What do you do when you see those little icons and pop-up messages that appear in the system tray, indicating there is a new software update available for you to download and install? Most people find such notifications and the process of installing new software updates insignificant and disrupting.

The truth is, people ignore such notifications for various reasons, such as, ‘Do I really need to install this update?’, ‘My computer is working just fine, I don’t think this update is for me!’, ‘I don’t have time to reboot my computer’, etc. If you are accustomed to dismissing those update notifications, you need to reconsider that practice. More especially, relating the updates to our personal lives.

Our way of Thinking, Attitude, Mentality, Psych and Behaviorism is likened to the process of Applying and downloading software updates, and is one of the most important things we can do to improve the quality of our lifestyle. In fact, if we don’t do it, we’re very likely going to get some kind of malware in our life and even get hijacked by the storms of life.

Sensory overload as related to our mindset is the process of distress in accepting and downloading our blessings!

So, as we have all come to experience the power of the resurrection week, it is now time to acknowledge that the stone of hindrance or blockage has been rolled away. It is time to embrace the settlement of the mission. Let’s stop looking down at that problem, again – the stone has been lifted away. There’s a new sense of settlement and completion once we’re upgraded. We should be like a new and improved software, a different malware, a superb operating system. Every virus crowding our mindset – should by now be SHUT DOWN! Allowing the new and improved updates to download in our lives…

Many people find the process of applying software updates to be highly annoying and disruptive. This frustration is understandable. Like our lifestyle, applying updates can consume a fair amount of bandwidth as well as slowing us down, but that’s just a learning process for us to reconnect back to God!

To prevent sensory overload: We need Avoidance and Setting limits. Creating a more quiet and orderly environment, restricting the amount of time spent on various activities that crowds and corrupts our “operating system” – Our mindset!

Today, I am encouraging someone to go ahead and click that “Download updates or Installing updates” messages in their life! It can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it. The good news is you don’t even need to pay for it! It’s free and all paid for! All you need to do is simply grant your consent when asked, by just the click of a button. Be upgraded and be on fire for God!

May God Help Us All!
Yinka

I felt my face prickle with heat but this time it wasn’t my new age acquired “hot flash”. It was the humiliating realization of seeing them in this particular place and time and there was nothing I could do to change that.

We all know they exist: the Haves and the Have-Nots.

First there are the Haves. Those who are accepted in a specific environment—the peeps, the gang, the Sistahs. They’re quietly respected; the natural leaders who others seem to automatically fall in line behind. At work, church, school or social gatherings…

Often they’re the ones with the highest skill level or who have achieved the most acclaim or accomplishments within the tribe. They aren’t necessarily boastful or cocky; some are actually quite humble. But they definitely belong and everyone knows it. It’s a given.

Then there are the Have-Nots. They’re the ones who might hang out with the group, but somehow are not the same. They’re on a different level—a slightly lower level—and although the Haves may be friendly enough, and include them as part of the whole, there’s an invisible barrier that separates them, and they’re never really in the group, only with the group.

We’ve all been in situations where we’re the Haves, and other situations where we’re the Have-Nots. Naturally, we gravitate toward the former and avoid the latter if at all possible. Nobody wants to feel like a K-Mart purse in a rack full of Pradas.  You know exactly what I mean, right?

A good idea is to bolster sagging self-esteem, surely, but not something we can always do. Sometimes, the circumstances of life toss us into groups of people where we may be unknown, disrespected, unappreciated and dreadfully uncomfortable. But we must stay there for one reason or another.

Reasons? Yes, To be able to discover ourselves, know our value and be celebrated – NOT tolerated! I am encouraging someone today, who’s battling some kind of complex that God will throw in a life preserver their way. Some sort of tool that will help hold their head up and shoulders back when approaching a compromising  group.

So I’m going to return to that group next time with a new attitude. I will be smiling. I will be gracious. Because I have a secret. I know something they don’t. I know my own strength! It’s OK to be baffled now, but I know I will be celebrated soon,  And I may even get to be the kickball captain!

May God Help Us All!

