₦airaland Forum

Growing up we all have been conditioned to the idea of having a new year resolution at the end or the beginning of the year. Often than not, these resolutions only end up in our journals forgotten or hung sickly on the wall by the side of our beds. As days roll into weeks and weeks into months, the resolution get unnoticed. Research has shown that only 8% actually achieve their new year resolutions. It’s really frustrating when you don’t achieve your set goals for the year and trust me have been here but here are three steps that will help you stay productive about your resolutions for the year.

1. Avoid too much on your plate
As a result of falling short of a particular year resolution, we tend to make endless list for the new year. Instead of doing this, keep the list very simple. Make room for unseen contingencies. So instead of saying “I will read a book every month, you could say “I would read a book every two months or a book every quarter that way it feels more realistic and achievable.

2. Set measurable goals
Don’t be too ambitious when setting your goals. don’t go all general about your goals make it specific. Here is a vivid example of what I mean; instead of saying you want to cut down on your intake of junk, especially when you do that everyday. It would be better to say Wednesdays and Fridays are junk free days. This makes this goal more measurable.

3. Get others informed
When you keep friends and family informed about your goals, they help you stay in check and serve as reminders. For me, one of my goals for the year is learning how to drive, though I haven’t started, my entire family keeps ringing the bell in my head. I would definitely do that before the year runs out. OOPS! I just told you about this goal so am sure to get some reminder from you too.

So guys lets plan for a more productive 2019 and I hope you had a great read. I would love to hear your opinion and contributions at the comment section.

Thanks for reading!

www.catheyoinitiative.com.ng

Do you know I am getting married today?



Why that look on your face?



Okay! I am not (smiling)





Ayo wanted to propose to his girlfriend in the most romantic way anyone could ever imagine. I was confused and taken aback when he felt I was the best person who could plan the proposal. I accepted the task since Ayo is a good friend of mine and Ebi is my childhood friend. Ayo and Ebi have been dating for 6 years now and he felt it was time to finally pop the big question.



Here is the action plan and process of actualization;



First, I bought two tee shirts (red). One of the tee had the inscription "you are my" and the other read "better half". The first was for Ebi and second was for Ayo.



Secondly, I got 14 blue tee's (tee shirt) each had a letter which formed "Will you marry me?" but this time, the inscription was at the back.



I know you're wondering what my tee had and what colour? I was had a red tee too with the inscription "best friend". I was supposed to go with Ebi to the beach, while others would find their way there.



These fourteen friends, comprises of; Ebi's friends, Ayo's friends and my friend's. They were duly informed of the plan.



The dress code was a tee and a knee length denim short.



So I planned the get together at the beach. I invited more people aside from the initial fourteen. We were 25 with a photographer in all. It was a usual hangout spot for Ebi, Ayo, Me and a few friends.



Ebi didn't suspect anything. We got there a bit late, everyone was around. There was excitement in the air and it felt real to touch. People were in two's some in three's gisting or playing games.

Of course Ebi was with Ayo as usual! Standing so close to the bank of the beach as the typical love birds would.



The beach was so busy that day and for me it was perfect. I actually choose the beach simply because of Ebi's love for nature with the beach being her favorite hangout spot.



So Ebi and Ayo were both admiring nature; the beautiful horizon, the fresh breeze from the beach, the currents and its pleasant sound. Ayo with his hands round her neck suddenly drew her attention to the tee's they were both wearing. She read the inscription, "you are my better half", but she taught it was a friendship thingy between me and her because she had earlier read the inscription on my tee and her's before we left the house which read "you are my best friend".




She was so surprised, shook her head and smiled. She backed the beach with the intension of coming towards me when she saw a group of people standing in a single horizontal file with their back faced towards her. It read "will you marry me?” she turned in amazement with her mouth at ajar to Ayo and found him on his knees with a diamond ring.





She couldn't help it but allow the tears of joy flow down her cheeks. It was a day she had always looked forward to. She said YESSSS! Then the proper party began.





I guess I did a great job right?





All of these were my imaginations on a bike for about 7mins.





Have a great weekend and remember to fill it with love.

I came across a poem during the weekend and felt I should share it with you.



Richard Cory

Whenever Richard went down town,

We people on the pavement looked at him:

He was a gentleman from sole to crown,

Clean favored and imperially slim.



