PEACEFUL SUMMER DAYS

"You know those days, you never want to end... days where the massive sun offers a colourful show whilst lingering in the sky a little longer to say 'hi' to the enlarged moon. Days that engulf you with perfect peace and just enough joy"

-YOURS TRULY

Welcome, Queens & Kings,

We are back to the regularly scheduled program. I want to express immense gratitude to all of you who read all the posts in the 'You-ni' blog series and even participated in the giveaway. I want to remind you that you can always return to them when you need help during the school year and feel free to reach out to me via email or social media if any issues arise.

Today I want to share with you some of the activities I have been enjoying this Summer 2020 and highlight how they have been helping me curate my best life.

1. Nature Walks/ Exploration

I love the thrill of adventure! Recent situations have caused me to discover the many means of getting this thrill right at my backyard. Normally I would take walks just a few distances from my home but I have now been going deeper into the 'woods'. Deliberately seeking the end of the trails; I’d walk for a couple of kilometres (I don't know how much exactly but in basic terms they were far), pause to feed my eyes on the ripples of the moving crystal-like liquids, take note of the snails clung to green leaves and enjoy the sun rays filtering through the array of nature's green pillars. Occasionally I’d be enthralled by a uniquely barked tree, a perfect picnic spot, and an upper view of the narrow streak of clouds peering in the midst of leave clusters from the left & right sides.

Good things are around you, you just have to go beyond the surface and you will find at least one activity that sits well with your soul. The nature exploration sits very well with my soul; it takes me into another world basically- "no civilization in view" just natural beauty at its best (me included) breathing, growing, and reaching out to God's love. There is an inner satisfaction & fortifying peace that descends when each stride finally leads me to the end of a trail, usually signalled by the noise of civilization. Walking in nature is a direct push out of a mostly self-centered version of my life, it humbles me by giving me a kind reminder that I am only a small part of the world and what I view as gigantic problems are in fact minute in the grand scheme of things, it implores me to enjoy the present, to hold space for myself by allowing my most authentic thoughts to flow which then often leads to creative ideas.

2. Podcasts

Ouuu Ouu! Oh, how I have been loving podcast episode, delivered by some amazing personalities. I was not much of a fan of podcasts, I listened only when I remembered or felt an urge to or when I was doing morning runs. The first one I ever listened to and continue to for years is the 'Lavendaire Podcast ' by Aileen- a podcast about self-improvement and living an amazing lifestyle. The other podcast I did tap into was 'The Passing through' podcast by Nigerian traveller Nneka. In June or so I got reintroduced to the 'Jesus & Jollof' podcast by two of my hilarious Nigerian immigrant personalities (my favourite being Yvonne Orji). I started from their 1st episode and I am slowing coming down to the most recent; they make me laugh very much but the most valuable thing I get from them is a form of reliability in life experiences; as I am also a Nigerian immigrant, I love Jesus and I definitely love Jollof (a Nigerian dish). An episode of Jesus & Jollof just adds spice & elevates my day.

I came across a lovable YouTuber by the name of Ali Abdaal he hosts a podcast with his brother Taimur entitled 'Not Overthinking' where they speak on varying topics in relation to human socialization; they offer intellectual views and in-depth thinking into life. I learn a lot from their episodes and they usually inspire me to think deeply about life and not just accept everything as it is ( I like that nudge). The 'In Demand Podcast' by Victoria Taylor which is a new podcast has been offering me valuable tips on my creative work and discipline. I actually know Victoria on a more personal basis because she leads an 'In Demand Mastermind Group' which I am a part of. She is still accepting participants, so if you desire a supportive community that keeps you accountable for your goals, you should join. We meet once a month. You can find more about that on her socials. My favourite episode so far is the one she had with a friend of mine, Vanessa Chambers (who featured in the 'WE ARE THE REVOLUTION' blog)

By far the most exciting podcast I have gotten hooked on is the 'I Said What I Said (ISWIS)' Podcast by Fay-Kemi & Jolla, two Nigerians living in Nigeria and sharing real-time life experiences. As someone who is constantly seeking to connect to her roots, this has been the most meaningful in that it offers me a connection to my homeland, in-depth understanding, and the current context of the activities. It is an enjoyable way of listening to Nigerian news. The hosts are also hilarious and savage.

Podcasts are easy mediums for taking in profitable information; they offer an array of benefits; from improving yourself as a human to inciting laughter, to connecting you to a different lifestyle to you honing your craft. I listen to them when I am getting ready, editing, cleaning, or cooking. With fewer social interactions this summer, podcasts make me feel like I am actually interacting with humans, exchanging ideas, and connecting. Podcasts are really awesome and I love listening to them.

3. Journaling

Now, I journal all year round but this summer- my journal and I have become closer. I recently ended a 30-day journal challenge and have been using my journal when I spend time with God in the morning. But more than these; I have been analyzing my actions (like unexpected overspending, emotional triggers & so on), after ruminating them in my mind, I’ll go to my journal and write what I think, in the process of writing I get more prompts like 'Why do you think this is so?' 'What can you do to change or improve this?' I end up having a concurrent discussion with myself, eliminating self-guilt, and actively improving myself.

Additionally, I make use of my gorgeous 'Wander & Explore' notebook from Do Good Paper to scrapbook and journal my memories from journeys which is an activity I now enjoy doing and I am hoping to get better at. Journaling tends to ease stress, makes one more aware of themselves, and is a hub for brain dump.

These are 3 simple, cheap, and invigorating ways I have been embarking in order to have a delightful summer. Normally these summer days would be spent bussing around from one place to another seeking an exciting experience. Summer 2020 has made me explore this in my immediate environment, in my very being whilst simultaneously transforming me. As a more busy period proceeds, I will still tap into these to make life more enjoyable- my best life, throughout the rest of the year.

I implore you to try which of these that best suits you or identify one enjoyable and gratifying activity you can do from home. Goodbye to a summer not entirely lost but simply redefined.

Thanks for stopping by.

Never stop Curating your best life.

-Y.E.N