Chika Jonah Writes

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  • A cup of Growth water. 2020

    Growth. I am neither a goal setter nor an over the top planner. So I had nothing to smash in 2020. If I remember vividly, the only thing I wanted to do in 2020 was save more and have fun. Finish. laughs

    Sounds funny right? Well, if you can see that as a goal then so be it.

    Growth 2020

    Yet something happened. I woke up to a call that shook my world. And shaped my 2020 into a more daring and rocky one.

    “Hello Chika.”

    “Hi. Whats up?”

    “We need to talk. Let’s talk on whatsapp.” He said worriedly. My web developer.

    “Oh. Okay.” I became worried. Wondering if everything was alright. We came online and continued chatting.

    “What’s wrong?” I asked inquisitively.

    “I was doing my rounds. And I decided to just take a quick look at your site. Only for me to realize that your Bandwidth size is full. Thank God I noticed this or else your site would have crashed.” He sighed in relief. Everything he said just sounded strange to me. The thought of loosing my blog frightened me. My blog is my baby. Plus what the hell was bandwidth?

    “Wait oh. Which one is bandwidth again?” I asked confusingly.

    “Let’s just say its what takes in your blog traffic. The bigger the traffic, the bigger the bandwidth and vice versa”, he answered as I nodded in understanding “As of now, you need to increase your bandwidth size. Your blog has been having massive traffic.” He continued.

    “Oh. That’s great.” I was happy. It was great news to me but somewhat weird since I didnt know how and why it happened. I never used to bother about checking my stats. I was happy with just doing what I loved and inspiring others in the process.

    “Chika the fact is none of the sites I’ve ever developed have this much traffic. I’m truly proud”. He said warmly.

    “Jeez. Are you serious?” At this point it had sank in. It felt so good. I felt at the top of the world, “Thank you so so much.” I said gratefully.

    “How do you do it? He asked.

    “Hmm…well, I just spend days writing valuable and relatable content. I give it my all.” I answered.

    “Well done. Now, let’s get you a bigger size so that your site is safe as your traffic increases. The price differs and…

    That conversation changed everything. I kept wondering why someone would take a glace at a silly girls world, and even go as far as reading her writings and following her journey immensely. Small Chika? It was humbling. It confirmed that i was doing something right. Something I enjoyed and loved. Something I gave my all. And if I kept giving I’d keep growing. So My 2020 became a cup of growth water. The more I gave the more I grew.

    I didnt know how to keep up. I didnt want to loose so I made effort to grow. And to grow in the most important areas I needed to learn. Areas that benefited me. That I did.

    I dished my plan to save more. I threw away everything that was like a standard. Every standard anyone or society had in place for the course of my journey and just focused on my growth. With that came more energy, more No’s, more sleepless night, more investments, more risks, and more selfishness. Yes. I was selfish. And it was needed. I wanted to focus on me and I’m glad I did.

    This growth brought moments where I cried. Moments where other peoples view about my creativity hurt me badly. Especially the ones closest to me. Moments where I felt farther away from God. Moments where I was lonely. Damn! I was lonely a lot this year. So much so that I had conversations with my brain. smiles

    I found things I didnt think I could do. Risks i didnt think i could take. The way I didnt think I could love. The passion I didnt think was burning in me for life, for people, for purpose, for God. And do you know the biggest irony to this? The more I took care of myself the more I brought others to myself. That is the power of self love. The more I loved myself, the more I loved people because loving myself means treating others with that same amount of love. I became more self aware about my self, body, and desires. I found community. A community of strangers that turned family. They made this growth possible. Calling me on my flaws, giving me the baddest reviews, driving me to tears and making me give more and more while pumping me with love.

    I lived the most fulfilling in 2020 behind closed doors. On those silent night scribbling papers, listening to teachings, making mistakes in darkness, counting my losses, and daring to do things I wouldn’t do in normal circumstances. Doing the things my heart wanted.

    I love that I’m silly. I love that I play too much, laugh too much, can be often unserious and I’m not going to change nothing about that. I adore me and adore God for making me live so freely. It didn’t happen by chance. It happened by choice. While the world may be changing themselves. I am going to take all of me, and all of you with me as we say goodbye to this year and welcome the next year with the same excitement, longing and subtle uncertainty because no matter what, we would embrace it, with its many chances, its many possibilities, its unending joy and survive. Survive we will. If my journey & my story that you have been a huge part of, doesn’t dare you to do that which seems frightening and unsettling then I believe that at least, it should inspire you to love you even in this moment, to grow without changing yourself and to share your story no matter how dark and daunting, how simple and weak and how shameful and painful it may sound.

