FORGIVENESS - NNENNA MOZIE (17/03/2014)

The other day I had a conversation with someone who had hurt me a few months ago, towards the end of the conversation they began to apologise for the things that had transpired between us. Before they could finish I interjected saying "I forgave you a long time ago, before this conversation" 
    As human beings we are generally creatures that are full of pride, no one wants to apologise and no one wants to forgive because no one wants to be perceived as weak. However it is important that we refrain from viewing forgiveness as a relinquishment of power and rather as a process that aids us in bettering ourselves and most importantly leads us to happiness. 
  You've probably heard people say after coming out of a bad situation that they need closure from the other party, now don't get me wrong it's always good to gain closure and understanding but a lot of times as humans we don't fully understand some of the actions we take; therefore we cannot offer the other party that closure or the apology they feel they're entitled to. This is why we must forgive without being asked for forgiveness, forgiving someone regardless of them offering an apology or not allows you to let go of a situation that is probably holding you back whether you know it or not. Make no mistakes about it this isn't me saying allow people walk all over you, but for self growth and happiness accept the hurt you've experienced cannot be changed and move forward. No situation is without a lesson to be learned, once you're able to view hurt you've experienced as a learning curve and therefore gaining knowledge from that previous position of vulnerability, forgiveness inevitably follows suit. Forgiving is without doubt one of the hardest things to do hence why it has been said many a time that forgiveness is divine, but once you understand that this is something you must do for yourself rather than the other party the gratification and joy that follows makes it easier to do over again.
   It is paramount that we see our happiness as being in no one else's hands but our own, you cannot control the actions others will take but you can control how they effect you and if they will hold you back. By not allowing ourselves that gift of forgiving and moving forward we become slaves to the mistakes of others. 

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. - Mahatma Gandhi

The Future Documentary By Georgina Tewogbade (10/03/14)

At the young age of 16 Tomi Okeowo became the C.E.O of M.T.M.M.G (More than music media group), an up and coming broadcasting company who produce capture the works of talented London based youth’s, particularly from the South East.

Three years on, Tomi has become a student at Manchester Met University. Unlike many young up and coming businesses Tomi has gradually built up a professional business plan and which he has followed since 2011 up to date which has seen him work with likes of Lady Leshurr.

Inspired by young entrepreneur Jamal Edwards, Tomi has taken it upon himself to follow in the footsteps of Jamal by broadcasting the talent through his ‘Future documentary’, which has its origins and roots in slightly urban music, and spoken word. Though music is the heart of the documentary he also manages to capture the spirit of those from various age groups and cultural backgrounds.

The visionary biopic presents a perfect example of young people living within the south east of London achieve the best they can with the facilities and opportunities available to them. It is very inspiring watching the documentary as the message is presented in such a poetic and creative way.

The beauty of Tomi’s collection of stories is the lessons we can learn from the other youths that took part in the development of this picture as they have been able to meet their aspirations with more ahead of them than they could ever conceive as possible

This year Tomi Okeowo says he hopes the positive feedback he is receiving will help inspire the younger generation who don't believe that anything is possible if they put their mind to it.

“ I hope to make MTMMG more socially known and I also hope to be active in terms of film. “

This year MTMMG have already announced producing a new drama series coming out this year.



You can find out more about M.T.M.M.G via facebook: www.facebook.com/MTMMG

LOST ONES - Mickeal Bolenge (28/08/2014)
“You could be here today smiling in a pic, and then the next day that same pic you took is edited with RIP in it”

I was sitting down in my room listening to music on my iPhone, when ‘Reptar – Losing my balance’ started playing, and the lyrics that I have quoted above really made me think about my own life, and the people around me that have passed away. Losing someone you know is never something you ever want to hear. Especially when they’re young, full of life and have so much to give to the world. Many of us have lost loved ones whether it be friends or family, the circumstances in which we have lost them vary from a range of things but the one thing that I feel we all have in common is when we ask Why did it have to be them? This question continuously runs through our minds. We tend to question God or life in general and wonder why something wasn't done so that the people we love would still be here today. This has led many people away from God and made them non-believers because of the rage, anger and overwhelming flow of emotion that had suddenly consumed their hearts, and sometimes people do not recover from such things. Can you really blame them for feeling like this? Or should they be more understanding because they know that everything happens for a reason. With so many questions out there but not enough answers to give us the satisfaction we need; waking up each day is a blessing, breathing in itself is a luxury. Both these things are major things in my opinion but how often do with think about them.
In life we have to understand that we cannot worry about situations that are out of our control, and death is one of them therefore we just have to sit back, relax and enjoy the journey, otherwise we would have many unanswered questions

Young Entrepreneurs By Boohema Boohene (21/02/2014)

                      

 “An entrepreneur is a person who exercises initiative and benefit of an opportunity and is a decision maker. He or she supplies risk capital as a risk taker, and monitors and controls the business' activities as a manager. The entrepreneur is usually a sole-proprietor, a partner, or the one who owns the majority of shares in an incorporated venture”. – Business dictionary.

Starting up a business is very hard work. It is time consuming, demanding and can be very stressful attempting to balance it alongside other commitments with your goal. However new jobs are being created daily, and there is always space in the market for new ideas, or reconstructing what already exists. 

As a result of the alarming redundancy and unemployment increase during 2009, people were forced to create their own means of survival from the ‘comfort’ of their own homes. As a result of this initiative shown by the UK public, un-employment rates are at the lowest of 7.5% (BBC, 2013). Entrepreneurship has become a more appealing way for people to live their lives especially for young people. There are many push and pull factors which are leading youngsters to become their own boss.

 Being able to work around your own timetable to start, is very appealing to students, full time single parents, or those who have passions to peruse yet alternative career paths to make ends meet. Instead of having restricted times working for an employer, many young people with determination to achieve, and stand on their own two feet are likely to start their own business.

 Money is a key component when starting a business, without it, many doors seem closed off, however there are various establishments who’s primary focus is to enable young people to get the training and funding they need to get their businesses up and running.  Not only do these schemes aid with the financial aspect of building a business but also:

·    Advertising

·      Networking,

·      Legal advice

And much more to ensure young people are starting businesses that last. They may also offer a consultant to guide the entrepreneur in making the right decisions for their business. Those who have made use of such opportunities are part of the reason free enterprise has increased over the years.

Background and lifestyle also plays a big part in entrepreneurship. According to research female businesses are more community based; they are also more likely to be successful. For example a female is more likely to start up a charity from scratch as it will benefit the community and offer a service. They are likely to also get funding and help from friends and family. In such cases, success is measured by service. Men on the other hand are more likely to have a business on a regional, national or global scale. Funding is accumulated more traditionally from companies, and success is measured by growth and profit.

Overall becoming a Young Entrepreneur is empowering, as you are able to offer a unique, innovative product or service to the world, which nobody else has. Owning your own business can be stressful however if you order your priorities it is possible for almost anyone to start something they can take pride in.

Here are a few tips to help get you started.

1.  Find a gap in your market field and see how you can fill that gap

2.  Research on your product or service find the benefits the disadvantages and the risks

3.  Get started!

4.  It is fine to do a business alone, however if you are young you may lack knowledge in certain areas which will cause you to make mistakes. Therefore talk to a specialist or someone who has an established business similar to your own to get ideas.

5.  Start networking and building relationships with other business owners, as they may be able to help or contribute to what you are doing.

Don’t Let Others Discourage You- Tracey  Winu Landu (07/02/2014)

I came across an image on Twitter which had the caption "Don’t publicise your work, money, relationships until its certified, you never know who is waiting on your downfall" , and came to the conclusion that this is particularly true. Not only from our 'haters' or 'enemies' but our own friends. You would be surprised that most people who ‘hate’ on you do so secretly whilst trying to pretend they’re happy for you. You will notice they are the ones who do not congratulate immediately you when you achieve, do not share your happiness when you succeed and are silent in your triumph. Lately, I have spotted people like this in my own life but to be honest I am not surprised. Jealousy comes in all forms, styles and people and if you have not yet realised that then now you know. To be honest, it is time that you focus on doing the best for you! I am sure you've got plans, goals, new years resolutions you want to achieve! Isn't that right? Well, 2014 is not the year to entertain negativity in your life. Leave that all in the past and recognise that it is your life you are living. Only you know the pain and struggle you have been through and you don't need extra baggage from those that are going to bring you down and hinder you from success.

Let's face it, life moves on and our 'friends' will not always be at our sides. The only reason we only hold on to toxins in our lives because that is all we are used to. But when you slowly distance yourself from all the things that have a negative impact on your thoughts and cause you to doubt you will feel much better. Although, at the beginning letting go may feel foreign to you, in the end you will gain something much better than you have lost.

EXPECTATIONS BY NNENNA MOIZE (RE UPLOAD)

