Author: Chika Jonah

Thinking about ending the year with a bang and laughs Right now the song playing in my head is “Dorime” Cause of course, who doesn’t want to chill with big boys? You and I obviously want to bam bam and run big things but well, welcome to the big world where you have to run KitiKiti and KataKata after real-life hits you.

“Evhewww” I just sneezed, sorry!

I don’t know about ending the year with a bang, because I’m not sure I started this year with a bang but if there’s one thing I’m sure of, is that I am grateful. I have a lot to be grateful for and if that is not a bang, then I don’t know what else would be.

I got hit from so many sides and it’s a blessing that I am on top “permit me to twerk” a girl gotta give a little dance for such a blessing. laughs

I had no goals starting the year, but eventually, I wanted to feature one guest writer on the blog every month for the rest of 2021, and guess what? That didn’t work. I got a lot of excuses from a few of them and damn guys, I hate excuses. (I don’t get why people give excuses) and it made me realize the kind of people I want to work with in the future and so I strived to become my best. And this year, not once did I miss a deadline and not once did I underdeliver, and thats another fact on ending the year with a bang.

This year;

This year I moved out from home, came into a new city, joined a new company, left the new company in five months and joined a new company in one week.

I ate more rice than protein. Ate more Pasta which I obviously love, and drank less Capri Sonne. I lost more weight and got it back again pouts (This bikini, will I ever wear it?)

I’ve had more dates than I’ve had all my life, which made me wonder what the heck I’ve been doing in my past relationships. It’s become obvious that I love American love, and can now say that there’s something about eating from his plate even though you’re both eating the same food. laughs it’s just love.

I’ve prayed less, but I thanked more. I praised more, and danced more, even with all the beatings I had this year. This made me realize the power of thanksgiving. God inhabits the praises of his people. I may have prayed less, but my praises were much louder.

This year I coached 50 great minds on both writing, blogging, and storytelling. It is clear that Chika Jonah’s brand is growing. That’s a huge “ending the year with a bang” and I’m loving every part of it.

Ending the year with a bang can happen for you too.

Here are some fun ways you can do that;

• Have fun

Identity what fun means to you and have a gazillion amount of fun. Look, work can come later, but you can play today. Don’t have fun alone okay.

•Give

Giving is a powerful act of service. Giving should be natural, and the one who gives is more blessed than the one who receives. What better way to ending the year with a bang than giving to someone in need, or someone less privileged. It must not be your money, it can be your skill, it can be your time, it can be your support. Just Give.

• Do something you’ve never done.

Tick something off your bucket list. It can be visiting a favorite place, going on vacation, carrying a snake, seeing a lion, riding a boat, traveling by air, traveling by sea, wearing a bikini (like me), gifting your parents, etc. It can be anything as long as it’s something new. Make it adventurous and that experience is enough to make your year worthwhile.

• Set achievable goals

I am terrible at setting new year goals because most of the time I don’t achieve them but more than setting big goals, run with something. Run with one tiny goal. Setting tiny achievable goals is harmless and it may not hurt much if you don’t achieve them but surprisingly, it can make you the happiest person if you achieve them. However, you can also set those big goals. Whatever works for you. But strive towards achieving those big or small goals.

Ending the year with a bang can be accomplished with these points so in the spirit of Christmas, don’t forget to share, love, and spread light. This brings me to my next announcement.

WE ARE REBRANDING!

Yes. It’s been a long time coming.

I am growing and evolving, and it’s natural that the brand grows alongside me since I am the brand. Chika Jonah is a brand and as such Chika Jonah’s blog has been a space for stories told and untold of faith and inspiration and will always be so. Yet, Chika Jonah has also evolved in her career and as such can no longer remain silent to those in dire need of the support and guide she can provide for the creative writing and storytelling industry as a blogger. So we would incorporate everything that makes Chika Jonah thrive, including her craft, lifestyle, and you, her biggest support.

You who have made this growth achievable. You whose stories have been a part of hers. You who have been here even after four years. I say a huge thank you.

We would also move to a new hosting platform that can accommodate our ever-growing blog traffic and content. And change the overall look, and feel of this brand.

So I ask that you encourage this growth with your immense support.

