Category: Lifestyle

Author: Mawutor Akosua Ametame

On May 22, 2022, I updated my WhatsApp status with a phrase that felt like a poetic mic drop: “Champagne dreams in an endless drought.” Borrowed from the song No New Friends by LSD (the trio Sia, Diplo, and Labrinth), it seemed profound at the time. I mean, who wouldn’t be intrigued by such a dramatic, catchy line? But over time, this status evolved from just “cool and deep” to a reality check about my life.

It wasn’t just about external struggles or bad luck. Nope, the harsh truth? The drought was caused by me—my choices, my excuses, and my very loyal companion, laziness.

The Drama of the Drought

Let’s break this down:
• Champagne dreams are all about imagining a luxurious, successful, carefree life. Picture the clinking glasses of Dom Pérignon while lounging in an infinity pool overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
• An endless drought, on the other hand, is a wasteland—a dry, cracked landscape where nothing grows. Think of the Sahara Desert without the excitement of camels.

At first, I thought the drought was unfair to life. But one day, I realized: the drought wasn’t caused by fate, bad luck, or the universe being “out to get me.” It was me—not planting, not watering, and not showing up to do the work needed to make those champagne dreams real.

The Truth About the Drought

I held onto this poetic status for nearly two years, thinking it made me look wise and reflective. But in reality, I was stuck. I dreamed of success, but I spent more time binge-watching Netflix and scrolling through TikTok than working toward anything meaningful.

We often blame life for our lack of progress, but how many times is it really about us? “I’m waiting for the right moment,” I’d tell myself. Or worse: “I’m just too busy.” Busy doing what? Rearranging my Spotify playlists? The drought was a direct result of my procrastination and unwillingness to put in the work.

Why We Stay Stuck

Here’s the thing about humans: we love excuses.
• “I’ll start tomorrow.” (Translation: never.)
• “I’m waiting for inspiration.” (As if inspiration is Amazon Prime, arriving in two days.)
• “I just don’t have time.” (Funny, considering I could finish a whole series on Netflix in one weekend.)

The truth is, that we often want success without effort. Champagne dreams are great, but you can’t pour champagne into a glass if you’re not even willing to dig the well.

Fixing the Drought

Here’s the good news: if laziness caused the drought, action can fix it.

For me, it started with small, unglamorous steps. I had to stop fantasizing about the “big win” and focus on small, daily actions. And let me tell you, asking yourself hard questions is not fun:
• Why am I waiting for things to magically improve?
• How much time am I wasting on things that don’t matter?
• Do I want success, or do I just like the idea of it?

The answers? Embarrassing. But they pushed me to start. Progress didn’t happen overnight, but each small step added up. Slowly, I began watering the dusty field of my goals.

Champagne Is Earned

Champagne is a drink for celebration. But here’s the irony: to celebrate, you first need something worth celebrating. No one hands you a flute of bubbly and says, “Congrats on… existing.”

The work may not feel glamorous, but when you finally make progress, it feels earned. And let me tell you, earned champagne tastes sweeter than any fantasy.

The Lesson

It’s been nearly two years since I declared my champagne dreams in an endless drought, and here’s what I’ve learned:
The drought wasn’t life being unfair—it was me. My laziness. My procrastination. My excuses.

But here’s the beauty of it: if I caused the drought, I can also end it. And if you’re feeling stuck, know this:
1. Your dreams are valid, but they won’t achieve themselves.
2. Start small.
3. Stay consistent.

If you want champagne, you’ve got to do the work. And when you do, every drop will taste so much sweeter.

So here’s to rolling up our sleeves, watering our dreams, and making it happen. Cheers to the end of the drought!🥂

Embracing Uncertainty and Taking the Leap

Author: Mawutor Akosua Ametame

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!

A Comical Guide to Dodging Hunger Pangs

Author: Mawutor Akosua Ametame

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!