    I’d be lying if I told you I have goals for 2021. Wrong person guys. laughs I don’t have so don’t ask me. I’m moving with the flow. As long as I keep doing this then I’m good. But be rest assured that I’m a truck load of surprises. A lot of inspiring and sumptuous surprises are going to be coming your way as always.

    While others my be counting their achievements I am rejoicing in my growth. Yet, my biggest achievement is YOU. YOU brought this growth. And I love and appreciate you so much.

    Cheers to a hugely impactful 2021.

    Anything is possible in the coming years. Read more here

    A captivating story resides here on one of my favorite blogs

  • Everything is impossible

    “Everything is impossible” I thought when I went from smiling to being sober.

    I cried. I cried like a baby who was denied milk and tenderness. My heart ached terribly, especially after I tried putting myself in those pairs of shoes.

    You may be wondering why, just follow me and I’ll indulge you.

    It happened after I finished reading Danielle Steel’s ‘Impossible’ and couldn’t let go of it’s thought provoking and inspiring story. I remember Liam, the lead male character of the story saying the words “its possible” severally with such great belief, light and hope regardless of the impact of impossibilities surrounding him and the one thing he was fighting for. I also remember Sasha, the lead female character screaming the word “its impossible” with such energy, vibrancy and zeal because she could see clearly the threads of impossibilities tied scattaredly around her and how much the universe was against the one thing she was willing to give a chance for and fight.
    Wants, needs, desires, love, friendship and dreams didn’t matter because possibilities was far fetched. For Sasha, “everything is impossible” but for Liam, “possibility had a chance.”

    For me Chika, what did I think?

    I had no answer to that. I wanted to be optimistic and be the strong gospel believer that I am and say that not everything is impossible but…but…how could I ignore the impossibilities hovering around me, around my community, and around the nation. I didn’t have an answer so I was driven to tears.

    Why couldn’t two people who had their hearts in the right place and had gone through unimaginable sorrows that had scarred them deeply, possibly journey through life in love and compassion? It was sad to imagine because as I read on there was really no chance of possibilities. That door had been shut tightly.

    I asked God lots of questions:

    The bible said “all thing are possible to those that believe” so why couldn’t it be?

    Are some people meant to have difficult and impossible lives?

    Why can’t it just be as Gods word has promised us?

    Or is possibilities only for those who dream big and not for those who live and dream of a normal and content life?

    Does fate & destiny play a cruel part in turning possibilities & impossibilities around?

    Is possibilities only for those in denial or those blind to the reality that everything is impossible?

    I sounded hysterical asking those questions but I knew it was unavoidable at that moment. And if I’m asking, then a million others in the world have asked or is still asking the same questions.

    Time passed and I still didn’t have an answer but something happened, God gave me something that changed everything for me and its going to do the same for you too.

    Everything is impossible

    Three factors that would eradicate the threads of impossibilities and show you that not everything is impossible.

    Believe

    For believers, “Nothing is impossible” because Gods word has already stated it clearly for his children to accept. And remember the word of the Lord standeth sure as 2 Timothy 2:15 says. But there is something you should also note, laughs Something that would offend you as a Christian.

    Mark 9:23
    Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

    Did you note the word “Believeth?” That scripture is only for those that believe. If Nothing is impossible to those who believe then Everything is impossible for those who don’t believe. As simple as that. So pray all you want, study the word all you want. The unbeliever who doesn’t know Christ or perhaps someone who just believes in himself, would attain possibilities because he dared to believe. Have a believing mindset in your craft, dreams, love, relationships and in everything you do. That would stand you out for possibilities.

    Many Chances

    “Everything is impossible” can be the order of the day for someone with doubts. But it isn’t for someone who takes chances. No. A person who takes not one but many chances would certainly enjoy the blessings of possibilities. One of the factors my eyes were opened to was this particular point. Give it many chances for possibilities to manifest. Liam and Sasha’s story was so heartwarming when they kept giving it a chance. The first time, tragedy and loss stood in the way. The second time, family and society took a bigger hold on their happiness and the third time a big decision on Liam’s part. A decision close to betrayal shattered the only ray of light left. At that point I was done. I had accepted that there was no way this relationship was going to work but something happened. A surprise. A big shock. Sasha gave it another chance. She left her arms wide open again and again. I was blown away. I was in awe. I didn’t think I would I her situation. But I realized something, she didn’t do it because she believed in the possibility but she was only willing to try. She was willing to give it many chances for however little time they had together. And that was enough. Give that dream, that goal, that vision, that person as many chances as possible. Only then can everything be possible.