On this note, this is the last blog post of the year. From the 25th of December, this blog would be shut down on maintenance. The web designer and developer would be working in the background, restructuring everything.

Hopefully, by January we would launch the new website. “Can’t wait” More information would be passed about that. Till then, see you.

Join our writing community and movie community on Instagram. That’s where I’ll be chilling till the rebranding is complete.

Cheers to ending the year with a bang!
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous new year.

Kindly say a prayer for this blog in the comment. It would mean a lot.

Moving out from home happened like a flash in my face. Just like how Ronaldo left Juventus and was left open in the field for the hunters to feast on, while he watched in awe as they fought over him. Until Manchester United slipped in while we were asleep and signed him.

Yes! I left home to start all over in a place of my choice.

Well, before you say “what’s the fuss about moving out from home? After all, I left home since.” Well, I’m not you, and neither am I as mature and responsible as you are. Some things are not as easy for me as it is for you.

And one of those things is making quick decisions.

I visited Abuja early this year and if you remember in my blog about my travel experience, it was clear how much I loved the place. What I didn’t tell you was that the minute I stepped my foot into that city I wanted to be there. The fresh air was heavenly. I simply whispered to myself that I wanted to make this place my home.

It took a phone call to be the catalyst for me moving out from home to this city. Hmmm… Sometimes I wonder if a phone was manufactured to bring me both pain and joy.

The next 10hours after that phone call, I threw my things into a Ghana must-go bag given to me by my mom, that I was so ashamed of, hides face and commenced on my journey. Ten hours after, I was out on my own, far away from home.

The Mystery.

Before now, I enjoyed how I was moving towards the digital space. I enjoyed how I was balancing the job, my work, and my business. I did not like who I was becoming. I disliked the job system. I loved home. Ah! I loved home. What’s not to love about where you were born and raised? Gradually, I hated how comfortable I became. Too comfortable. That feeling of comfort ate me up every single day. Like ant to sugar, it sucked at my face. Laughing and reminding me of who I was becoming.

I wasn’t one to be put in a place. I was a traveler, I loved exploring and I always wanted to choose and decide, no matter how long it took.

Finally, I sat on that very comfortable work chair and heard his voice, “Chika it’s not in the place, it’s in you.”

I remember busting in tears and holding on to that wake-up call. That call to stop focusing on one place. To spread my wings. That home is where and who I call it. Home is wherever I want it to be.

That was the day I knew it was time. Moving out from home wasn’t going to be dreadful or going to be a hassle like I thought. God ostracized it and made it beautiful.

The Irony.

Moving out from home has been something I’ve always wanted for a lot of reasons but I simply could not because I didn’t think my mom could live without me. But now that I’ve moved out, the truth is, I couldn’t live without her.

Every time I feared for, “How will she cope? How will she handle everything alone? How would she stay alone? When the real fear was, how will I cope? How will I be responsible without her scolding? How will I survive without her food? What would my brother think about leaving?

But when I decided, mom got pissed off when I informed her I was giving all my energy to Port Harcourt. She was the one that made sure I never forgot to pack anything. She was the one that was happy the most.

The bigger Irony.

I’m here now, welcomed by its light, bliss, and quietness. Embraced by the wind of this city, blowing and caressing my skin in its gentle touch. I’m here now, with a big smile, with a throbbing eagerness of what is to come. I’m here now, petrified. Hell! I’m scared. I thought I was fine, but no guys, I’m scared. Every single day is a long chapter.

I thought because I left home, all my problems were going to vanish. But No. It increased. My problems have become uncountable. laughs What was I thinking? That now that I’ve moved out from home like a grown adult, everything would suddenly be in my control? Hell No.

That’s the biggest irony. Nothing is in my control, things have gone out of control, my life has become quieter, my work as a creative writer has increased and the responsibilities have become enormous.

Shortly after I moved here, I fell sick. So sick that I thought I could die. One night I even wondered if it was my last time on earth, thinking if this was how I was going to end my life without achieving my purpose. For more than two weeks I was ill. I kept asking God to forgive my sins, even the meat I stole from mummy’s pot should be forgiven. laughs I asked God to not let me die without enjoying love and marital bliss. (Blame the carnal girl in me winks)
I had to learn to take care of my health on my own.