Yinka.

How do you Preserve/Safeguard/Uphold and Retain your Keen Interest and Excitement about things to do with your destiny? Who is in your circle of friendship? Who inspires you to be all you can? Who sees the best in you and encourages you to keep on keeping on? Who is your role model?

If you can quickly mention three names without thinking for long about the personalities behind the names – you’re definitely on your way to achieving your set goals. If you are still struggling with names, chances are you need to develop a new strategy to defend your Enthusiasm – Well, before it is buried.

Growing up as a very curious young girl, my father was my great enthusiast. Supporting and defending all my dreams and ideas, never doubted me as a child and ever willing to boost my character to help achieve my goal. Despite the fact that I didn’t end up as an Architect (that He’d hoped for) and to follow his lead as a Quantity Land Surveyor – He still supported my ideas.

When I announced to him that I was taking Technical Drawing as an elective in high school – He was thrilled and ready to share his French curves with me! Something he rarely does! Alongside – I dropped the course. Again, I’d announced that I was interested in Foreign affairs: He enrolled me in Alliance Françoise! He was willing to help build up my hope, even when I probably wasn’t sure about my aspiration.

So, to be at ease with this topic, not everyone reading this had the opportunity to marinate in their father’s energy, BUT definitely had or still has someone who helped push-up their dreams into reality. Part of the reason of our existence is to be a positive role model that encourages and inspires. We help shape other people’s idea by putting the puzzles together for them.

Our immediate line of contact (spouse, sibling, friends, and family) should be that ultimate cheer leader in our lives. People connected to us can determine and influence our character towards our goal in life. The choice of people around us can also kill, build or frustrate our hopes or passion.

Our sphere of friends/family should always have motivational strategies available to dish out when necessary. Our performance is determined not only by our ability but also most importantly by our motivation.

‘Hoping someone who has finally recognized their strengths and will-power, will stand up and defend their dreams.

May God help us all!
Yinka

April is National Autism Awareness month, So, I am campaigning by raising a platform of awareness to find a cure and ease our knowledge, alertness, mindfulness, recognition and sensibility on the most avoided topic within us – Our perception on Autism.

What is Autism? It is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

In March 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 88 births in the United States and almost 1 in 54 boys. The spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.

So, you noticed a child has Lack of or delay in spoken language, Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects), Little or no eye contact, Lack of interest in peer relationships, Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play or Persistent fixation on parts of objects..

Chances are you know an autistic child or have encountered one somewhere. It’s not easy knowing what to do or how to respond to the quirks (or outbursts) of an autistic child. Public tantrums are par for the course with children. How many of us have seen a kid have an outburst while their embarrassed parents try to get control? Well, ratchet that up a couple of notches for autistic kids. Their tantrums can get rough. Don’t …gape and stare at the child and parent, saying “Can you believe that kid?” faces. And especially don’t make comments or tell the parent, “Can’t you control your kid?” Just go about your business. Or if you catch the eye of the child’s caregiver, just flash a smile. It can work wonders.

You haven’t met anyone so unique and exceptional until you encounter a special need child. Their love is pure, genuine and transparent. You see through their little eyes rays of hope and unquestionable bewilderment.

So, instead of starring at the “un-believable sight or scene, why not give emotional support. Be that imaginary horse to be ridden on or be their knight in shinning armor who sings of their praises, it helps build their confidence. Reach out this month – to a special need child.

(Dedicated to all my 75 Autistic children – well, “my caseload children” from over 10 years! – ‘Lighting it BLUE for you this month!)

#Love you all for real!
Yinka.

Ever watched a group of children play in a mud, all smiling and carefree about the debris or the stains – they are pleasantly intrigued, absorbed and captivated by the texture of the mud, through their little eyes nature is certainly a sensory element to reckon with. Their definition of mess: Total Innocent Bliss!

The problem is that for us Adults, Our “Mess” a lot of times is actually something we never want to acknowledge, discuss or even resolve. It could be our shambles from the past, an addiction, litter, disorder or clutter.

