Aurorawrites✍️

Low self-esteem is something I battled with for years. Growing up, so many factors contributed to it, shaping how I saw myself and interacted with the world. The Root of My Struggles 1. An Embarrassing Experience A situation that defined most of my childhood, teenage years, and early adulthood left a lasting impact on me. (Hopefully, you will get to learn more about this hidden and untold part of my life in Scars , my ongoing memoir.) 2 . Verbal Abuse I grew up around adults who were very expressive. I didn’t get beaten much because I rarely erred, but I was lambasted at the slightest mistake. It didn’t help that I was an emotional child. 3. Body Shaming Oh Lord! How I suffered from this. I was never the ‘curvy’ girl. I was tall and almost skinny throughout my teenage years (even now, there isn’t much difference). My classmates, neighbors, and even my own family made me the butt of their jokes.  Tinrinbeku , Lepa Shandi —all the not-so-beautiful names for slim girls. A particular c...

There are a handful of things I dislike. One of them is attention. I hate the spotlight—limelight, center stage, or whatever you choose to call being the focus of everyone’s eyes. If I had my way, I would stay behind the curtains, quietly doing what I love without drawing too much notice. But if there is one thing I have come to learn as a writer, it is the importance of visibility. A writer with no visibility is like a microphone with no battery—present, but powerless. Of what use is a voice that can’t be heard? What use are words that can’t be read? This truth applies not only to writing but to every sphere of life. Whether you are a business owner, an artist, a speaker, or a professional in any field, you need visibility. You need to be seen, heard, and known for what you do. Only then can you make a difference. I won’t pretend it’s easy. Visibility is uncomfortable. It demands stepping out of the shadows and allowing yourself to be noticed, judged, and even criticized. But it is al...

I know, I know😊… It’s been a while, and you missed me😄. I missed you too🤗! The past three weeks have taken me through the intense, military-regimented experience of NYSC orientation camp—a place where comfort is a foreign concept. Alongside my fellow Prospective Corps Members, I was trained, drilled, and lectured, all in preparation for the service year. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: NYSC camp was never designed for our convenience. The system wasn’t structured for relaxation. On the contrary, it was built to push us beyond our limits, to stretch our endurance, and to test our resilience. It challenged our patience, management skills, and capacity to thrive under pressure. And while that may seem harsh, I’ve come to realize that discomfort is often the birthplace of growth. In life, ease doesn’t always equate to progress. Comfort, though pleasant, can lull us into stagnation. Growth, on the other hand, demands discomfort—it requires stretching, learning, and some...

The moment you choose to be happy and start thinking of yourself too—caring about yourself—that moment, it might feel like you're being selfish. But trust me, that's not it. It's called self-love. And it's perfectly fine that you've chosen to make yourself a priority—not just making those around you happy while you ignore yourself. I remember a time when I believed putting myself first meant I was letting others down. I kept saying yes to everything, even when I felt drained. The truth? I was afraid of being seen as selfish. But eventually, I realized that constantly giving without refilling my own cup was leaving me empty. Learning to love myself unapologetically wasn't easy, but it was necessary. You are deserving of love. But first, love yourself. You are worth much more than gold. But first, be worthy in your own eyes too. You deserve the best and nothing but the best. So go ahead—put a smile on your own face. Embrace the joy you bring to others and give som...

  "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." — Wayne Dyer Recently, I learned a simple yet profound lesson: the power of shifting perspective. Perspective shapes how we view situations, people, and challenges. Mastering the ability to shift perspective can transform even the most hopeless moments into opportunities for growth and joy. What happened? One morning, after completing chores (much later than planned), I was exhausted and starving by the time I finally had breakfast. Naturally, I wanted to rest—after all, it was the holidays, and there was no pressing need to go anywhere. But just as I settled in, I was asked to run an errand—one that required trekking a long distance under the scorching sun, with no money for a bike ride. On any other day, I might have embarked on the journey grumbling and resentful. But that day, I chose a different perspective. Instead of seeing it as punishment, I saw it as an opportunity—a chance to exercise, cle...

Have you ever been hurt so deeply that the idea of forgiveness feels impossible? The kind of hurt that makes you swear never to forgive or forget? Sometimes, the mere thought of letting go stirs anger, and anyone who suggests it feels like an enemy. The truth is, forgiveness is hard—especially when the pain comes from someone we trusted, someone close. The wounds cut deep, and moving on feels impossible. But forgiveness is not just about the other person; it’s about freeing yourself. Matthew 6:12 reminds us: "And forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us." Choosing to forgive is not an easy choice, but it’s a necessary one. When we let go of bitterness and ask God for help, we open the door to peace and healing. Matthew 6:14 says: "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you." Forgiveness is a process. It starts with a choice. Go to God and ask Him to help you let go—not because you feel like i...

  Recently, my pupils and I read a funny yet thought-provoking passage during our English lesson. The story was about two friends who decided to start a lemonade business. Like many people, they jumped into it because “everyone does business these days.” The very next day, they prepared their lemonade and set up their stall, complete with a signpost that read, “Lemonade is Sold Here.” They were ready—or so they thought. But as the day passed, not a single customer stopped to buy their lemonade. Tired and frustrated, they eventually drank all the lemonade themselves. The story ended with the amusing line, “ The business for the day was over!” While we all laughed, this simple story held profound lessons for me about life, growth, and success. Here’s what I learned: