GRACEFUL
Why the garden is an important space for every family?
by Chinyere Nwakanma
May 25 /05/ 2025 16.36p.m BST
Having a garden is something many people see as a vital must have on the list when purchasing or renting a house. So are other people not interested in gardens as they see garden maintenance as an arduous task . Gardening is a sport, a lifestyle , a job and a hobby. Many might ask me the reason why I consider gardening as a sports. A sports is an activity that involves physical exertion and skills in which an individual or team competes against one another or others for entertainment purposes.
There have been gardening competitions of recently , to find out whose gardens can produce the best flowers or who can produce the best food of which as a garden enthusiast I find very interesting. In the western world , the tractors do all the gardening, but in the third world farmers still use their hoes and machetes to till the ground and fill them with seeds. Gardening is a concept that show lots about sowing and reaping, of which many of us who grew up in recent times do not actually think about where the food we consume daily comes from. Our biology teachers do keep our imaginations running wild on how the oxygen helps our crops to live.We pass through the gardens and just see the trees as vital aspects of nature and all we want to eat is food.I think the farmers need to be praised for giving us food , even though farming is an enterprise, but only for the diligent considering that you need to wait for harvest time to come, before you can make profits by selling the harvested crops.And in this world of now ,now ,now many people see farming as an enterprise, that is not for them, because the journey of getting the seeds to become fruits and processed food is not a journey for tomorrow's payday .How can we embrace farming as a profession when we can just get a little nap?.For those who cut our flowers ,they need to carry their heavy machines with fearful blades, which means that gardening is not a job for those who are not strong .Without the gardeners there will be no posh streets and the new flower designs make their job vital to this world. Entering a garden to have some fresh air is part of recreation. Some people go to the gardens to jog and run.Family picnics with pictures taken in the garden are good memorabilia for future remembrances. We have lots to gain by embracing gardening and taking it up as a hobby.Having vegetables and saving on vegetables can be something good for the family ,when they have vegetables in their gardens.This is a cost effective way of saving on food by having a little farm.There is nothing so nice and beautiful as waking up to see your own fresh tomatoes at the back of your home.Gardening is a beautiful aspect of our lifestyles because homes look more beautiful when the front house is adorned with exotic flowers with flamboyant colours .And for those who like having fresh flowers in the house,some of them produce natural perfumes that are needed to keep the homes smelling nice.For those with kids ,gardens are beautiful spaces where kids can run around when bored with sitting at home. A beautiful orchard of strawberry , tells us what happens before the sweet fruits are shelved in our stores and an orchard of fruits is vital to providing humans with the needed vitamins.Eating fruits and vegetables is considered as one of the healthiest way to live.Since the garden spaces do provide us with fruits and vegetables, they are vital to our living well as healthy humans.In a new world where taking a nap is the best concept , getting ones hands dirty is something the youngsters see as alien and many do not have any idea of the plants that give them the fruits on the supermarket shelves.
The blooming flowers growing over the garden fence make a beautiful view from the windows
An orchard of strawberry showing how much is done for the fruits to be on our supermarket shelves
Orchards of fruits are vital to providing humans with the needed vitamins.
