VAL'S DAY SHOUTOUT

Yep!!!!! Today's the day marked for the celebration of love.
Personally, I believe love should be shared, expressed and experienced every day of our lives. But that doesn't make today any less special.
Show some love to someone, whether it's your lover, family, stranger or even that less privileged fellow on the streets.
Let someone feel the impact of your love today.

Happy Valentines Day!!!! Much Love
Sowizi!!!

A Season To Show Love

Seasons greetings to you all.
We celebrate this season with our loved ones showcasing so much joy and gladness because it is the yuletide season and more especially because the year is approaching its end.

We know for a fact that a lot of people who started this year with us are no longer here with us.
What most individuals fail to understand is that it's not because we were too careful or that we weren't exposed to hazardous events. It's just that there is a greater plan for us and we just have to live up to expectations for ourselves, our family, friends and our communities.
The best way to celebrate this season is to show love to people around us.
A lot of people need things we can easily afford. Why not show some love by giving this season. Then you'd have really had a perfect yuletide.

Wishing all my readers a merry christmas celebration and a greater 2015.

CHEERS!!!

GRATITUDE

Look back...... We cannot find some persons that screamed, "Happy NEW YEAR!!!"
They are now "late".

Ah! Those unsafe acts we carelessly did; they did too, but we're here. Be thankful.
Yes, we experienced events that may have taken the lives of others, but Alas! We're still here. Be thankful.

Maybe financially you aren't where you hoped to be at the beginning of the year, but there is always someone in worse situation and still happy. Be thankful.

We're not where we want to be, but surely, we're not where we once were. Be thankful.

Truly, nothing lasts forever. But how can we tell how far we've come without counting blessings?!

 So just be thankful for what you had, what you have and what you hope to have.

Be Thankful

Important Tips For Personal Development

The act of deciding to become a better person is a big step toward fulfilling your life. Everyone knows that there are ways to improve their lives whether it is coping better with day-to-day stresses or trying to improve your communications with you loved ones or colleagues. The fact that you are internalizing your actions is enough to pat yourself on the back because it proves that you have a good soul. Here are some ideas that might inspire you to act on your good intentions to improve yourself.

In order to improve yourself, you must first assess the problem. To fix anything, you must discover what is broken. Spend fifteen minutes in deep thought, in silence. Try to remember all the times in your life that you have faced pain or rejection. When you have this list, remind yourself that the past does not define you. Release you past guilt. Lastly, try to glean whatever lessons you can from your past failures so you do not repeat them.

A crucial component of personal development is education. Want that job you've always dreamed of? Chances are, you're going to need an education to do so. Check out local colleges and Universities and decide which one is best tailored to the degree you are seeking at the price yo are able to afford. Already have a degree? Consider checking out some higher education or Master's programs!

Leadership is an important part of someone's personal development. The best definition for leadership is "influence". Identify the leadership qualities you possess. Which events in your life have most impacted who you have become? What kind of skills have you acquired? Evaluate attributes that you possess which contribute to your role as a team player. When you examine these thoughts, you will become more of a team player and leader.

If you are not especially comfortable with technology, make it a point to explore and learn about 
one tech device, gadget, or service every week. You may be surprised at the world of functional and accessible tools available. It could be a new software program, an unfamiliar internet browser, or a   handy app that could help you to stay organized and focused.

Set yourself up for success by making your goals manageable. Your plans should always be set up so that you cannot come up short, but you should also take care to avoid putting forth excess energy. You'll find it easier to manage your time and goals through consistent practice and with prioritizing.

Stop thinking so much about yourself. That may seem counter-intuitive, but then you start paying attention to what you can do for others instead of worrying about yourself so much, good things can happen. The appreciation of others when you've done self-less acts is just icing on the cake and you'll improve how you view yourself, too.

Taking responsibility for you decisions and being truthful with yourself is such an important part in your quest to becoming a better person. After all, if you can't be honest with yourself, you will not be able to move forward successfully. You are in control of the person you were meant to be, so take control of your situation and you are one step closer to being that person.

Accept that change will take a long time. Instead of trying to overcome a huge goal like losing 50 pounds, you should break it up into smaller, more short term goals. This will help you to feel as though you are accomplishing something week by week and keep you more motivated to finish your bigger goal.

Take some time to give thanks for what you have each and every day. If you take the time to recognize the things that you do have, it will not seem so bad that you do not have the things that you think that you need. This will gradually go a long way in making your life a happy one.

To help you improve yourself personally, exercising everyday is essential. Exercise can help you improve your focus, enhance your ability in a variety of sports and generally improve your health and well being. Exercise is also key to personal development since exercise releases endorphins,
which are a mood enhancer and promote a more positive outlook on life. 

Our brains absorb music deeply and remember it for a long time. If you are feeling depressed or sad, don't listen to nihilistic, angry music. Choose happy, upbeat music or soaring music that opens your heart and lifts your soul. Music has tremendous power. Choose it wisely to empower yourself to live your happiest and most fulfilling life.

As stated earlier, personal development covers such a wide range of information. It can be difficult to focus on one item at a time. Apply the suggestions in this article to start your own personal development journey and see what kind of difference you can make in your own life.

Thank you!!!

