Finally I'm Back

It’s been over three years since I blogged an article that I wrote. This means that I have not written article since then. Yes I know it’s really messed up! I use to write all the time. Writing was my outlet; my release if you want a synonym. Lol. I would write about the things I see, the people I meet, situations I am in and books I am reading…everything. And yes I enjoyed it. Writing was my love and gosh! I love her so much. For this love, I went on to publish few monthly magazines for several years, wrote few books (unpublished) and managed this blog since 2008. I can’t even remember the names of magazine and sites my work has featured. Not because they are innumerable but it’s been a long time I looked at anything I have done or considered doing anything.

Then, few days ago my brother requested that I write a tribute on behalf my family for my Dad’s Birthday. I stunned myself how I argued vehemently against it. You would think that something as minute as a tribute would be an easy pass. But like Jonah and Nineveh, I wanted to run. “I have not written in years and I won’t even know how to start” I argued. The truth is I got scared. Yes. Writing scares me now. I have tried few times to blog but fear kept me away.

Thank God my brother, Segun insisted. And that’s where it dawned on me how bad my relationship with writing has become. It’s a shame and even I couldn't believe how long I have been away. I have decided to avail myself and learn to love writing again. I am not sure it’s going to be smooth but I will try. Sometimes, it will be few lines but I will keep posting. You will know when I will not be blogging for a long time.

So, for those asking when am I going to start blogging again. Here is the answer. I AM BACK.

See you tomorrow.

Please Listen to me!

When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving me advice, you have not done what I asked. When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn't feel that way, you are trampling on my feelings. When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problem, you have failed me, strange as that may seem.

Listen! All I asked was that you listen, not talk or do - just hear me. Advice is cheap; 20 cents will get you both Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same paper.  I can do for myself; I'm not helpless - maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless.  When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and inadequacy.  But when you accept as a simple fact that I do feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince you and can get about the business of understanding what's behind this irrational feeling.  When that's clear, the answers are obvious and I don't need advice.

Irrational feelings make more sense when we understand what's behind them. Perhaps that's why prayer works, sometimes, for some people - because God is mute, and He doesn't give advice or try to fix things.  He just listens and lets you work it out for yourself.

So, please listen and just hear me.  And if you want to talk, wait a minute for your turn - and I'll listen to you.

God bless your soul