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GRACEFUL
Home and Garden
May 21 /05/ 2025 20.55p.m BST
The Bloom that keeps Blooming
by Chinyere Nwakanma
I am amazed at the beauty of the British spring and it is one of the most beautiful time of the year. I was speaking to someone about the new life of capitalism around the world, which has made us a generation that does not appreciate the simple things of life. Life has become more about how much one has banked leaving everyone with a mindset of misery and some taking it to the other level of ending it all.Sometimes I wish people could pause and look at the flowers of the British spring and the beauty of the British landscapes. I was at the fields to take new images , as I looked around to see the different shades of colours that make this country a beauty to behold.Despite the little shenanigans that come from people trying to know how much is in your purse , of which my mind is distant from and which is a total distraction to my work as a writer.I find the flowers awe inspiring as they remind me of the goodness surrounding us.There is always a better tomorrow even if today looks gloomy.After spring last year came the summer and as the year was ending every tree dried.That was magical because when you thought that the trees were dead , the next year as you pass by during spring the flowers gradually come to life.Sometimes I do wonder what happens inside the little plants as they go to sleep and then wake up again the next year.I have this flower in front of my place and I watched it dry off last year, but this year it came alife again.The bloom that keeps blooming could not die , despite the harsh weather that came to stop it from gracing and beautifying our street.Nature nurtures it through the days of little sunshine , but the resilience inside the plant system , made it to stay strong until the next year when it came alife again,surviving with the nourishment it has stored inside when the weather was nice and that brings us to the story of hope.Resilience comes from having inbuilt values that keep us strong through the thick and thin of life.The bloom that keeps blooming hardly dies.It is kept refreshed every year by nature.It lives on hope because here it is standing by the corner of the street, oblivious of who is feeding it, but it is well looked after by the neighbours of its owners and its owners too.Next year it comes alife again bringing joy to passers-by and hope to the deep thinkers.When we live in the now, we fail to appreciate the audacity of hope .No matter the challenges we maybe facing today, challenges do have their expiry dates and once the expiry dates come,they will exit the way they came.When we do not hope that our challenges will end ,we live in despair.No child remains the same height as when they were born, they keep growing until they reach their final height.We see some ending it up before their time of reaching their final heights.Just as the world keep getting new ideas, everyone is born with that innate ability to keep growing and getting better at the things they are doing or the things that their parents did not do.It does not matter if they get it now, now,now, or latter in life.That is the beauty and wisdom to escaping the moments of despair that make people to decide to end it all.Even if one feels deserted by the world ,they need to look at the flowers of the deserts which even though standing alone keep getting stronger .When the herdsmen passes, they become sources of succour for them and their herds.The herds feed on the leaves and the herdsmen sit under the trees to keep safe from the harsh Sun.Everyone and everything on earth have relevance to the world.This is the simplicity of the beauty of creation.Even the little birds and the noises they make ,sitting on the trees around our homes keep us awake as humans.The barking dogs, the mewing cats , even though they are animals bring us joy.When we fail to realise how much the world is blessed to behold the beauty around us,we tend to drag little things that stop us from enjoying the little blessings we have with others.Whether your home is in Sheraton plaza or in the hills of Zanzibar,you have a roof over your head.It is the roof that you need.There is something to be delighted about , wherever you are placed.Our curiosities and desires to get what others have , make us to get hurt because we have not come to the point of looking around us to see the beauty of our world.Think about the summer holidays,even if you cannot travel to Zanzibar to see the beautiful lakes, right behind your home is somewhere as beautiful as the lakes of Zanzibar, so enjoy your lake until providence helps you to travel and leave your worries behind.There are many who wish to see the blooming flowers around us, but providence did not give them the gift of seeing.But they are happy in the little given to them,at least they can touch people.Some cannot walk and some cannot even listen to the beautiful sounds of the running springs nor see the sights and sounds of London , but hope keeps them going.They depend on people that they have not seen to feed them not worrying about being hurt.They sing to the tunes of nature having never seen the radios nor seen any musician, but they are happy and they are keeping hope alive.We need to be aware of the pressures that keep us in the places of losing hope to the point of thinking of ending it up and run away from them.Even when those that do not understand us or our nature say nasty things about us,there must be one person who loves us deeply without prejudice or judging us, that one person could be the reason why we are here.Sometimes we do not need the appreciation of multitudes to find reasons to stay strong even during the times of our trials.There must be someone who loves us despite our mistakes and frailties and that one person should not skip our minds when we are thinking that despair is our last resort to sorting the challenges around us.If someone is there to keep embarrassing you , just stay away , because he has no understanding of the turmoil within you.He has never won the shoes you are wearing.He is in his own perfect world.Do not end it all for him, because he is in his own comfort zone. Be contented where you are at each moment.Just as the flowers of spring keep blooming at its spot, keep blooming at your spot, until the earth hears your voice and even if they do not hear you,your mum,your dad,your friends,your wife , your husband your brothers and sisters and neighbours will hear you.And when you need a shout when overwhelmed by the challenges of life, reach out to them for comfort that is the reason why providence made them to know you.Even if strangers cannot comfort you through your challenges, reach out to the one person who loves you and will never judge you.You are not here by mistake. Look up !!!!.