And he was always quietly arrayed,

And he was always human when he talked,

But still he fluttered pulses when he said,

"Good-morning," and he glittered when he walked.



And he was rich--yes, richer than a king--

And admirably schooled in every grace:

In fact, we thought that he was everything

To make us wish that we were in his place.



So on we worked, and waited for the light,

And went without the meat and cursed the bread;

And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,

Went home and put a bullet through his head.



Written by: Edwin Arlington Robinson



Never compare your life with others, you never can tell what they might be going through. People are making it, doesn't mean you won't; just stay true, happy and committed to yourself and goals. Admire people but never wish to be like them because you don't know where their shoes hurt.



What are your thoughts about Richard Cory? Will love to hear from you.



Visit www.catheyoinitiative.com.ng

It's really cool

Do you know I can swim in an ocean for days?



Ahahaha! Don't give me that weird look, I was only kidding.



Elegushi beach is located around Lekki axis, Lagos, Nigeria. Stop at Chisco bus stop and from there it's a trekkable distance or you probably take a bike. I visited the Elegushi beach on a Tuesday but was told it was always populated during weekends and very lively. So if you go during weekends, your experience might be different from mine. There are two entrance majorly to the Elegushi beach but I advice you go through gate two to avoid an eye saw, I hope you know what I mean.



You will have to pay a gate fee of N1,000 and parking fee of N200 if you are with a car.

For me I didn't pay anything to enter, you can call it "awuf". I went with a friend who was very conversant with the Elegushi beach and the gatemen so relationship paid up our entrance fee.



A must for you

You shouldn't miss the view of the Elegushi beach from the point of the rocks stacked together. The horizon from this point looked more than a million dollars. The splash of water from the current that hit the rocks is so refreshing. The rhythm from the current sounds like a lullaby. The air from the Elegushi beach is so clean and pure. You need to have this beach experience, words won't be enough to express the feeling.



Don't miss this

The feel of the salty Elegushi beach water on your feet and the sand at the shore. It's so cool and comforting. I walked in it for a while, though at the shore area.



An opportunity

Luckily for me, I found an abandoned boat at the far shore of the Elegushi beach. I never knew a boat was that heavy with the way it appeared so light on water.


Things to take along to Elegushi beach

A sun shade would be very important.
Dress in comfortable wears.
A mat might also be useful if you have plans to relax.



Things you could do at Elegushi beach

Go on a horse ride.
Play games.
Relax and enjoy the cool breeze from the beach.
Hold a picnic or a get together.
Eat and drink.
Take pictures if you are a freak like me.


Was it worth it?

My Elegushi beach experience was actually worth it and I don't mind having this experience again. Now I look forward to a boat ride.


In conclusion

This Elegushi beach experience has left me to my imagination of how much God loves humanity to have given us the gift of nature. It's a treasure to be explored.

Now I understand why Louie Schwartzberg said "nature's beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude".



P. S

Have you visited the Elegushi beach or any other beach? I will be more than excited to get your feedback.



What am saying

Have a great weekend loves.



Thanks for reading ☺ and hope you enjoyed it.

Sorry I didn't upload pictures, check them out on my blog by clicking on the link below. Thanks

http://www.catheyoinitiative.com.ng/2018/08/a-visual-story-of-my-visit-to-elegushi.html?m=1

Oh oh

Reflecting on my life journey from the University down to NYSC and being employed, I only wished I understood the actual meaning of saving. Adulthood brought a dawn of reality on me like the splash of cold water, you can check it out here.

I took savings to heart when I got a job, it was not a fairytale because am not proud of it. I have realized that the saying which states "money is never enough" is so true. No matter how much your income is, your wants and needs will most likely have a proportional relationship to your income.


Saving in university was impossible for me because I had an irregular flow of funds and I thought I had a valid reason for not being Penney pinching but I was wrong. NYSC wasn't any different, you can check out my recent review on Niger State and my NYSC experience .


The life of a corp member isn't always a piece of cake but that's not a valid excuse for not saving still. My total income was approximately N36,000 and here is the breakdown; N20,000 approximately from Federal Government, N4,000 from (primary place of assignment) PPA and N12,000 from side hustle (you know what I mean) as that was mostly the last resort. Still this money was too small, I tried saving by using one of my bank accounts I didn't have an ATM card to but it still did not work because when I got terriblely broke I would go to make withdrawals using the withdrawals slip. It was a futile effort.


