Promises, Promises And Why God Makes Them
Imagine God promises you something, anything. Let's say... hair. He promises you hair because you are going bald and you’ve refused to eat for two days because of this. So he says, “Behold, my balding child!” In His earth-quaking voice, “I am going to give you hair, and fill up those bald spots! In fact, I’m going to give you a full head of hair; hair that’ll make Jon Snow weep!”
What do you think is going to happen?
Imagine God promises you something, anything. Let's say... hair. He promises you hair because you are going bald and you’ve refused to eat for two days because of this. So he says, “Behold, my balding child!” In His earth-quaking voice, “I am going to give you hair, and fill up those bald spots! In fact, I’m going to give you a full head of hair; hair that’ll make Jon Snow weep!”
What do you think will happen?
Well, there’s a likelihood that those adorable tufts of hair may not sprout instantaneously.
In my experience, when God gives me a promise, everything, and I mean EVERYTHING goes way south. It looks like the exact opposite of what He said, no sign of His promise. Nothing. It’s a dry, dry desert.
I believe He gives us promises because He knows we’ll need it down the line. We’ll need it to encourage ourselves, to stand firm in the capability of His power, and anticipate the splendor of His creative work.
If He tells you He’ll supply all your needs, at some point, you may not feel supplied at all. If He promises you hair, you may become Varys before you become Better-than-Jon Snow(enough with the GOT references, Ike). Bottom line, you may become completely bald before you get a chance to toss those locks in the wind.
At that point of complete baldness, you may not have what you want, but you have something pulsating with an inherent potential of God’s power— a promise! He sees the future and He knows things are going to go very South. He expects us to grab that promise, stare at it, speak it, shout it, write it, mutter it, imbibe it, own that promise until we are breathing and living in its reality.
God once gave me a promise and it did not look like it for a long time. Just like David or Abraham or Joseph, each of these guys waited at least 10 years before the promise was realized. Abraham waited until he was 99! David waited, running around in the mountains and the desert for years, trying to escape Saul, even AFTER David had been anointed king by Samuel; Joseph was sold as a slave, and he went to jail before all those stars bowed to him.
These 3 men had a promise each. There is a promise. Then there’s the wait or the trail. You must hold on. You must. Otherwise, what are you gonna do?
Why should you hold on? Because when the trial is over and you have won... there will be Isaac. There will be no Saul, and your greatness will exceed those before and after you, as was with David; never lost a battle, never lost his city, arguably the most respected king in history. When you wait out the promise, the stars will surely bow and so will the moon and the sun.
This is what happens to those who wait for my God.
Something You Don't see Everyday: Girl, X-box & Serial-killers
While I was away on my blog break, I played a good dose of Halo* on X-box. I came to realize that in this game, there’s no such thing as beginner's luck- at least not for those seemingly algorithmically challenged. That just isn't how the game is programmed. At all! Lol!
First, my player was lost half of the time. I had too many "wait-where-did-everyone-go?" moments. I kept running to all the wrong places and arrived at the right places when the battles were completely over. I spent most of the time restoring Ed’s player whenever he was wounded. I was basically like the Red-Cross soldier-gamer. I also spent some time shooting at my men, because I wasn't sure who the enemy was. Laugh if you will. Lol! This was my first time.
The most intriguing thing about this game, other than the fact that I became a serial-killer of my teammates was the uniform of my soldier. It really caught my attention. The armour covers the entire body surface of the player. You can't actually see him, he is completely encased in this bulky, imposing gear of protection.
Somewhere between my player's serial-killer attempts, I realized that this must be how the devil and his goons see us! When they look at us, they do not see me, Ike, or you, *insert name*. They see the whole armour of God (provided we have it on). They see God. They see strength, right-living, truth, faith, resilience! They don't see the flawed people we see in the mirror. Think about it, all those insecurities, failures and imperfections, all transformed into all that formidability. They are terrified of looking at us! God makes sure that there are no vulnerable points...unless we take them off - even then he covers us with his wings and his grace.
Baddest! I don't even know why Satan bothers.
So strap on the armour, the whole gear!
Guard your mind and reasoning with the helmet of salvation (know and acknowledge that you have been saved and are chosen);
Protect your heart and passions with the breastplate of righteousness (do what is right guided by the sweet principles of God);
Keep your pants up with the belt of truth (lies have a way of causing us shame by baring our behinds, don't ask);
Run around and tell people about Jesus, with your shoes of the gospel;
Protect yourself with the shield of faith by believing all of God's promises and confessing them (there are ~3,573 promises in the Bible. I probably have read only 60. Read one below);
You'd notice that the other items in the gear are protective, if you don't have a sword, you might as well be a punching bag that can't fight back. Attack with the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. It is active and sharper than any two-edged sword and literally can slice whatever! Satan and his goons get an allergic reaction when you speak out loud God's words to his suggestions. Seriously, he can’t deal. CAN NOT.