Furthermore, I do not only have to worry about my mom, but also about my friends in Port Harcourt. I haven’t eaten Eba in months. Plus what’s with all the bills I have to pay? No one told me it was like this.

The Beauty

Now I am in more control of my time. I am my biggest decision-maker. I’ve grown so much over the last four months, in ways I wouldn’t have if I was under my parent’s shadow. My intimacy with God has been spectacular and my parents teaching and upbringing have been a guide directing my path.

Did I forget to mention I finally tried amala for the first time in my life? It was lit. The joy when I finally found Caprisonne is an unforgettable experience. My Instagram community witnessed it. smiles And the best part, I talk to my mom every single day. This our distance relationship is sweet I must say.

Is moving out from home joy or pain?

It is whatever you make it to be. But before you decide moving out from home to be on your own, make sure you move out for the right reasons. Take note of these important points;

1. Your parents shouting or scolding is not enough reason to move out.
2. If your home is not toxic, and you’re not been abused verbally or physically or your mental health is not threatened in your home then arguments aren’t enough reason to move out from home without a plan.
3. Do not move out without a plan.
4. Be able to fend for yourself and take care of yourself for a long period before leaving.
5. Have a steady source of income before moving out from home. Things may get tougher. It’s easier to be prepared.
6. Don’t leave your friends behind when you move out. You may make new friends in the new city, but the friends you have now would be your biggest support system. Their encouragements would strengthen you.
7. Be open to surprises. Both the good, bad and ugly.
8. Be ready. When you’re ready to move out, you’d know. The universe and your family would be in your favor. Don’t fight it. You’d know when you’re ready to be on your own.

Dont forget your faith. Do not let yourself be swayed by others. Hold on to the principles and values you’ve had. Hold on to the teachings of God’s word. Gods got you. Keep grinding and be contented with what you have, you’d watch yourself bloom. I stepped into this town with Thirteen thousand naira only, but now I’m moving into my space in two weeks. God showed up for me and he will too for you.

Now, ready to move out or not ready? Enjoyed this beautiful writing of mine? Or felt something reading this blog post? Drop a comment. So good to be back to blogging. Let’s roll in the comment.

“My wife”
“Beautiful girl”

All this the girl child hears from men old enough to be her father even before she starts to walk.
At age seven, she is carried on her uncle’s lap to reply to his hello. She walks into a shop with her mother, and men comment, “ such a beautiful girl.”

As a teenager, she is told to mind the way she carries herself. She tries to play soccer, and she is reminded that girls do not play soccer.
“Don’t dress like that.”
“You can’t go to that place.”
“Why do you aspire to become an engineer? “
“Why don’t you become a doctor instead.”

I can go on and on; the list is endless. The girl child grows with the mindset that society needs her to be perfect. She thinks that to grow into a societal-accepted woman, she must adhere to all these conditions.

The truth is that, the voices never stop. I am a grown woman now, and whenever I walk in, the voices are rising.

“Who is funding her?”
“She couldn’t have done this on her own”
“Why is she dressed like that?”

At work, the girl child is constantly pushed,

“You can’t handle this role.”
“Focus on the family for now and forget about a promotion.”
“Don’t be greedy; women raise homes, not houses.”

Another day, we’ll talk about the pressures that society placed on a single successful woman.
“Oh, she needs to find a man.”
“Her clock is ticking.”
“Someone needs to tell her to reduce her age and stop driving expensive cars?

You start to wonder at some point, when does it end? Even if you stick to the clock. Graduate with no hassle, get married, and raise a family; you still get to hear the voices.

“Her stomach is big, oh.”
“Is she not done having kids?”
“Wow, she has only girls.”

Let’s allow women to be women. If she wants to get a Ph.D. let her
If she wants to buy properties, let her.
If she doesn’t want to have children, it is no anyone’s business.

Every day as women, we have to dust off strong painful words and opinions. They call us strong women, hard women, as if a woman is unbreakable, untouchable, and irreplaceable. Put an end to it, to the women out there who say these things to their fellow women. Let us take a bold step for change on this day- The international Day of a girl child.

The girl child is to be treasured and supported. According to the united nations achieving gender equality and women empowerment is integral to building a nation. That is why we celebrate the girl child annually on October 11th.