The older we get the more the search for someone who we can share the rest of our life with becomes cardinal. 
   It is safe to say that in today's world 'the game' has changed drastically, most of our parents probably met at university or were high school sweethearts who ended up with their own little version of 'happy ever after'. However with technology and our generation’s heavy reliance on the media to teach us life lessons the basic concepts that were in place in older generations are not present in modern day. 
   One of the main issues I've noticed amongst the young adults in our generation who are dating is their expectations from their partner. I've heard my parents speak time and time again about their own dating experiences and the one thing both of them seem to draw back to is that whilst dating they were searching for someone who had potential. With everything being so fast paced in our generation we inevitably crave a partner who is essentially 'ready made', meaning: great job, good car, nice house, no bad habits. Just someone who's good to go. Now who am I to say that doesn't exist? Some of you are looking at your partners and thinking, "What's she talking about I found that," however truth be told you probably didn't, the person they are today most likely came from hard work and patience on both ends. 
  I am fully aware of the fact that not everyone wishes to settle down, however if you are someone that does be realistic about your expectations and search for the right things in a future partner. So many relationships fall apart nowadays because people go in searching for the wrong things; they place heavy emphasis on variables and ignore constants. I can not sit here and tell you what you should be searching for in a partner as, but I can give you a few pointers; instead of looking for someone who's one hundred percent financially stable look for someone who's working towards that and is taking the correct measures to be there. That's the ambition we all want in our partner. Presentation is important but instead of worrying about how well they dress focus on their beliefs and morals, these are the things that make a relationship, dress sense is a variable that can easily be changed. Allow futile issues fall by the wayside and focus on the things that will matter in the next 20 years. 
   Whilst studying in America I remember an athlete saying to me, "the problem with females now is they see us broke in college and aren't interested, they don't want to ride out with us till we become that man on ESPN." The truth is who the person you're with is today isn't who they'll be in the next ten years and this goes for both sexes, dating someone who seems "perfect" now doesn't mean they won't be an overweight couch potato living off benefits tomorrow, however when you go in search of constants such as; their morals, ambition, mindset etc with hard work the change is more times than not positive. 
  My mother has always told me that the man I call 'dad' now was not the man he was when they first met, everything from sense of style to his financial situation indicates growth. Now she stands proudly next to a good man that loves and provides for his family. A man she grew with and had faith in. 
  As I said earlier, we live in a media saturated generation where we are taught to emulate couples like Beyonce and jay-z and completely overlook the hard work they put into getting there. Men are more focused on dating a woman who looks great in every picture and fills their friends with envy rather than a woman with a good head on her shoulders, and women search for a man with money, perfect style and who is self made rather than someone with potential to become that man. 
Overall we must be realistic in our expectations and seek out the appropriate traits, focus less on variables and more on the constants that will be there in 20 years. 

"When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are." - Donald Miller

 How are you today? – bypassing “fine” and finding fabulous - Abena B

How often do you really answer that question? It seems the common answers vary between “I’m good” or “I’m fine”… but when was the last time you said, “I’m great” or even “I’m grateful” let alone admit that everything is not okay, peachy or rosy in any type of way? Sometimes this may be due to the idea that we don’t wish to burden others with our troubles, but what happens when we begin to deny our own true feelings and stop being honest with ourselves?

Often mental well, being is not a subject that is brought up in everyday, not only can it hinder your general performance in your day to day life, but also how you define how you approach towards certain experiences and the impact it leaves on you affects you. In short, a negative image towards your self and your capabilities can start off a never-ending cycle into self-doubt, low self-esteem,  diminished self-worth, denial, jealousy and resentment.

Appealing? I thought not ! It’s important (whether feeling young or old) to acknowledge that the situations in your life are just that. The majority are uncontrollable occurrences  that do not necessarily have to leave an imprint on your mind. They don’t have to last forever especially when those that leave unresolved issues that are often left unsettled. Often people begin to doubt their abilities because no matter how much they try, they cannot change or control some of the people or events in their lives. They don’t always feel they have the answers to deal with problems or even a clue

 how to deal with situations that have eventually spun out of their control. Well I have a news flash for you…

1.     You don’t have all the answers.

2.     Not everything is under your control.

3.     Not every problem you’re dealing with can be solved by yourself.

And, you know what? That’s completely okay. It’s normal and should remind you to not be so hard on yourself too. Be honest with yourself! It’s okay to not be able to deal with everything around you (just as much as it is okay to be happy too). The refusal to let go of unresolved issues (or unresolved feelings) can affect the way you live your life and that is not “fine” or “good”.

So once you’ve acknowledged a situation/problem does not require having all the answers, being under your control or need to be dealt with alone, where do you do from there?

Reflect on your own feelings for one! The relief that will sweep over you when you begin to let go of these issues gives almost a new zest for life, a boost in motivation or a renewed sense of self-confidence. Whether those feelings last is completely up to you, but it’s a good idea to use this new “energy” to not only seek out help from those in a better position to help you but also to invest into building up your self-esteem and happiness again. Take part in the experiences and activities that fill you with enthusiasm and joy (whether that sport or even sleeping [not to be underrated). If you don’t have any activities you can think of in particular allow yourself to be more open-minded and try some new ones! 

Sometimes we can feel unhappy from constantly being in the same position in life, well now is the time to try something new and move out of your comfort zone!

Another thing you could do is to make peace with yourself and your past. It’s not just an opinion that you only know how far you've come from knowing where you started. 

Avoid putting yourself down by measuring yourself with somebody else’s rules or expectations, that’s based on THEIR lives and THEIR experiences, don’t let that affect how you do you! It’s important to also stop allowing yourself to get into negative cycles, once you enter a position that makes you feel badly about yourself, let that situation either end there or be mended there. Most important of all, learn to forgive yourself. Yes, you make mistakes and are not always able to do all you set out to do, but sometimes that’s just how life goes.

The sun sets on an old day and greets another with renewed sunniness, you should also start wiping clean that slate of self-loathing and learn to love the person you are and have become. 

Hopefully this greets you in good health and inspires a positive change in your life. Next time you answer the question “How are you?” Let’s hope that we can truly say, “I’m great, thank you” and mean every word.