Eventually a certain someone got tired of killing her mates, so a certain someone bought the LEGO game, but who is she kidding? She is learning to play Call of Duty this week (hello, guns). Wish me all the best any gamer could bear!
If you don't have a helmet of salvation and are not yet God's soldier, you can, right here! Don't forget to get your gear! Do you play video games? What do you enjoy about them? When last did you personalize a promise of God? Here's a promise of God, regardless of how sad this week has been!
“You are my servant, I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand...Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I WILL help you.””
Halo* Military Sci-fi video game.
How To Deal With Worry Once and For All (Tested)
I'm about to read your mind.
Pick a bird. Your favorite bird.
Have we played this game before? I think we have. *Note to self: Expand game selection*
Right, so pick your favorite bird.
I, really am about to read your mind.
*insert smug look*
It's one of these 3: The Eagle, The Canary or The Parrot. Wait, wait The Crow?!
Should I take a much deserved bow or should I dodge rotten tomatoes?
If you are holding tomatoes, make sure you call me out below and let me know what your fave bird is.
Before you do though, I want to place one last safe bet: I'm very sure your answer wasn't 'The sparrow'. No one ever chooses sparrows.
Sparrows are one of the most despised birds in history, literally. It really startled me how much people have tried consistently to get rid of this particular bird.
In Ancient Greece, sparrows were disregarded because they were common, readily available, not rare enough, not exotic enough and you know how we humans are great at taking available things for granted, right? The Greeks chose to use sparrows as symbols depicting vulgarity, lust and any other basal desire they could think of in between steamy sauna sessions.
In the 50's, watch this, this one really perplexed me, China launched a campaign known as the Kill-a-sparrow campaign. During this time, China was trying to contain 4 main pests that had been bothering their communities and hampering their access to good hygiene: mosquitoes, rats, flies and sparrows.
I don't know what's worse, being classified with rats or with flies. Ick!
In the famous nursery rhyme, “Who killed Cock Robin”, guess who was conveniently accused of killing Cock Robin, the sparrow, yup, with his bow and arrow, he killed Cock Robin.
If there's anything you are certain of at the minute, it's that you don't want to be a sparrow, it has always been a hard-knock life for them. They would love to be given a break!
I recently took on a new set of responsibilities and projects in my life and for some reason-for some absolute random reason- I have found myself panicking. Out of control panicking. It's completely out of character. In fact, my father who is like the chill master of all chill-zen masters once commended my consistently unperturbed demeanor. Why am I freaking out?
Fact: God watches over sparrows.
No one else does; maybe Animal Rights, but not like God does.
Sparrows seem worthless but God watches over them because he made them. If God watches over the despised sparrow, he, sure is staring at you, watching your every move, guiding, keeping, protecting, not sleeping and working over time.
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.
Why, even all the hairs on your head have been counted! Stop being afraid. You are worth more than a bunch of sparrows.
”
How to deal with worry
- Don’t freak out
- Take a deep breath
- Say to yourself “If he cares about the sparrow, he’s definitely sooooo into me right now!” and say it like you mean it!
- Talk to God first! Not to a human. God.
- Dump it on his lap. Mentally paint a picture of your issues falling into God's lap. Step back. Thank him, forget about it and eat a snack.
- Wait for God
- If worry creeps in during the wait, do not freak out, start all over again from (2)
- Eat another snack
I would love to hear your thoughts on this! Also if I didn't get your bird right...you owe me a comment!
Experience: Pigtails and Dandies
Primary 6. My birthday. I believe I was dressed in something festive and frilly, probably pink and with a lot of tulle. I had my hair in neatly oiled nappy pigtails with twin, pink hair bobbles.
It was customary, at the school I attended, to celebrate your birthday, out of your uniform, in party clothes - all dolled-up and of course, as the center of attention for the day. No one could get enough of you. Suddenly, you had quite a few more friends than you did last week, mostly because at break time, your mum was going to arrive at school with a very colorful cake, several packs of sweets, packets of Dandy and Robot chewing gums, and glorious crates of Coca cola and Fanta. Sugar-high for days, baby!