SHOCKING: Barack Obama's Credit Card 'Declined'

The president of the United States of America had his credit card declined at a restaurant in New York City last month. "It turned out I guess I don't use it enough", Mr Obama said. "They thought there was some fraud going on".
The First Lady Michelle Obama saved the day. Lucky enough, she had a credit card on hand and paid for the meal.
Mr  Obama revealed this at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as he announced new protections for debit cards used to deliver Federal benefits.
"I was trying to explain to the waitress, you know, I really think that I've been paying my bills", Mr Obama said.
The US president is paid $400,000 per year, as well as given a non-taxable $50,000 expense account.

Nigeria and Boko Haram 'agree ceasefire and girls' release'

Nigeria's military says it has agreed a ceasefire with Islamist militants Boko Haram - and that the schoolgirls the group has abducted will be released.

Nigeria's chief of defence staff, Alex Badeh, announced the truce. Boko Haram has not made a public statement.

The group has been fighting an insurgency since 2009, with some 2,000 civilians reportedly killed this year.

Boko Haram sparked global outrage six months ago by abducting more than 200 schoolgirls.

The girls were seized in the north-eastern town of Chibok in Borno state, and their continued captivity has led to criticism of the Nigerian government's efforts to secure their release.

Members of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign said in a tweet on Friday: "We are monitoring the news with huge expectations."

Air Chief Marshal Badeh revealed the truce at the close of a three-day security meeting between Nigeria and Cameroon. He said Nigerian soldiers would comply with the agreement.

Nigeria's chief of defence staff, Alex Badeh, announces the truce to the media
Nigerian presidential aide Hassan Tukur told BBC Focus on Africa that the agreement was sealed after a month of negotiations, mediated by Chad.

As part of the talks, a government delegation twice met representatives of the Islamist group.

Mr Tukur said Boko Haram had announced a unilateral ceasefire on Thursday and the government had responded.


"They've assured us they have the girls and they will release them," he said.

"I am cautiously optimistic."

He said arrangements for their release would be finalised at another meeting next week in Chad's capital, Ndjamena.

The negotiations are said to have the blessing of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, reports the BBC's Chris Ewokor in Abuja.


Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden" in Hausa
Speaking to the BBC, Nigerian government spokesman Mike Omeri said Boko Haram would not be given territory under the ceasefire agreement - and that the government would not reveal what concessions it would make.

"We are inching closer to release of all groups in captivity, including the Chibok girls," he said.


Analysis: Will Ross, BBC News, Lagos

Nigerian officials had not given any indication that negotiations with Boko Haram were taking place. Even though there had been rumours of talks in neighbouring Chad, this is a very surprising development.

Many Nigerians are extremely sceptical about the announcement especially as there has been no definitive word from the jihadists.

The military has in the past released statements about the conflict in north-east Nigeria that have turned out to be completely at odds with the situation on the ground.

So many here will only celebrate when the violence stops and the hostages are free.

BBC news

Oscar Pistorius trial: Prosecution to set out jail call

Prosecutors are set to begin outlining their case for South African athlete Oscar Pistorius to serve a jail term for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The defence says a custodial term is inappropriate. Its final witness at the sentencing hearing has concluded.
Pistorius was found guilty of the culpable homicide of Ms Steenkamp last month - but was cleared of murder.
Meanwhile the family of Reeva Steenkamp released a new statement saying they wanted no money from Pistorius.
The sentencing hearing is expected to last several days.Prosecutor Gerrie Nel said before the recess for lunch on Wednesday that he would call three or four witnesses.
Wednesday's hearing began with Mr Nel continuing to cross-examine social worker Annette Vergeer.
The defence witness on Tuesday said that Pistorius should be placed under house arrest rather than sent to prison, because he would be "a lot more vulnerable than the normal man" in jail.
Mr Nel said her opinion of a sentence of house arrest plus community service was "shockingly inappropriate" and "cannot be considered".
He said a suggestion of correctional duties working with underprivileged children would not take Pistorius out of his "comfort zone".
Ms Vergeer said there had been other cases of culpable homicide where the opinions she had put forward had been implemented.
Meanwhile, the family of Reeva Steenkamp issued a new statement on Wednesday, via their lawyer Dup de Bruyn, following revelations in court on Tuesday that Pistorius had made them monthly payments.
It had been revealed that the Steenkamps accepted monthly payments of 6,000 rand (£340; $540) from March 2013 to September 2014.
A statement issued by Mr de Bruyn said: "After Ms Steenkamp was killed... the parents were in financial difficulties.
"We were contacted soon afterwards by Mr Pistorius' lawyers with an offer that Mr Pistorius would contribute an amount... towards the parents' rental and living expenses."
The statement said Mr de Bruyn had also approached the Pistorius legal team over a possible civil settlement and was made an offer of $34,000.
"When the parents were made aware of this offer, they considered it carefully but decided, for various reasons, that they did not want any payment from Mr Pistorius," the statement said.
"This is also why we were instructed to advise that no civil claim would be instituted."
Any money received from Mr Pistorius would be paid back, it said.
The statement said the Steenkamps were surprised the payments had come out in court as it was the athlete who had asked for them to remain secret.
The Paralympic sprinter denied murdering Ms Steenkamp after a row on Valentine's Day last year, saying he shot her by mistake.
He faces up to 15 years in jail after being found guilty of culpable homicide, although the judge may suspend the sentence or impose a fine.
Ms Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law graduate, was hit three times by bullets shot through a toilet door by Pistorius at his home in the capital, Pretoria.

BBC News