Small gestures can go a long way in keeping the relationship fresh.

The Bright Side of See Finish

While “See Finish” can be a problem, it also shows that you’ve built strong connections with the people around you. It’s a sign that you’re close enough to be completely yourself with them. Sometimes, you can laugh about the ways “See Finish” shows up in your life. After all, not everyone gets to experience this level of comfort and familiarity with others.

So, the next time someone starts to take you for granted, remember that it’s okay to set some boundaries and remind them of the respect you deserve. But also, appreciate the fact that you’re close enough to someone that they feel comfortable enough to let their guard down around you. “See Finish” is a part of life, and with the right approach, you can keep it from turning your relationships sour.

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DON’T GO TO WEDDINGS HUNGRY…….FUNERALS TOO.

A Comical Guide to Dodging Hunger Pangs

We’ve all been there. You arrive at a wedding or funeral, your stomach growling louder than a thunderstorm, and the food is still hours away. Let’s navigate the tricky waters of event etiquette with humor and practical advice to ensure you never face those dreaded hunger pangs again.

The Dreaded Hunger Games

Arriving at an event hungry is like stepping onto a battlefield unarmed. Here’s why you should never go to weddings hungry… funerals too:

The Ceremony Marathon: Weddings and funerals are known for their long ceremonies. From lengthy vows to endless speeches, you could starve before the main course arrives.

The Grumbling Soundtrack: Stomach growls during heartfelt vows or solemn eulogies? It’s the stuff of nightmares. Spare yourself the embarrassment and feed that growling beast before it makes a cameo.

The Hangry Monster Lurks: Hungry guests are not fun guests. Avoid turning into a hangry monster by ensuring your belly is well-fed before the event.

Tactical Maneuvers for Survival

Fuel Up Beforehand: It’s a simple rule, yet often forgotten. Eat a hearty meal or snack before venturing into the event jungle. Your future self will thank you.

      Pack Emergency Rations: Don’t leave home without a stash of emergency snacks. Plantain chips, nuts, or even a sneaky sandwich can be a lifesaver when hunger strikes.

      Strategic Seating: Scout out the event venue and position yourself near the food. At weddings, aim for a spot close to the buffet; at funerals, hover near the post-service gathering area.

      Befriend the Caterers: Forge alliances with the catering staff and unlock the secrets to early access to appetizers or the coveted dessert table. A charming smile can work wonders.

      Tales from the Hunger Frontlines

      The Wedding Crasher: Imagine the horror—a starved guest crashing headfirst into the buffet table in a desperate bid for sustenance. Don’t let this be your legacy.

      The Funeral Fiasco: Mourning the loss of a loved one is tough enough without battling hunger pangs. Spare yourself the misery and ensure your stomach is adequately prepped for the occasion.

      Conclusion: Enjoy the Event, Not the Hunger

      In the grand scheme of things, it’s always better to be well-prepared. With a little planning and a good sense of humor, you can avoid the hunger traps at weddings and funerals and make the most of the event.

      Remember, it’s not just about keeping your stomach from growling. It’s about being present and enjoying the moments without being distracted by hunger. Plus, we don’t want to add extra stress for the hosts who have already worked hard to provide for their guests. So, do yourself and them a favor: eat at home first.

      Here’s to attending events with full bellies and happy hearts. Let’s keep the focus on the celebration and not on our hunger. May your next wedding be filled with love and laughter, and your next funeral be a heartfelt tribute without the tummy rumbles. Stay fed, stay content, and enjoy every moment. Bon appétit!