On this particular birthday, I was indeed dolled up. I was ready. I was the realest MVP. Mum was coming and we, all, would soon be swimming and splashing in candy. Break-time came and I smugly looked outside the window (I had a good view of the school gate) and was certain I'd see mum coming in with the school janitor helping her with the "stuff".
Hmmnn. No mum. No sweets. No dandy. No candy.
Quickly, my MVP status vanished and I was left by myself. All those friends and dandy-lovers ditched me the moment break-time was over. One of my friends stayed though. Her name was Bimbo. She hung with me and we both waited for my mum. I can't explain how devastated I was. A no-show on your birthday was like dressing up, leaving your house and going to your fave restaurant and realizing the restaurant had been burnt down the night before! OK, it wasn't that bad, but you get me, though?
I remained in my class, on my seat; I wouldn't step a foot out. Err... because what's the point if you have no dandy to show! Dandy was the life. Bimbo stayed and cheered me up. She might have offered me some of her stuff to celebrate, she was known to do stuff like that and she always had sweets in her lunch box. The last period of school came and as I now had been secluded to the "meh"-section of class, (it's very possible my partner moved to another seat: No Dandy, No love), I mopped; my puffy pigtails made me look like a sad Minnie Mouse.
Just as last period starts, from the corner of my eye, I see a little commotion outside the window; the school janitor is carrying a brown carton of something, someone else, behind him is carrying crates of Fanta and Coke! My eyes light up as I see mum in tow, walking swiftly in her clogs, a brightly colored satin dress draped delicately over her slender frame, two huge black and white shopping bags on both arms! I remember being full of so much joy and delight but I couldn't speak because class was on.
Mum came into class, all glorious and colorful, with sweets and goodies for days. In an instant, the dandy-lovers were all over me again, even more intensely than before! Bimbo, of course, became my right-hand girl, the vice president in charge of the dandies and Fantas. I don't think I ate anything, I was just delighted to see mum!
One day, when many people have given up hope, "moved on" and have secluded Him into the "meh" corner, God will come, glorious and brightly colored with angels singing and goodies for eternity. Don't ditch God because you think he won't come. I know, I know He has been arriving for a while now but He's only taking this long because he wants everyone to be saved or at least get a chance at it. He will come. Don't desert your faith. Stick to it.
Stick to the unseen dandy!
Do you ever wonder if God will arrive when you least expect? What was your favorite birthday memory as a child? God bless the Bimbo's in our lives! Who remembers dandy and robot? Lol! If you'd like to meet Jesus, you can, here!
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Hey, Boo, Whatchu Got there in Your Hands?
I have been thinking about this blog post for a week now. I can't sleep until it's ready! Ok, here goes:
Every single one of us has something we must achieve on earth, something we are predestined to accomplish in life. Some of us know what it is, some of us don't. For those who do, please consider this: If there is something you are called to do, please do it. Forget the limitations. Forget the supposed inadequacies. Forget that you aren't as educated or trained as everyone else. Forget all the reasons you shouldn't try.
Last week Thursday, at about 11.45am, I'm flipping through my bible and for some reason I flip to the book of Judges. The only people I know from this book are Judge Deborah, Gideon and Samson. Anyway, in my flipping, I find this guy known as Shamgar. I know, never heard of him myself, until Thursday.
In my mind's eye, Shamgar has a stern, weathered face with a curly, shiny beard; happy, beady eyes which grow cold and gaga when he gets cranky. He got cranky, really cranky, a number of times. It's recorded that he killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad.
If you just brushed over that like meh...you need to read it again.
Shamgar killed 600 men with an oxgoad.
An oxgoad is a farm instrument with a pointy end used to prod ox on their tushes to get them moving along. I want to imagine that this poky end is not particularly sharp enough to pierce through skin, because no one wants to hurt their livestock.
Mr. Shamgar-Gaga-eyes killed with it. 600 times. I'm not sure how.
A little background, during his time, Israel was hustle town. They were broke and constantly bullied at that time by whoever cared to be bothered by their existence. They were so broke and helpless, that they didn't even have ammunition to fight against their oppressors.
Judge Debbie mentions in Judges 5, that spears were rare during this time. Gear and kevlars were a little unavailable; there were no night-goggles, swords, arrows, nothing.
Meanwhile, this guy, Shamgar, without ammo, steps in on the scene and performs some world-class guerilla attack on the Philistines.
600 men with an oxgoad.
