Van Damme inspired my first and only dislocation so far. My immediate elder sister and I turned my parents' bed into one of those Van Damme scenes, imitating his kicks and fighting moves.
I was excited, dodging her kicks like my mentor until one hit my palm. A bone popped up in the centre of my palm.
We didn't get flogged for playing on the bed, my hand was fixed by an old man who lived not far from my side. He kicked the bucket many years ago though. God rest his soul. The good thing that came out of the pain? I escaped soaking my hand in the dishes for over a week. My sister took up the task as it was she who dislocated my hand (technically). A week of not washing plates? Give it to me, please….
African home math: The person who cried deserves to be consoled whether he or she started it first. If you are not injured, you are the cause of the injury.
If you were a kid born in the early or late 90ties and early 2000 then you would have watched the younger Van Damn grace the screens with his karate skills. It was delightful watching him do all those karate tactics.
I remember this particular movie, "No Retreat" because of the karate and show of willpower. The details are not clear but…Towards the end when they were almost winning "the actor" (protagonist), the supporting role shouted "No retreat. No surrender. No movement!" Automatically, he got the energy from those words to beat "the Boss" (antagonist).
Okay, let's come out of those scenes awhile. This isn't about Van Damme and a flex of his muscles. Rather it is about the question, "Should I retreat or not?" Yes. Definitely. Should you? I think so. If you are at the end of your season. Some people start new seasons in the middle or end of the year. For most people though, the end of the year is the end of a season. It's a time to reflect and plan for the next year.
Movies are scripted and acted to show the power of "the actor (protagonist)" over the Boss(antagonist), "good over evil" and "God over the devil". Of course, there are movies where the latter wins the former. Our minds have been wired that the good must always win. But in life it's different. It's not always going to be good. You will have good and bad days. Some days you need to take a break, other days you need to take it up to the highest gear.
Consistency is good but so is retreat. You need to take a break and re-plan if your current strategies aren't working. You need to pause, take deep breaths and restore your energy. It's not all about time management. It's about giving yourself the much-desired rest. Fighting the challenges that come with professional or personal life is not easy
So even though the movie said "No retreat" don't listen to it. They do a scene a thousand times: take one, take 3 and take one million to get the perfect scene. Your life is not a script. Live and rest. Also, try to avoid things that will drain your energy, especially unnecessary quarrels. Use your daily dose of energy for productive things.
I'm no Van Damme. My name is Nonye. So yes, I will take my retreat when life wants to punch my nose off. So that I will come back prepared to fight better. Retreat must not involve travelling a thousand miles to go hide in a cottage in the middle of nowhere (like they do in the movies). You define what relaxes you and take time off to do that.
It could be something as simple as taking a day off to just relax and re-plan, going out for some air in the evening, attending a social gathering, hanging out to unwind and recharge for the next challenge. It could also be as huge as taking a trip to another country for a week or a month. It could be you pulling back when tired to recharge for the next thing. It could also be you spending some time in solitude to reflect and meditate. And I think that every human needs this.
Whatever works for you just do it. Don't fall off the wagon from retreating, dare to return. Remember that I'm always rooting for you.
Cheers to your continued growth and a fulfilled life.
What I read this week.
I read this beautiful piece on giving and loved it. It's the “giving” season. So it may guide you in finding the perfect gift for your loved ones.
Pictures of the week
The pictures below are my best from the week. Ooh. I love memes.
Picture 1: I have always had this imagination of what our pillows and mattresses would say if they could talk. I make up conversations for them sometimes. So, this had me rolling on the bed in laughter.
Picture 2: I love everything Cole Schafer writes. He speaks to my soul. You can check him on Instagram… Every decision we make results in something whether positive or negative. I have resolved to stop beating myself up about the bad results my decision may bring. All I strive to do is to acknowledge my mistakes and work on doing better. Then, I pray about something consider all factors and go with my instincts when making the decision.
Picture 3: Try to self-sabotage less.
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With love and everything beautiful,
Chinonyelum
I love love love it....most funny picture is picture 3😅, I can totally relate to it.