I told a close friend recently that I feel like a spinning top, all wobbly and going in circles. So much writing to do within a very limited time: my mess, she says was simply “time management”. The problem is not that my life is messy; Maybe It’s my calendar of events! But at that time of confusion, I needed a second mind, and I got the message! To reminisce, slow down, focus and keep writing!

A lot of us don’t realize that whatever err, mess, mistake, stray, blunder we’ve made in the past, automatically gives us a story of redemption and restitution.
It gives us a message of triumphant victory. We are now capable of helping others address their mess through our own victorious message when we relate our experiences to someone who’s going through similar issues.

It is not in our place to scold or castigate the ‘messer” or likewise ourselves: to dwell on it, beat ourselves up and wallow in self-pity. Our message after our mess should be a glimmer of HOPE and POWER, a guideline of survivalship, a bowl of warm soup carefully prepared with foresights for happy consumptions.

Our Message after a Mess should be an uproar of acquired sentiments of freedom from whatever it was that we’ve been struggling with or that’s been binding us.

So, YES – we are all eligible to be “Messengers”. To be a coach, guide, instructor, teacher, counselor – without any need for academic qualities – because we have the message right inside our hearts. We could be crushed or bruised, We stagger, stumble and sway in our mess. But then, we rise, come out of it – and we’re given a message to talk about it – So God can be glorified in our lives.

I know I am a messenger! Are you? So how do you relate to all the people in your life and all around you? Do they feel uplifted by coming in contact with you? What legacy are you creating?

Today, through your Mess, create a Message, and be a positive Messenger.

May God help us all.
Yinka

**Thanks Gregg!

Run far, run wide for some alone time!

Yes, God speaks through other people but he also needs space to be heard when he is speaking directly to you.
Constant dealings with other people, be it husbands, kids, coworkers, our parents or church members, not to mention their demands, expectations and agenda is on your you – ness and can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish what you really feel and think from what has been dumped into your subconscious.

Find some daily alone time to clear and De – clutter your mind, even if it is only for 20 mins.

The solitude itself is restorative and the revelation that comes from it is affirming.
It re charges your focus and ignites your creative abilities.

Written By Miggie Ediae: for #Moving Forward with Yinka.

I recently relocated to Georgia and my neighbor invited me to participate in a women’s Bible study group. Undoubtedly, it has blessed me tremendously so I wanted to share some things I learned (still trying to perfect in my life).

At Bible study, we use the book and study guide by Joanna Weaver titled “Having a Mary Spirit in a Martha World”. I recommend it to women trying to learn how to juggle the busyness of life with their relationship with God, our foremost relationship.

Joanna’s book is based on the story in Luke 10:38-42 in which Jesus visited the home of sisters- Martha and Mary. I have heard many sermons on the story but Joanna’s book gives fresh insight. Jesus was going on His way with His disciples and Martha welcomed Him into her house. Mary, rather than assisting Martha in preparations to host Jesus, decided to sit and listen to Jesus’ teaching. Martha was preoccupied with preparation and came to Jesus to complain about how her sister was not helping her, asking Him if He cared and telling Him to tell Mary to play her role. Jesus responded in Verse 42 “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. There is need of only one or but a few things.

Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her”. Joanna highlights in her book how Jesus did not rebuke Martha for what she was trying to do, which is to serve the Lord and be a good “host”, but that Jesus rebuked her attitude and wanted her to understand that a relationship with Him is far more beneficial (and what He also desires from us) than any service we can render. Often times, we think that taking on the weight of the world and serving God (either at the church, in our homes) will help us gain His approval.
However, not so. God wants us to nurture our relationship with Him first and then serve. Joanna went on to discuss how Jesus “diagnosed” Martha’s main problem. Jesus knew exactly what the problem was with Martha; she was worried! He knew she was worried about many things [vs. 42]…. perhaps worried about being too busy, about how she would please Jesus and feed Him and His disciples.

