BLOOM AND GROW

My biggest challenge is being able to live life fully; being able to experience life and make decisions without fear of what people will think about my choices. I'm referring to this idea of living on one's terms.  You might be asking why I care about what other people think about me. The truth is that to a considerable extent. I don't care, but I also understand that my choices could affect how much support I get back from society. The term social influence refers to the ways in which we alter our behavior according to the demands of society and society actually rewards conformity.  For example, an openly queer person in Nigeria risks being jailed or being a victim of hate-related crimes.  The need for conformity is also the reason an individual wearing dreadlocks or having a visible tattoo is perceived as a criminal by the Nigeria Police.  So for me, to live on my terms is being able to pursue the things I love without someone noting that I'm being too much, doing too

This week, Opeyemi Aderibigbe (@opeyemii_ on Instagram) shares his story below:

I don't take the opportunities that I have been given for granted. My parents were middle class but they were self-made, so they trained us to value the privileges we had. As I have gotten older, I have become more conscious of my society and I try to help my community in the little way I can.  If you are in a position to help your fellow Nigerian, I think you should because in our country today, many people still struggle to feed themselves daily. Also, many low-income families cannot afford quality training for their kids and have to settle for government schools that lack the required facilities for learning. However, I urge you to support low-income families with your money, skill or time. I particularly believe that quality education is one of the sure ways to get out of poverty. So, sponsor a child's learning. Your help could be the very thing that determines whether a child becomes a nuisance to the society or a responsible citizen.   Dr. Paul's A

1. On some days, you will feel less than. You might feel tired or fatigued. Move on. There will be good days, So don't dwell on your shortcomings so much. 2. Everyone goes through some form of difficulty. That should not be enough reason to throw in the towel. Even if you start out rough, things can still look up for me, if you are willing. 3. Slow down. Acknowledge the fact you have the power to move at the pace you want to in life. 4. Breathe. Right now. Take a long deep breath. Every time I do this, it reminds me that I am alive.  5. Perfection is really a bastard. There is no perfect timing. We spend so much time in our heads that we actually become paralyzed. Get it out of your head and just do it.  6. Be wary of people who always see the negative in other people. You cannot trust people who give you the juice about other people. 7. When it comes to your body, people are going to say a lot of things. Ignorant stuff. Go