Moses crossed the Red Sea -not a river, a sea, using a raggedy, wooden shepherd's staff! *hello, goosebumps*
David killed a 9-foot terrorist with a sling and stones!
Here's the cute part. These tools are items they've always had with them, stuff they used everyday to do menial jobs! Shamgar poked tushes with his oxgoad; Moses grabbed stray, confused sheep with his staff, David caught pheasants for dinner with his sling and probably strolled down the road, flashing it, all wooden and rugged, to the uncontrollable swoon of several girls. (David was the Beiber of his time. Just in case you didn't know. That sling was arguably the best part of his game. Wink.)
They are right there, our game changers- instruments we use everyday, that lay carelessly on our desks, that sit idly on our dressers, that sit in the car boot; instruments we take for granted, stuff that we've had in our hands all along!
Don't despise your instruments and don't look down on your abilities. When God's power courses through those things we hold in our hands, we will achieve much more than we could even ever imagine or devise!
So hey boo, whatchu got there in your hand?
Written after a complete panic attack about my writing skills being completely inadequate. And then Shamgar happened! *grin* Do you ever feel this way? Do you ever get those panic attacks? What gets you through? Have you discovered your calling? How did it happen? I would love to hear your thoughts!
PGI's July Girl: MOPE (The Dope Girl-Next-Door)
On Friday afternoons, when the yellow school buses line up across my street to pick up the school kids, chances are that I am listening to Mope Oyetunji's distinctly chirpy voice, discussing inspirational topics with her guests on the TGIF radio show. Most of the time, I find myself hollering my opinions at my radio, hoping that they are a little telepathic. Lol.
I’ve known Mope for about 5 years now and in that "short" time, I can testify with both hands on the holy book that she's remarkably special, she inspires me with her heels, her words, her happy heart, and her dedication to God. During our interview, she touched my heart more than once, without preaching a sermon and that’s not something you see everyday.
She's a Corrosion Engineer. She used to be a model, working with brands such as Oando, Iamisigo and orange culture.
She also has a truck load of girlfriends, if you are a guy, you might want to get her number. Be warned though, her husband is over 6'3 tall and I will not rescue you, I repeat, will not. Lol.
She discusses the key to work-life-God-self balance; her experience "living with a boy"; busts a popular modeling myth and insinuates that Moimoi trumps Akara. Let's meet her, and the many sides of her colorful Rubik's cube personality!
Warning: We laughed for a good part of this interview. Bear with us, laugh with us!
The Style-lover
First things first, I will start with the most important question to ask a style-savvy Engineer:
Is it possible to look good in a hard-hat?
Yes! *laughs* with some lippie and a great smile!
What was the best part about modeling?
The Giveaways! I’m kidding, the ‘Dress up’.
How did you get into it?
My friend, Bubu, recruited me. She had just started her label, iamisigo and she needed someone to help her model her clothes, so I volunteered. I did some other jobs after, mainly through referrals. Even though it was short term, I made the best of the experience and enjoyed every second of it.
What skills do you need to begin a modeling career?
Confidence. Courage. Strength. It's important to look after yourself- face, body and overall health. Also developing networking skills is a plus, referrals are big in the fashion industry.
Any modeling myths, you could bust for us?
The most obvious myth would be that models don’t eat! That’s not true at all. I’ve met a model who eats like a horse. Sometimes, it’s really just their genes and other times it’s eating healthy as well as portion-control. It’s all about those portions!
Do you dance in changing rooms?
Absolutely! Who doesn’t! *laughs*
Your hugest style influence?
My Mother. I call her "Fashionista Mama". My friends back in Nigeria go to her sometimes for material choices for events.
Do you ever hide an outfit in the store with plans to return to buy it?
Hahahaha! Definitely! Especially when it’s on SALE and I need to do a quick inspection of the clothes in my wardrobe that go with it!
Cyber shopping or store-shopping?
Cyber shopping (only because I don’t have the time)
What was the last thing you bought but had to return?
A pair of Mustard heels from Zara.
You are in a Men's clothing store, name two items you'd grab for your outfit?
Oh la la! Suspenders and those shocking brightly-colored socks.
*********
The Friend-Lover
What's the key to maintaining great relationships with girlfriends?
Loyalty and discretion. You shouldn’t tell Girlfriend C what Girlfriend A has told you in confidence.
What’s the key to being friends with guys?
Being truthful. Boys love the truth!
So girls don’t love the truth?
Hmmmmn
*we both burst out laughing*
What's the hugest lesson you've learnt from being married?