Perhaps more pertinent to our daily lives, the “many things” are sickness, broken relationships, childlessness, miscarriage, feelings of betrayal or the things we have to do as women that vie for our time…work, cook, clean, take care of the family and so on. Jesus knew that if Martha was less worried by spending more time first fellowshipping with Him like Mary did, everything else would have been easier for Martha to handle. Matthew 11:28 says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” When we seek God first like Mary did, our anxiety and worries fade away. Joanna states in her book:

” In one short sentence, Jesus diagnosed the problem that has plagued humankind since the beginning of time (garden of Eden)……. and the Fall of mankind.

It is the curse of anxiety. The ongoing burden of worry and fear.”

The Bible commands us to NOT worry. It is a waste of time and can affect us spiritually, emotionally and physically. Joanna suggests some tips to help us stop worrying because as she says “Jesus wasn’t asking us to live in denial, a sugar-coated fairy tale…because our world is filled with struggles and real pain”.

There is a place for “HEALTHY CONCERN”, which is very different from “toxic worry”. Concern draws us to God. Worry pulls us from Him”. A preacher once said, “Worrying is fear-based negative meditation. Faith is meditation on the word of God”. Below are some practical differences between concern and worry that Joanna noted in her book.

So anytime I find myself worrying, I try to switch my thoughts to the “concern” gear and then trust God that He will do what is best for me.

Concern:
• Involves legitimate threat
• Is specific (one thing)
• Addresses the problem
• Solves problems
• Looks to God for answer

Worry:
• Is often unfounded
• Is generalized (spreads to many things)
• Obsesses about the problem
• Creates more problems
• Looks to self or other people for answers

May God help us all.
Written by Bunmi Adeniji for ‘Movingforward with Yinka

Reference: Joanna Weaver’s – “Having a Mary Spirit in a Martha World”.

How do you manage your – Eagerness, Frenzy, Joy, Passion, Zeal, Craze, Glow,
Keenness and the way I fondly address it with my kids….My Oomph! My energy for life!
What Curbs Your Enthusiasm? ‘Your keen Interest? ‘Your Excitement and Passion for a Task?

Enthusiasm is the natural outgrowth of all your efforts toward success. What is important is that you now recognize that every appropriate move you make is building your enthusiasm as well.

Enthusiasm Changes Lives: it is the fuel that drives things forward, a way to control our mind. The same control can be used on our enthusiasm, so that it is continually fed into the cylinders of your mental engine, where it is ignited by the spark of our definite purpose and explodes, pushing the pistons of applied faith and personal initiative. Enthusiasm is power. With faith, it can transform adversity, failure, and temporary defeat into action.

Our mindset is Transmutation. It depends on the control of our thoughts, for they can just as easily be expressed negatively as positively. By controlling our enthusiasm, we can change any negative expressions and experiences into positive ones.

When your enthusiasm runs high, make a note of it in a notebook. Write down the circumstances that inspired you and the manifestations of that enthusiasm. Were you spurred to action? Did you solve a problem? Did you persuade someone of something? Also, keep a written copy of your definite major purpose and your plan for it inside your notebook. Then, whenever your enthusiasm is ebbing, pick up your valuable book. Not only will it remind you of the reason you should be enthusiastic, but it will also review for you the benefits of that enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is a spiral, turning inward or outward, rising or falling. To give your enthusiasm a push in the right direction, refer to your notebook when the spiral is collapsing in on itself.

Wow! What power enthusiasm has! Especially when we are able to help others around us! What fulfillment and accomplishment we receive! That power is released to support definiteness of purpose and is constantly renewed by faith. It becomes an irresistible force for which temporary defeat and failure are no match. You can communicate that power to anyone who needs it. This is probably the greatest work you can do with your enthusiasm. Excite the imaginations of others; inspire their creative vision; help them connect with Infinite Intelligence.

I hope someone reading this will grasp their dreams and twist the world’s agenda to fit their passion and share their enthusiasm. It’s infectious. Boredom is a killer, but the world will buy joy gladly. But, because you’ve got IT! Why not encourage someone who doesn’t have what it takes to build-up hope today – share your gift of Positive Influence!

May God help us all!

Yinka.

