New year, new me... but the same old spending habits?  It’s a new year, and we’re all ready to start fresh—new goals, new plans, new routines, new mindset and all the newness we want to become, but when it comes to spending, do we just hit "reset" or keep following the same old patterns? I shared last year about habits and how it has the power to control and influence your life positively or otherwise. It’s easy to fall into the trap of impulsive buying and ignoring the bigger picture. But real change starts with being intentional about how we manage our money. Money is an important factor that is needed to achieve your goals and buy the things that will give you comfort. But it should be controlled. Avoid spending your money on things that are irrelevant and won't add any value to you rather or have a plan and a budget and learn to work with it. Get an accountability partner if you know sincerely you that you cannot control how you spend, use saving apps like piggyvest and plan. you can turn those old habits into new, positive financial choices. 2025 is still very fresh, let’s spend wisely and invest in our future!

What better time than this season!  The holiday season is the perfect time to kick back, grab some popcorn or a nice hot cocoa, and let your favorite Christmas holiday movies transport you into worlds filled with warmth, wonder, and laughter with family and friends!  Whether you're looking for classics that tug at your heartstrings, family comedies that make you laugh till you can't find your voice, or feel-good modern hits, here’s a list of latest holiday movies released in 2024. Here are a few recommendations to add to your festive watchlist: Hot Frosty This romantic comedy stars Lacey Chabert as Kathy, a widow who brings a snowman to life, leading to unexpected adventures and a heartwarming love story. Available on Netflix since November 13, 2024.  The Merry Gentlemen Featuring Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray, this film follows a Broadway dancer who returns to her hometown to save her parents' venue by staging an all-male, Christmas-themed revue. Released on Netflix on November 20, 2024.  Meet Me Next Christmas A frothy, fresh film that adds a modern twist to holiday romance, providing a delightful escape during the festive season. Available on Netflix.  Red One An action-comedy featuring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, blending holiday themes with thrilling sequences. While critics have given mixed reviews, audiences have responded positively. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.  Others include; "That Christmas", "Everybody loves Jenifa", "Seven Doors", "The Nativity Story", etc. This holiday, set aside the hustle and let these movies remind you of the joy, love, and peace that the season brings. Grab your favorite snacks, snuggle under a warm blanket, and let the magic unfold.  Happy viewing! Happy Holidays     

"Gratitude's Power"   I don't like Magic but then I do believe in the supernatural. Magic is an ancient practice that involves spells, rituals, or charms which is believed to influence events or harness forces over someone.  In today's world, we are dominated by technology, speed, and constant change; we often overlook one of the most powerful tools at our disposal, which is "GRATITUDE"!  It might not come with a wand or a spellbook where you do Abracadabra, but gratitude works like magic, quietly reshaping our lives in ways we never imagined. In the 21st century, this simple habit has been backed by science, with studies showing that gratitude boosts mental health, strengthens relationships, and even improves physical well-being. Imagine this: a challenging day leaves you drained, but Instead of focusing on the negatives, you pause to list a few things you’re grateful for. Maybe it’s a kind word from a colleague or friend or simply the fact that you have a roof over your head. This shift in focus is powerful—it rewires your brain, reduces stress, and opens your heart to abundance. Gratitude also works like a magnet. When you appreciate what you have, you attract more reasons to be grateful. Practicing gratitude doesn’t require elaborate rituals. Start small: Keep a gratitude journal or Jar.   Write down at least two things you’re thankful for each day Reflect on past challenges and the growth they’ve brought you. In a world craving connection and meaning, gratitude is the 21st-century magic we all need. Try it today—thank someone, appreciate something, or simply pause and say, "I am grateful." You might just discover that the life is REALLY not too hard.😊 What are you grateful for today? Share your thoughts below and start the magic!

Life skills you need to survive living independently Life skills are the abilities and behaviors that enable individuals to effectively navigate the demands and challenges of everyday life. These skills ranges from personal development, relationship building, decision making, and adapting to various situations. Life skills can be developed through education, training, and real-life experiences. As a young Nigerian in your 20s or 30s who is single and living alone or planning to be independent these are some basic life skills that you should have. I will explain some below. 1. Self-care: Taking care of yourself is important for living independently. This means getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and managing stress. Develop a daily routine that includes time for relaxation and hobbies you enjoy. 2. Budgeting: Managing your money is important when you're on your own. Budgeting helps you keep track of your income and expenses, ensuring that you don’t spend more than you earn or incur unnecessary financial debs.  3.Time management: This should be on top of the list, because time is the currency of life. When you live independently, managing your time is very important. Balancing work, social life, and personal time can be challenging, but good time management skills will help you stay on top of everything.  4. Communication skills: Good communication skills are vital for building and maintaining relationships. Whether it's talking to your landlord, coworkers, or friends, expressing yourself clearly and listening to others is crucial. Practice active listening, which means paying full attention to the speaker and responding thoughtfully.  Lastly, living and surviving as a young people can be hard sometimes but with the necessary skills and right connection of friends and community you will thrive.

"The Unexpected Benefits of Crying" I was at a meeting some months back and one of the speakers for that meeting who happens to be a psychologist shared her experience of how she overcomes stress and pain by just crying out. Personally, I thought it was strange for anyone to solve a problem by just crying. I mean, wouldn't make the situation worse?  However, she said whenever she feels down or overwhelmed by life's challenges, she goes into her closet, shut the door and have a good cry and when she is done, she stands up and feels more better.  Scientifically, it has been proven that crying helps a person to overcome grief, pain and release emotional tensions. In reality, crying is a perfectly normal and significant response to strong emotions, and it has a range of positive effects on both physical and emotional well-being. I. Emotional Release and Stress Relief;  One of the immediate benefits of crying is the emotional release it provides. When we experience overwhelming emotions, such as sadness, frustration, or even joy, crying acts as an emotional pressure valve, helping to release pent-up feelings. 2. Mood Improvement and the Release of Feel-Good Hormones Believe it or not, crying can actually improve your mood. This is because emotional tears trigger the release of endorphins and oxytocin—the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals. These hormones are associated with feelings of pleasure, happiness, and emotional comfort. 3. Helping You Process and Heal from Grief Grief is one of the most profound emotional experiences a person can go through, and crying is an essential part of this process. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of an opportunity, crying allows us to honour our grief and process the emotions that comes with it. 4. Crying is a Vital Part of Mental Health While it’s often seen as a weakness in some cultures, crying is actually a healthy, natural, and powerful tool for emotional well-being. Whether it’s the release of stress, the improvement of mood, or the strengthening of relationships, crying plays a critical role in maintaining both mental and physical health. Next time you feel the urge to cry, remember that it’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a vital and healing response, one that helps you release tension, process emotions, and build resilience. Embrace the power of tears—they may be just the release your mind and body need to heal and grow.