Compromise! In marriage, you’re a team and for two people to work together as a team, each member must give and take once in a while. Note: I said once in a while (no one should be a door mat)*laughs*
What's the coolest thing about "living with a boy”?
You get to wear his shirts, when you can’t be bothered about dressing up around the house!
**********
The God-Lover
How did you meet God?
I grew up in a Christian home but never really knew God for myself until 2006 when I was involved in a car accident in Ghana. I had a divine encounter with God and I remember saying “Lord, I am Yours, I want to be a vessel fit for Your use. I dedicate myself to You, use me for your Will.” From that day on I began a journey to enter a new spiritual life through God's Holy Spirit.
What's the coolest thing about Him?
His Sense of Humor! No jokes- I’m here asking God for akara meanwhile He has moin-moin in the oven waiting for me but I just don’t see it. His plans are always grander than mine.
Do you serve in church?
Yes I do, I’m a Junior Church (Children) teacher primarily. I’m involved in the Broadcast department where I host radio shows and present the news on Sunday (Visual). Lastly, I’m in the Virtuous Women’s Committee which is built to guide, strengthen and encourage women in the church amidst their busy schedules in life.
*Side eye* I just want to say for the record that I serve in ONE unit in church and I still feel a little overwhelmed! How do you do it? How do you balance it all-life, God, work, marriage, friends… all in heels?
*laughs* I think what works for me is ‘Prioritizing’ I’ve always used Jill Briscoe’s word Picture: picture each priority in your life as a box. Don’t try to completely fill each box or you’ll be exhausted. I ask God which boxes should be first in line for the season, even for the day. I reorganize them accordingly and then only fill up the first ones in line, voluntarily leaving the others only minimally filled, there’s that calm. That’s my balance – filling up what God wants me to and leaving the rest for another season because I’m no super girl. *laughs*
Describe hosting a radio show with one word?
AMAZING (A mix of Splendid and Unpredictable)
That’s 7 words!
I know! *laughs* Hosting is unpredictable because you never know what the audience is thinking and what their response might be on the other side.
Does it help to look pretty going to the radio show even if you won't be seen? Like, does it
help you get into host-mode or help your show-biz psyche? Lol
Hahaha! Sometimes, but saying that I think a lot of times my mood dictates my style for the day as opposed to the other way round.
Do you ever feel like not talking on the day of the talk show? Let's assume you've had a long, tiring day, do you scowl at the mic?
*laughs* No! There have been a couple of times when I’ve been super knackered after a long week but you’ll be amazed how the topic in itself motivates you or even simply getting in front of the Mic and thinking ‘No one wants to hear grumpy’, you just kinda shake it off.
What types of topics throws the station into an excited, air-pulsating frenzy-with phones ringing off the table and guests almost off their seats?
Haha! Relationships!
The Self-Lover
Do you ever have me-time? What do you do then?
Oh yes, I do- it keeps me sane and re-energizes me. I read inspirational articles (online- I don’t do books), listen to podcasts or I go for a run (if the weather plays nice).
5 things in your handbag right now as we speak:
Cocoa butter lip therapy Vaseline, my bunch of keys hanging off a cowboy-boots key-holder, nail file, spare earrings (just in case I leave home in a hurry), tissues.
Eau de Parfum or Eau Naturale?
Eau de Parfum. Ike, don't even play like that. *laughs*
4 Things I've learnt
1. Put spare earrings in all your handbags! They are the easiest things to forget in a hurry.
2. Daily priority list- ask God to tag the most important items for the day!
3. As a girl, I really should listen when my friends advise me and I should try this baked moi-moi recipe…hmmm.
4. Opportunities arise from being a blessing and being selfless. Who needs a model for free? *Grin*
Thank you so much, Mope, for being PGI's July girl!! Love you to style heaven and back!
Catch the TGIF show on Fridays at 7pm GMT, here!
What To Do With All That Cray-Cray!
Sometimes God tells us a little something about our future, about his plans for us, about the tasks he needs us to accomplish. I have learnt not try to explain these things to anyone. It will make zero sense to them. If you've ever tried, you'll find yourself trying to convince these people that...you...aren't...a...little...mad.
You know how God's plans are a little shocking? Well, let me be the first to say he has shocking plans for you, just like he had for all the cool patriarchs. They all sounded and looked a little crazy because they chose to follow God's instructions. They also didn't bother to explain anything to anyone.