‘And how well do we want others to listen to us?
Conversation is a vocal competition in which the one who is catching his breath is called the listener. And in between the line of expression during that conversation: There’s a message: A clue or denial! A call for Sympathy! Cry for help or approval! Pain or exaggerated accomplishment! Broken heart or contagious joy! Another soul begging to be saved – If only we are able to listen well.

How often have you been in a conversation where both of you entirely missed what each other had to say. You went away mumbling, “He never listens” or “She didn’t hear a thing I said.” It seems to me that most of the conversations we have as human beings are competitive. We are much more interested in arguing for our own position, making a witty comeback, poking holes in what the other person is saying, or telling our own counter-story to the story that the other person is telling.

Listening for the purpose of better understanding is different from listening for specific information. A good listener listens for objections and tries to figure out what response will be given while he or she is listening. Listening is selective and goal oriented. If you have ever had a friend or spouse, who kept on pitching you when at home, you know that selective goal driven listening has its place but does not promote unity or understanding. Someone who tries to “sell” himself or herself or be right by selling their ideas can appear insecure. Listening to be right or to win an argument is not listening that helps develop trust at home or morale at work.

And sometimes, we are interested in hearing what the other person is saying, we are faced toward the other person and have eye contact. But, we sit there like an empty cup simply letting the other person fill it up with words. You don’t give any non-verbal cues that you are listening – no head nods or facial expression that suggests you are with the speaker. There’s a big difference between merely hearing someone’s words and really listening for the person’s message or feeling.

The most satisfying and helpful form of listening is Active Listening. The speaker gets that idea that you are really listening because you are face to face, eye to eye, you provide non-verbal movements that pace the speaker, you make brief comments that echo the person’s message and you paraphrase what the person said occasionally to make sure you understand. It really feels good when someone listens to you that attentively.

Moving forward, let us develop active listening skills. If we have to listen to others – let’s be more attentive and passionate about it – who knows, between the lines of the message – we are the point of contact they need to connect to their destiny. And the benefits will come back to us as blessings.
Claim a sacred space today – be a good Listener!

May God help us all!
#Moving Forward With Yinka.

Distraction, Downtime, Discouragement, Disappointment, Disapproval…

Why do we give up our sacred space so easily? Because space is scary. During these temporary voids of distraction, our minds return to the uncertainty and fears that plague all of us. To escape this chasm of self-doubt and unanswered questions, we tune into all of the activity and data for reassurance.

Ever had a moment in the shower, when you are completely isolated, and your mind is able to wander and churn big questions without interruption. However, despite the incredible power and potential of sacred spaces, they are quickly becoming extinct. We are depriving ourselves of every opportunity for disconnection. And our imaginations suffer the consequences.

The need to be connected is, in the largest and most fundamental human desires. Our need for a sense of belonging comes right after physical safety. We thrive on friendship, family, and the constant affirmation of our existence and relevance. Our self-esteem is largely a product of our interactions with others. It is now possible to always feel loved and cared for, thanks to the efficiency of our “comment walls” on Facebook and seamless connection with everyone we’ve ever known. Your confidence and self-esteem can quickly be reassured by checking your number of “followers” on Twitter or the number of “likes” garnered by your photographs and blog posts.

But really! – do we require this insatiable need to tune in (insecurity work) to reassure ourselves? We cannot rely on spaces that force us to unplug to survive much longer, we must be proactive in creating these spaces for ourselves. And when we have a precious opportunity to NOT be connected, we should develop the capacity to use it and protect it.

Reclaim your own sacred space today – cultivate a healthy habit that does not need external approval. Join the gym, Read or write a book, turn off all electronics, roll on the floor with the kids, sing in the shower, laugh out loud and cry if it hurts! drop by a shelter or visit an elderly neighbor, reach out to someone needy -and best of all – Spend quality time within your heart – your “sacred space”.

I am believing someone to finally reclaim their long abandoned space – fill the void by settling down after De-cluttering, have confidence about Waiting and exhale freely in their new Space.

May God help us all.
Yinka.