    Time

    Everything is impossible if you stop before time. I’m not going to bore you with the stories of great inventors and achievers who have secured the impossible through the passing of time and not stopping half way because I’m sure you must have heard of those stories. Another time means another opportunity to continue. You can’t just start today and give up today. That’s ridiculous. Sorry to say. A new day is a gift of time given by God to try again. As many times as you’re capable. What you couldn’t get today you can get tomorrow. Tomorrow is another day to begin. In 1994 there was nothing like a smartphone. But in 2020 if you are not using a smartphone then you’d be perceived as an alien. And in 2030 we may have a new invention that would say good bye to a smartphone. Time is an enemy of impossibilities and a friend of possibilities. The next second, minute, hour, day, week, month, and year is another time to try. Don’t stop. Allow time work its magic.

    After God opened my eyes to all this. I understood what he wanted me to learn which is also I wish you’d see too. Which is that;

    “Not everything is impossible. Some things are impossible but nothing is impossible to the one who believes, dares to take many chances and doesn’t stop halfway with time.”

    Thank you for reading. Share your thoughts in the comment below

    Check some quotes on the above topic here

    See my post on how to play hard and win here

  • It could have been worse

    When bad things happen, do you panic? Do you fret? Well its okay to do all that but do it with the mindset that it could have been worse.

    Jamie’s story is one that best defines this statement. So heartbreaking yet inspiring. Follow me as I take you through this brave man’s story.

    It could have been worse

    When the news was broken to Jamie that he had cancer. He smiled, nodding as he listened to the doctors. Feeling sympathetic, the doctors had sad eyes as they wondered if Jamie was braced for what a life of battling cancer meant.

    Shortly afterwards they watched as Jamie was instantly distracted as he began chatting with his friends and laughing in soft giggles. They shook their heads in disbelief and left quietly to prep him for more testing and treatments.

    One week later, Jamie opened his eyes to a room filled with doctors and residents looking at him with concern.
    “Hi Jamie, how do you feel?”

    “Drowsy.” He answered rubbing his face.

    “Jamie your surgery went well, we took away the cancer tissue but after running some post surgery test, we found out that your cancer is spreading, and fast. I’m so sorry.” The doctor informed him.

    “Its alright.” He said smiling at the doctor and laid back on the bed.

    “What?” The doctor looked at him puzzled while the other doctors stared at each other “Did you just hear what I said?” He asked.

    “Yes I did,” Jamie replied warmly. “You just told me that I probably have a few weeks left to live if not one.” He grinned at the doctor who couldn’t help but marvel at what he just said.

    “Jesus! How do you do it?” He asked perplexed.

    “Nothing. I just know that it could have been worse. For all I know, what if the result showed that I only had this night? What then? But now I’ve got a week or more to see this beautiful world and all that is in it. I can’t change what you just said. It is what it is.” He  laughed at the doctor whose mouth was left wide open.

    “Wow. I don’t know what to say Jamie. I just know that I could never be you. You’re great,” He rose to his feet, “don’t stress yourself. The nurse would get you your meds. Good bye Jamie.”

    “Goodbye Doctor.”

                      

    My reaction is that of the doctor whenever I see people stay indifferent through their most painful and unbearable experience. I get pumped and energized to live fully. Yet, I also know that there are people who would never be great like Jamie. They would even become the worst version of themselves when faced with a unpleasant circumstances. They would become nasty and difficult towards themselves and those around them.

    If you’re thinking I would say some cliche words like some motivational speakers and tell you not to panic or get scared or cry or act out your emotions then, you’re wrong. Let it all out and express your pain when faced with bad circumstances but please and please, don’t be a bitch.

    Don’t be a bitch.

    When you become a bitch you make it unbearable for the people around you to be hopeful. You make it uneasy to be loved and taken care of. Get it into your head that it could have been worse.

    You’re staying with an uncle that treats you bad because you can’t afford a rent right now, isn’t as bad as you think. It could have been worse in the sense that, you could be lying on the streets without shelter. Get a grip on yourself and be less angry.

    You are walking on the road side and some hoodlum snatches your bag and one year later, you’re still lamenting. Are you high? *laughs* You should thank God they only stole your bag. What if a car had run into you and injured you severely? For all we know it could have been worse. 

    Some people smile on deadly conditions, its not because they are in denial, it’s just that they’ve accepted things as it is in that moment because they know that it could have been worse. Things would have been much worse than it were.

    The question is; would you smile through it or be a bitch through it?

    Thank you for reading through. I’d be waiting for you on the comment. Do well to leave me your honest feedback, thoughts and opinions.

    Here is a nice book on this topic. Read HERE

    Anita’s story may just warm your heart, read HERE

    Learn how to handle loss and grief HERE