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HOME AND GARDEN
Spring awakes the sleeping flowers
by Chinyere Nwakanma 15.26 Pm BST Mon 05/05/2025
As we are in Spring about to enter summer, the flowers are blooming and waking up from the sleep and slumber of winter. It is beautiful to see London and the cities of the world wake up to the beauty of spring, the green trees , the green leaves and the flowers. The sprinkling of the water by our gardening enthusiast friends and watching them trimming their flowers is a joy .To see the flowers ones dried up change into different beautiful layers of colours and shapes is what makes the season magical. Their skills at gardening reminding us that there are people working to keep the environments beautiful. They are not paid to do that, but they are dutiful and we pass each day enjoying the sights and sounds of London, as the birds sit on the trees chirping , through the days ,nights, weeks and months. The flowers of spring, spring out in colours of blue, red, white and Purple, as we put springs on our legs, moving to the cities to work. The flowers of spring ,put springs on our feet, as we awake the dawn of each new day, remembering that passing through the streets, we will see the sea as we sit down, in the buses thinking about all things bright and beautiful.The morning beckoning the sunshine,the sunshine enveloping the flowers, as they open to the sights and sounds of the beautiful spring time.Everyone gasping at the beauty that comes with the season.The flowers of spring make us to know that after dryness comes plenty , giving fresh hope to the living. The high streets adorned with the natural fresh sweet smelling flowers, make us to know that spring brings fresh hope, spring is a time for celebration of the beauty that life gives us . When we think that there is nothing good happening around us, remember the flowers of spring, the petals and the bright leaves adorning every street, every fields and even at the bank of the Rivers, near the brooks of the running streams ,the flowers blossom. We awaken the dawn of each new day with hope , knowing that there is hope for each new day, past the embarrassing moments of the past, past the failures, past the shame, past the tears, just as the flowers blossom, we live in hope that life will get better. And whether things become better or not as we thought they should be ,we do not need to tear up ,as the spring reminds us that we are watered from the springs.The beauty of British Spring shown from the gardens near the springs, the brooks and the Rivers with sprawling green grasses and the bright beautiful flowers. Watered from sources that are alien to us, because we live on hope and we are reassured that from the sights and sounds of the waters of spring, the brooks running, the birds singing we know that we are looked after. Just as the rain drizzles without our beckoning, the rain drizzles without our bank machines rolling out pounds for payments. The rain that waters our gardens in the spring comes without announcements but we know that each day as we step out ,as we look on, as we look up, as we shop ,as we cook, as we travel, that we will not be lacking water to drink ,because we are well looked after by providence. As we continue to bask in the sunlight that comes once in a while, past the dark of the early nights of winter, we know that change will come for us because we live by hope and spring tells us that we are watered and will continue to be watered , as we pick up our watering cans , to sprinkle the gardens to bring more life to the flowers of Spring, we know each day that there is HOPE for mankind.
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Finding Light in the Shadows: A Journey Through Depression
20/01/2025
In the depths of darkness, when the world feels heavy and hope seems distant, it’s easy to believe that you’re all alone. Many of us have experienced the overwhelming weight of sadness, the sense of being trapped in an endless cycle of despair. But amidst the struggle, there’s a flicker of light—a reminder that healing is possible and connection is within reach. This journey through depression can be daunting, but it can also be a path to understanding ourselves more deeply and finding moments of joy, no matter how small. Together, let’s explore ways to navigate this challenging terrain, embrace our emotions, and discover the strength that lies within us. You are not alone, and there is hope waiting for you just beyond the shadows.
Depression is just a scene of your life not a state.
Here is the gist, Scenes are phases of your life whether good or bad which don’t last but what you do in them determines what the state of your life will be like when you are out of that phase.
State is a result of whether you made good use of every phase you go through. This is the accumulated score of your challenges you have overcome
In moments when the world feels unbearably heavy, it’s crucial to recognize the deep pain that accompanies depression. If you’re grappling with this silent struggle, I want you to hear me clearly: I see you. I see the battles you fight daily, the moments when getting out of bed feels like an insurmountable task. It’s not just in your head; the emotions you carry are profound and real. They matter. Your experience is significant, and acknowledging that is the first step toward healing.