For example, if Noah tried to explain what God told him to his neighbors, it'll sound a little like this:
"Duh. Look at the clouds. *pointing at a clear, cloudless, blue sky*"It's going to rain cats, dogs and their mothers, baby. Hehe" *continues hammering the 450 feet boat in a desert*
*side eye*
If Jesus was going to explain what he came to do:
"I will be killed, well, not really, as in, not killed...killed like forever. Maybe for like a few days, I won't be dead for too long, tops, the weekend and then we can get around to the fish barbecue party Peter suggested the other day. Who's bringing the coal?"
*two side eyes*
If Abraham had to explain the Isaac-fiasco, it'll sound like this:
"Eliezer, look, I'm going to kill my kid. Sharpen the knife. No, not that one. The one with the brown hilt, firmer grip. Shh, Eliezer. Don't panic. It will all work out. See you later and make the goat stew I like, with some spicy herbs on the side, the ones with the tangy taste. Ciao!"
*wide eye- side eye*
If Moses had to explain:
"Things could get ugly, I know, but look, I'm walking...just me...into the world's most powerful presidential villa and I will demand the release of their slaves and then *whistles*, we are out of there! Yes, I know I stutter *rolls his eyes* Of course, I won't be arrested, you worry too much. Yes, I know they throw prisoners to the crocodiles!"
Stop trying to explain your life to people. Stop. They will NOT understand. Heck, even you don't understand God's perfect plan for your life. All you know is that his plans are good, not evil, filled with purpose and have been set even before the earth existed.
You'd notice that walking with God involves a lot of raised-brow-side-eye situations. Everyone will think you are super-cray but you are in good company *clinking glasses with Mary, Noah, Joseph, Abraham, Isaiah, J-bae*! So what to do with all that cray, keep it to yourself.
Hey, what are your thoughts? Do you get frustrated when people don't understand your word from God? Do they give you side-eyes? Or are you a keep-it-to-myself kinda person?
Please remember to share!
6 Ways to Get out of a Creative Rut
I wish creativity came in a box and all you had to do was add water and stir but it doesn't--not yet anyway. While we all hold our breaths and wait for Nestlé to come up with this fab beverage, we need to find ways to manage our creative lags/ruts.
This is a list of 6 things that I hope will be beneficial to you whenever you feel a little lethargic with your creative work. Here goes:
1. Rest
Your mind is a living, breathing thing that likes to laze around on sunny beaches and sip piña coladas, contrary to general perception. It deserves to relax, considering the fact that it gives you more than a hundred percent of performance everyday. Take time out to relax-an hour, a day, a week. Even God is an advocate for rest days. #NotEverytimeCreateBotanicalGarden
2. Change your routine
Same chair, same wall, same noises, same voices in your head. Sometimes it helps to shuffle things around in your living and creative space to create more creative urges and stimulants. Rearrange your desk or work area. Something as little as a newly hung piece of wall art or changing the position of your desk could kick start that creative process.
3. Do something else
PGI girl, Laju says whenever she is stuck in a creative process, she leaves it alone and does something else. If you are running around in circles, consider stopping what you are doing and going for a walk or playing a game or going hang-gliding. Shrug.
4. Open yourself up (not to everything, of course)
According to Alice Laplante, you need to keep your mind open to be able to create new things. If your mind is shut up, your creativity will be relatively stunted and who wants that? Of course, not all things are beneficial (think drugs), so have all your necessary guards up to the things that would be harmful to your well-being and spirit but also learn to appreciate new things and experiences.
5. Eat properly
Food helps creativity. However, a lot of creative people seem to "forget" to eat. Artists like MichaelAngelo and Van Gogh were also meal skippers because they were fixated on their tasks and meeting deadlines, I can't say I blame them. For the impressionists of the 1800s, absinthe and tobacco were their creative foods for some reason--those are not on the top 15 creativity-enhancing food list by the way. A good, consistent diet helps to enhance creativity as well as maintain good physical health.
6. Toss your work to God
It's a good idea to pray about your work. Commit your works unto the Lord and it will be established (Proverbs 16vs3). I love it when the bible gets explicit. Wink.
If you know anyone struggling with their creativity, this could help! Please share!
Hey! Did you read my short-story feature on Tope Owolabi's blog? Not yet? Read it here!
I once met this guy with a beard. A beard like nothing Ed and I have ever seen before. It was jet black( fiercely so), full, light reflected off its healthy sheen that from a particular angle, you'd think the hair was white. We decided to ask what his secret was. “Coconut oil”, He said. Nothing else. He couldn't do anything wrong in my eyes after that beard. Of course, we all took a picture with him( not him, but really with his beard)...