Do you know I could actually save? All I needed to do was work on my mind and then try investing the little I saved in executing a project. Assuming my total income was N30,000, wouldn't I survive? Do you know if I had saved N6,000 for 6 months, that would have amounted to N36,000? Instead of leaving NYSC with just my final allowance (popularly called allowee) of N41,000, I would have left with N77,000 or probably a tangible investment. Hummm no wander a penny saved is a penny earned.


Mag-Investka Pinky says "it's never your salary that makes you rich, it's your spending habits".


I decided to get intentional about saving when I got employed. For about four months I was able to save about 25% of my total four months salary. I guess that was really small, but it was better than saving nothing.


I realized it's much easier to save in the midst of abundance but however, developing the habit of saving is king and investment is key. If you already have that habit of saving, more grease to your elbows. If you haven't cultivated this habit, I wouldn't say you are behind time but you definitely need to brace up by creating a budget and cutting down on your expenses. Having a budget is very vital to help you plan and also save.


Also note that it's not just about saving but investing your savings. The savings not targeted for a particular project will be squandered sooner than you can ever imagine.


Remember, saving is king and investment is key.


Feel free to share how you were able to accomplish your saving goals.


Thanks for reading.

visit www.catheyoinitiative.com.ng.

Wow how, make sure you visit shiroro dam

Lol, your state was cool

I served in Niger State, Minna under Chanchaga Local Government Area to be precise. Nowadays, I find myself reflecting on my service year and I only wished I went on a proper tour of the state. It’s been seven months since I finished NYSC, oh oh did I just say " seven months"? Yes it's actually seven months and I can never get rid of the fact that Niger state is and will forever be part of my history with amazing people. There are alot of things I would love you to know and if you get an opportunity to be there, explore Niger State to the fullest.


Niger state is the biggest state in Nigeria, with the landmass of 76,363km2. It has 25 local governments which includes; Agie, Agwara, Bida, Borgu, Bosso, Chanchaga, Edati, Gboko, Gurara, Katcha, Kotangora, Lapai, Lavun, Magama, Mashegu, Mokwa, Muya, Paikoro, Rafi, Rijau, Shiroro, Suleja, Tafa and Wushishi. I visited only Bosso, Chanchaga, Kotangora, Paikoro, Suleja and Bida. The major tribes are Nupe and Gbagyi, oh was about putting a full stop but before I do; will love to add that Bida is hottttttt! �and you can spend up to nine hours traveling within Niger State. Are you surprised?


About their food I will give myself 60%, you should know I would be good in this area (I love to try new things). I fell in love with Zobo, Kunu Aya (its mostly made with tiger nuts and coconut), Date and coconut (eat them together you will see countless stars � �), I wouldn't even leave fura do nunu out (Gosh! I love it but honestly I took it once in a while – Habib is just the way out if you are scared like me). I tasted Tuwo chin kafa but never really liked it and I never tasted massa so dissapointed but I must do that on my next visit and I hope I find it cool after all this hype.


Ohh! I almost forgot my favourite hangout spots which were; Mutala Park and Bilikabab. I loved Mutala park because the environment is natural and very nice for pictures (if you know me well, you will know I love nature and pictures �) and for Bilikabab, they have really nice dishes, nice fancy swings (swings for two; it was my favorite spot anytime I had a date �) and a lovely ambience. I also won’t live out my favourite bakery; Landmark Bakery, they have "orishirishi" (a word use to describe varieties in Yoruba), ranging from nice and tasty bread to different assorted snack.


I haven’t even mentioned that they have lots of tourist sites too; starting from Gurara waterfall, to Kianji dam, moving on to Shiroro dam and zuma rock. They have more places but these are the trendy places I know of. When you get to Niger state, make sure you don't miss out on these places. I only passed through zuma rock in Suleja on my way to Abuja (I used to think Zuma rock was in Abuja SMH for me lol). Most of my friends visited shiroro dam and Gurara water falls but I was practically nowhere to be found. These my legs won't just stay in one place.


You can also see my NYSC experience


Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed reading and also found this insightful?


Have you visited Niger State before? Feel free to air your views.

Visit www.catheyoinitiative.com.ng for more post on lifestyle and inspiration