Your feelings are valid, no matter how confusing or isolating they may seem. It’s easy to dismiss our emotions or feel ashamed of them, but it’s vital to embrace what you’re going through. Whether you’re overwhelmed by sadness, feeling detached from everything, or wrestling with a constant sense of anxiety, each of these feelings tells a part of your story. They deserve to be honored and understood. By allowing yourself to sit with these emotions, you open the door to understanding your own heart better.
As you navigate this journey, remember that you don’t have to carry this burden alone. There are people who genuinely want to support you and who understand the depths of your pain. Reaching out for help can be daunting, but it’s a courageous step toward reclaiming your life. You are worthy of compassion, and together, we can illuminate the path through this darkness, reminding you that hope and healing are possible, even when they feel out of reach.
Inspire Hope
Depression can often feel like a heavy fog, enveloping everything in darkness. Yet, it’s essential to remember that this fog isn’t permanent. Your journey through depression is just that—a journey. There will be twists and turns, moments of despair, and also glimmers of light. Each day is an opportunity for growth and healing, and change is always possible. Even when it feels like you’re standing still, every small effort you make is a step toward brighter days. Hold onto that hope; it can be your guiding star, illuminating the path ahead.
Celebrate Small Wins
In the midst of struggle, it’s easy to overlook the small victories that make a difference. Each day, you might achieve little things that deserve recognition. Maybe you got out of bed when it felt impossible, or perhaps you took a moment to enjoy a favourite song. These are not just mundane actions; they are powerful affirmations of your strength. Celebrate these moments, no matter how small, for they are the building blocks of recovery. Each step forward, no matter how tiny, is a testament to your courage and resilience. Embrace these wins, and let them remind you that progress is being made, one day at a time.
Self-Care Strategies
As you navigate your journey through depression, remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Simple practices can provide gentle nudges toward healing. Consider journaling your thoughts, allowing your feelings to flow onto the page. A walk outside, even if just around the block, can help clear your mind and connect you with the world. Engaging with nature—feeling the breeze or noticing the beauty of a tree—can ground you in the present moment. These small acts of kindness toward yourself can make a significant difference, helping you reconnect with the light within.
Seek Support
Never underestimate the power of reaching out. Connecting with friends, family, or a trusted mental health professional can be a lifeline during tough times. Talking about your feelings can bring relief and clarity. You don’t have to face this journey alone; there are resources available, such as helplines and support groups, where you can find understanding and compassion. Sharing your experiences with others can lighten the burden, reminding you that support is always within reach.
Normalize Seeking Help
Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is crucial. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to acknowledge when you need support, and doing so is a powerful step toward healing. Therapy or counseling can be incredibly beneficial, offering a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Many people find that talking to a professional helps them navigate their journey, providing tools to cope and thrive. Embrace the idea that reaching out for help is a courageous act, and know that you are not alone in this journey.
Practice Mindfulness
In the midst of depression, it can be challenging to find peace, but embracing mindfulness can be a powerful ally. Mindfulness encourages you to focus on the present moment, allowing you to find calm amidst the storm. Simple grounding techniques, such as taking deep breaths or observing your surroundings, can help anchor you when your mind feels overwhelming. Try to immerse yourself in the sensations around you—the warmth of sunlight, the sound of leaves rustling. These moments can create a sense of tranquility, reminding you that even in darkness, there is still beauty to be found.
Express Emotions
It’s important to remember that your feelings are valid, whatever they may be. It’s okay to experience sadness, anger, or confusion; these emotions are part of your journey. Allow yourself the space to feel deeply. Journaling can be a powerful outlet, offering a safe haven for your thoughts and emotions. Write freely, without judgment, letting your feelings flow onto the page. If words feel difficult, explore other creative outlets—drawing, painting, or even music can provide a voice for what’s inside. Embracing and expressing your emotions can help lighten the load, allowing you to process what you’re experiencing and gradually find your way back to the light.
Foster Connection
In the journey through depression, one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is connection. Finding others who understand your struggles can create a profound sense of companionship and support. Consider reaching out to online communities or local support groups where you can share experiences, fears, and triumphs with those who truly get it. These spaces can offer a refuge, reminding you that you’re not alone in this fight. The bonds you form can be a source of strength, providing encouragement and hope when you need it most.
Connecting with others can also foster a sense of belonging that often feels elusive in times of darkness. Sharing your story and hearing the stories of others can illuminate commonalities, making the weight of depression feel lighter. Whether through a local meetup or a virtual group, these connections can create a nurturing environment that cultivates healing and understanding. You deserve this support; don’t hesitate to seek it out.
Share Resources
Alongside connection, accessing the right resources can enrich your journey. There are numerous blogs, podcasts, and books that delve into the experiences of depression and the pathways to recovery. These resources can provide valuable insights and comforting narratives that resonate with your own feelings. Engaging with this material can empower you, offering new perspectives and coping strategies to incorporate into your daily life.
As you explore these resources, consider curating a personal toolkit of favourites that speak to you. Whether it’s a podcast that lifts your spirits or a book that offers comfort and guidance, having these materials on hand can serve as a reminder that hope and healing are possible. You’re not just navigating this journey; you’re building a community and a wealth of knowledge to help light your way forward.
Reinforce Resilience
As you come to the end of this journey, take a moment to recognize the incredible strength and resilience within you. Each step you’ve taken, no matter how small, is a testament to your courage. While the path through depression may be winding and challenging, it’s essential to remember that brighter days are indeed ahead. You possess the power to navigate this journey, and with each day, you are moving closer to healing and hope. Trust in your ability to rise above the shadows; your spirit is stronger than you realize.
Embrace Professional Help
In this journey, speaking to a therapist can be one of the most valuable steps you take. A professional can offer guidance, support, and tools tailored to your unique experience. Embracing help is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is an act of profound strength and self-compassion. It shows that you are committed to your healing and willing to invest in your future. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. Seeking professional support can illuminate the path ahead, providing clarity and encouragement as you work toward brighter days.
Invite Reflection
Before you move forward, I invite you to pause and reflect. Take a deep breath, allowing yourself to fully inhabit this moment. Visualize the future you desire—one filled with light, joy, and possibility. Picture the small victories, the connections you've made, and the support you’ve gathered along the way. Embrace this vision as a source of motivation and comfort. Remember, hope is a flickering flame within you, waiting to be nurtured. As you move forward, carry this sense of hope with you; it will guide you toward the brighter days that await.
In Conclusion
I need you to know that your journey through depression is not a solitary one. You are surrounded by resources, support, and a community that understands. Embrace the help available to you, whether through friends, family, or professionals.
Each day is a new opportunity for growth, healing, and connection. As you move forward, hold onto the hope that brighter days lie ahead. Trust in yourself and the resilience that has carried you this far. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to the light. You are worthy of joy, healing, and a future filled with promise.
This journey through depression can feel isolating and overwhelming, but it's essential to remember that you are not alone. Embracing the idea that depression is a journey not a destination (scene not state) helps foster hope and resilience.
Each small step you take is a victory worth celebrating, whether it’s getting out of bed or reaching out to a friend. These moments matter, reminding you of your strength and capacity for change.
Practicing self-care and mindfulness can be powerful tools in navigating this path. Simple actions, like journaling or taking a walk in nature, provide opportunities for connection and grounding. They invite you to focus on the present, helping to alleviate some of the weight of your emotions. It’s also vital to express what you’re feeling, allowing your emotions to flow through creative outlets or conversations with trusted individuals.
Seeking professional help is a courageous and necessary step in your journey. Speaking to a therapist can provide invaluable support, offering guidance and understanding that can illuminate the path ahead. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a powerful affirmation of your commitment to healing.
As you reflect on your journey, take a moment to envision a future filled with hope and possibility. Every breath you take, every small victory you acknowledge, brings you closer to brighter days. Embrace the community around you—friends, family, and support groups—who can offer companionship and understanding.
Ultimately, this journey is about finding the light within yourself, nurturing it, and allowing it to guide you toward a fulfilling and joyful life. You are worthy of that light, and brighter days await.
